https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/ en Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:12:54 GMT vBulletin 60 https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/images/misc/R3V.jpg https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/ https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164319-upgraded-radiator-options-built-in-expansion-tank Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:08:37 GMT

Looking to upgrade from the OEM spec M42 radiator in my car currently.
Would like a solution with an integrated expansion tank for packaging.

The unit I have currently is a Behr/Hella branded CR330000P. (Google tells me this has a 34mm thick core.)



The most economical option I've found so far with a thicker core is the Cooling Solutions (with a 50mm core).
https://www.driftshop.com/cooling-so...-radiator.html

However it looks like shipping from driftshop is almost €200 to bring it to Canada.


Any other options you guys can suggest that won't break the bank?


And a note for myself later, Eastwood Radiator Black seems to be the choice if I get a polished radiator.]]> General Discussion Panici https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164319-upgraded-radiator-options-built-in-expansion-tank https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/members-rides/the-project-forum/10164197-possible-s14b23-rebuild Sat, 18 Jul 2026 22:36:06 GMT The Project Forum Uber///m3 https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/members-rides/the-project-forum/10164197-possible-s14b23-rebuild https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164063-more-rewarding-project-sleeper-325e-or-keeping-an-ix-on-the-road Thu, 16 Jul 2026 02:52:15 GMT
For what it's worth, I'm near Philly, so the winters aren't crazy-bad, but it's not yearlong-sunny SoCal, either.

So I'm curious: If you were in my shoes (or have been), what would you prefer and what would your thought process be?]]> General Discussion pseudodennis https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164063-more-rewarding-project-sleeper-325e-or-keeping-an-ix-on-the-road https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164055-introducing-myself-here-to-help Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:54:03 GMT
Hi everyone,

I’ve been lurking for a bit and finally decided to introduce myself. I’m a long-time BMW enthusiast and currently working on my own 318iS. There’s something about the M42/E30 combo that just keeps me coming back to the garage.

I also happen to run a reverse engineering and high-performance 3D printing shop. As a disabled veteran, I take a lot of pride in the precision and durability of the work we do.

I know how frustrating it is when a plastic clip, obscure bracket, or interior trim piece breaks on these cars and is no longer available from the dealer. I’m not here to spam the forum with sales ads, but I do want to offer my help to the community. If there’s a specific part you’ve been hunting for that you just can't find—or if you have a broken piece you’d like to see recreated with modern, high-strength materials—let me know.

I’m happy to take a look at any "unobtanium" parts people might need help with. Looking forward to being part of the group and seeing everyone’s projects.

Best,

Brandon
Brandon@greatlakesadditive.com greatlakesadditive.com]]> General Discussion GLAdditive https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164055-introducing-myself-here-to-help https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164005-real-oem-down Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:35:39 GMT General Discussion 82eye https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10164005-real-oem-down https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/members-rides/the-project-forum/10163892-1991-325i-convertible-referb Sat, 11 Jul 2026 20:25:49 GMT
Right now, a simple question: Can anyone provide the part number for the ripped-in-half rubber trim piece in the picture? Can't find it anywhere on RealOEM. Thanks. ]]> The Project Forum Retired Guy https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/members-rides/the-project-forum/10163892-1991-325i-convertible-referb https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/members-rides/10163841-new-member-from-florida-–-1991-325i-convertible-long-term-owner Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:13:55 GMT Hello everyone,

I think it's time to introduce myself and my E30.

The car is a U.S.-spec 1991 325iA Cabrio, Brilliantrot, built in July 1990. I’ve owned it since 1997, so it’s been part of my life for nearly three decades. It currently has about 150,000 miles.

Over the years it’s been maintained well and has remained a reliable, largely original car. Now that it’s 35-plus years old, though, I’ve reached the point where many of the age-related restoration projects are beginning to surface. Fortunately, most of them are the kinds of things that happen simply because rubber, grease, and plastic don’t last forever. Some examples include:

• Power windows that still work but have become slow and labored.
• Window regulators and tracks that will need to be removed, cleaned, inspected, and re-lubricated.
• Inner and outer window seals that have hardened and need replacement.
• Various weatherstrips and other rubber components that have reached the end of their service life.
• A number of cosmetic trim pieces that I’d like to restore or replace while they’re still available.

Before I take something apart, I like to understand exactly how BMW intended it to come apart, what commonly gets damaged during the process, what should or should not be lubricated, and what parts are worth replacing while everything is accessible. I’m an engineer by nature, and my first rule is “Do no harm”. I’d rather spend extra time researching the proper procedure than rush into a project and accidentally break an irreplaceable trim piece or create two new problems while fixing one.

