anyone tried the m42 radiator?

[Jason89i]

i have seen a few swaps where they used the m42 radiator with the integrated expansion tank. how does work? does it keep the temps down on a hot day?

i am contemplating this in lieu of the e36 325 radiator. cheers, jason

[1990m3]

yes, it would certainly tidy up the engine bay with the nicely built in reservoir and all. I still have mine from the old motor, I may fit it this summer.

Plus, it's smaller and lighter than the 6-cylinder radiators so it would take some much needed weight off the nose of the car.

[Sean]

Would it be able to handle cooling the I6 though?

[aeryk7]

Well its looks just like the ones used in E36 6-cylinders but it may be slightly different either way i am still slowly over heating in my project soo i am not a good example.

[puusitalo]

There are quite many different radiators in E30 and E36. Some of them are shared between not only E30&E36, but also 4&6 cylinder models: it works for me. Bolt-on replacement with few inexpensive plastic parts.
I only drive on track, usually ~20C or less, but also once in 28C temperature last summer. Did have overheating issue at colder weather, but that was more to do with M50 fan blades hitting and jamming to radiator than radiator itself.

Petteri

[aeryk7]

I am officially not overheating due to an electric fan on my m42 radiator along with using water wetter.