M Coupe radiator

[z31maniac]

Any problems using one? I'm guessing it will make the AC tough to keep?

I'd like the extra capacity given our hot summers.

[lifeiskaos]

it'll work great. it's common for the e36 turbo guys to use this radiator, and and if it's plug and play in an e36, it is also in an e30

[erik325i]

I'm using the Euro e36 m3 evo radiator which is the same part the Mcoupe uses if I'm not mistaken. It works fine.
There's no AC in my car, so I can't tell you about that.

Erik

[M-technik-3]

3 core design, seems robust and have never heard of Coupe owners complaining about them.

[lowlightbw]

is it too large for the condesor? whats the problem with the AC?

[z31maniac]

^Thats what I want to know.

[windnsea00]

3 core design, seems robust and have never heard of Coupe owners complaining about them.

The S54 radiator is 3-core, S52 was 2-core.

[lowlightbw]

anyone have one laying around they can test to see if the s54 radiator will work with an e30's AC? I may be replacing my radiator and would like to know.

[flyboyx]

anyone have one laying around they can test to see if the s54 radiator will work with an e30's AC? I may be replacing my radiator and would like to know.

the s52 radiator will fit(barely) with the a/c compressor and there is no conflict with the condenser. there is only about 3/8" clearance between the front of the compressor and the cores. you can slide the radiator over to the passenger side as much as possible(assuming you have a post 87 car), and there will be about 1/4" or so clearance between the front edge of the compressor clutch and radiator tank on the right side. it is really tight, though. i think i am going to make a little sheet metal guard for my radiator to protect it in the event of a hard braking event. if the s54 radiator has another set of cores, i would assume it to be thicker. that being the case, i am going to have to say that there will be no space if you want a/c on your car. if i get a chance, i will post up a pic for you so you can get an idea how close it is.

i almost had an epiphany at the junk yard yesterday. i found a 525i e34 with an almost new radiator with integral tank. i pulled it out and compared it to a late style e30 but it was about 3 or 4 inches too wide. dammit! looks like i am going to end up using the late style e30 expansion tank on my car. i hate the way it looks and can scarcely afford to give up the space in that area of my engine compartment. i might look for an expansion tank from a v8 or v12 car that sits on the firewall above the engine.