What's the *best* radiator for M50?

[5mall5nail5]

Hey guys -

Have a '87 325(E) and doing an M50TU. I like the stockness of having the E36 318 radiator with the expansion tank. Will a mechanical fan fit? If so, which one? I have an M50 fan clutch and fan and an M20B27 fan clutch and fan. Trying to figure this all out.

Thanks guys

[Fusion]

Haha, go for it :)

Have you settled on a choice for the radiator?

Yep. Ordering the m42 rad.
Turns out the Nissens part is the same as the following OEMs:

1711.1.247.145
1711.1.469.176
1711.1.723.990
1711.1.728.905
1711.1.728.907

BMW 3 E 36 (90-) 318 is M42 440x439x32
No aircon, petrol, manual gearbox.

For future ref.

[5mall5nail5]

I just ordered 17111469176 from autohaus for $165 not bad.

Will a mechanical fan work with that radiator?

[Hartge_H27]

well since u r going with he m42 rad. here is a pic of my s52 swapped car with factory fan. no temp issues at all.

[Fusion]

Where do you guys get that upper rad holder with the two "arms" and rubber stubs?
Will I be needing one?

[Wishno87]

Its from an 88 and later E30. You will need to find one for your 87.

[Fusion]

Thx.
And would anyone happen to have the part# for the upper hose.
Looking at the one that's in there now it seems it may not have the right angle.

[Hartge_H27]

Mine had to be spliced to clear the supercharger

[325Projectz]

here is my cooling solution - its whats needed where we see 115º.

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=1993614&postcount=14

http://r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=1994637&postcount=20

[Jand3rson]

You guys that are using the M42 radiator, have any of you ever had to swap out the expansion tank? The retarded PO of the car I got my M42 radiator from painted the expansion tank black, and it's all nasty and yellowed underneath that, so I'm going to replace it.

I removed the 2 allen screws and got the black cap off that's underneath the actual threaded fill cap, but the expansion tank is still pretty stuck in there. I'm sure it probably snaps in to create a good seal, and I've been working at it and prying it up, but it's only moved upwards about 1/8". Are there any tricks to popping it out completely?

Also, what is the little plastic cap with the crosshairs in it, right next to the filler cap? On mine, it's not there, and the PO filled the hole with plastic epoxy, which I've just about got all chipped out. Is it just a seal plug?

[JGood]

Also, what is the little plastic cap with the crosshairs in it, right next to the filler cap? On mine, it's not there, and the PO filled the hole with plastic epoxy, which I've just about got all chipped out. Is it just a seal plug?

That's the bleeder. You may have a tough time getting a new bleeder screw to thread in there and seal properly, unless you can get all of that crap out without damaging the plastic threads.


I think it's only the bottom seal that is holding that tank it.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=104312

[Jand3rson]

Cool, I've got most of it out of there already, I should be able to get the rest out.

[Fusion]

I haven't had time to put the rad in yet but another question comes to mind - where does the level sensor go? I have the long sensor currently, do I unplug and plug into a new one? My OBC low coolant level light has been on since I bought the car, not sure why (not because of low level).

[Eric]

For future refrence:

I'm using a 3 core radiator from a S54 Mcoupe on my euro S50 swap. No mechanical fan, pusher electric.

[325Projectz]

For future refrence:

I'm using a 3 core radiator from a S54 Mcoupe on my euro S50 swap. No mechanical fan, pusher electric.

can you post a picture and part #?