One thing I’ve already learned is that finding the right information can be just as important as finding the right part. I’m always interested in factory procedures, experienced advice, and recommendations for quality OEM, aftermarket, or used parts sources.

I’ve documented a fairly complete maintenance and vehicle history (1995 to present). Besides all of the typical run-of-the-mill periodic maintenance, major items that have been addressed are new ragtop (twice), heater core, timing belt and tensioner (twice), and a full steering and suspension overhaul. Engine, transmission, and differential have never needed anything past standard maintenance. Aftermarket accessory items include an old school Alpine AF/FM/CD unit and an Alpine dual stage security system (1997), AC Schnitzer body kit, and a Schwarz rear seat wind deflector from Cabrio Supply (man, that works great!)

My hope is to preserve as much of the car’s originality as practical while keeping it enjoyable to drive for many more years.

I’ve attached a few photos of the car. I look forward to learning from the collective experience here, and hopefully, over time, contributing something useful in return.

Thanks for having me.

Paul]]> Members Rides Retired Guy https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/members-rides/10163841-new-member-from-florida-–-1991-325i-convertible-long-term-owner https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10163763-ridiculous-and-overthought-cooling-system-modifications-m50-specific Wed, 08 Jul 2026 15:35:06 GMT
The goal of this thread is to discuss options for an ADDITIONAL REAR COOLANT TAKE OFF at the back of 400 casting cylinder heads. All criticism, hatred, and constructive ideas are appreciated.

It has become clear to me that cylinders 5 and 6 often run significantly hotter during pulls/ spirited driving. Due to the temp sensor location (between cyl 1-2) I have found that rear engine cylinders are considerably hotter than the measured temp from this location. IR temp laser confirmed. (A 2nd sensor has not been added to the back of then engine but this is a possibility)

This issue has caused head gasket failures in more extreme conditions. I personally have had 3 head gaskets fail on cylinder 6 throughout my ownership of m50 engines. Others as well have documented similar issues. THERE IS NO DOCUMENTATION I CAN FIND ABOUT AN ADDITIONAL COOLANT PORT MOD TO CORRECT THE HIGHER TEMPS AT THE REAR OF THE ENGINE

Makes sense obviously as we know the cooling system flows from the low side radiator coolant hose up into the block. The block is filled up and then coolant flows into the cylinder head and makes its way back to front and flows into the upper radiator hose. As we all know, there is a rear coolant jacket that goes from the head to the heater core which returns into the spider hose under the intake manifold back into the cooling system jacket fitting on the back of the timing case.

This is the most accurate diagram of the cooling flow I have found. Sensor locations are different along with some other small details but I feel this is the correct depiction of coolant flow direction through these engine variants.


I want to create a rear cylinder head port by removing the freeze plug at back of the cylinder head and pipe it back into the thermostat housing on the HOT side port toward the upper radiator flow path. Here is a quick and dirty sketch of what I am wanting to do.


The plan is to fabricate a fitting to utilize the freeze plug port and run a -6AN line under the intake manifold to a welded bung on the thermostat housing. This will create an additional parallel path for heated coolant to escape and return to the radiator. IN THEORY this design doesn't bypass the thermostat and could help stabilize the super heated cylinders 5-6 helping to keep this area cooler.

I have confirmed with an extra head I have that the freeze plug does block off the coolant jacket inside the cylinder head. The area behind this is rather large and does seem to be a good location for a take off. Ideally this would be done with no permanent modifications to the cylinder head so it could be reversed if it does not work.

Here is a photo of the freeze plug removed at the back of the cylinder head.



So the question remains. WILL THIS ACTUALLY WORK? I want to build it and test on my own but before I commit to the project I figured it would be a good idea to get some feedback. There are many other inline 6 cylinder engines that have this type of coolant port. RB25-26 Nissan engines. 1JZ Toyota engines as well as BMWs S54 and I believe S38 as well.

Thoughts??]]> General Discussion Dj Buttchug https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10163763-ridiculous-and-overthought-cooling-system-modifications-m50-specific https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10163616-help-me-find-my-first-car-1990-325i-sterling-silver-coupe Sat, 04 Jul 2026 15:23:53 GMT Josh K sold it. Last I heard it had become a track car.

It's a sterling silver 1990 325i coupe. It had some distinct mods at the time, like DTM style cup mirrors and Alpina fabric centers on sport seats, that could be long gone.

VIN: WBAAA2318LEC51650

Any leads would be greatly appreciated!


]]> General Discussion Digitalwave https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/forum/general-forums/general-discussion/10163616-help-me-find-my-first-car-1990-325i-sterling-silver-coupe