New radiator...

[bwh13]

After looking at the specs for the stock 325is radiator (21.375" core width, 17" core height, and 1.3125" thickness), I looked at the radiator and saw that the end tanks can actually handle a core that is about 1/2" thicker. This would add quite a bit of coolng capacity while keeping the mounting dimensions the same. Using the stock end tanks and having a new core put in looks to be a viable alternative to buying an all aluminum one for close to $500.

[SchnellerVert]

www.carrindustries.com has an all aluminium unit for 349 and they are having 5% off for the holiday. It's made for swapped cars. No affialiation

[MR 325]

The stock radiator cools the motor just fine though.

[PiercedE30]

Get a 3 core radiator from an S54 MZ3. Same size/mounting as the original and it cools more efficiently.

[grib]

www.carrindustries.com has an all aluminium unit for 349 and they are having 5% off for the holiday. It's made for swapped cars. No affialiation

Plus 1.

I bought and installed one of these about a month ago and really like it. It's well made/looks pretty good.

I'm sure it cools better, but I also added my Spal fan at the same time so I don't really have a control against the stock radiator.

[bwh13]

Thanks, I'll look tnto both of those. I need a lot more cooling capacity since it looks like summers here in Phoenix will be getting hotter...30+ days this summer over 110, new record.

[kolunda]

I've had my carr industries radiator in with no extra SPAL fan and been through 107 degree heat here in SC and after the lower temp thermostat and the fan delete my temp gauge has yet to cross the middle line

[bwh13]

Found new S54 radiator through my local warehouse, made by Valeo...anyone wants one pm me.

[equate975]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-Radiator-BMW-325-328-M3-e36-all-Free-S-H_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33578QQihZ001QQitemZ110164827818QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

Thats what I used. e36 Nissens radiator.

These engines don't run hot at all, unless you have some serious mods going on the stock one is more than sufficient. Even on 90+ degree days I can't get her over 180F. I think I maxed it at ~177ish.

[m3_eater]

Found new S54 radiator through my local warehouse, made by Valeo...anyone wants one pm me.

I'm scared of Valeo ever since a rash of them failed in the 2002-04 MB C32 AMG cars. Due to space constraints, they built units that served as the core for both engine coolant and transmission fluid. Of course, they failed internally and glycol would get into the transmission...$$$

The solution? A Behr radiator.

[PiercedE30]

Behr is what you need.

[bwh13]

I've used Valeo radiators for years with zero problems, but I will check on them to see if they are priced comparably...I'm really set on having as large a core in the car as possible with temps here running well over 100 from April to mid September. Outside air temp on the freeways are easily 140-150 degrees during the afternoon. I have to make sure the system can handle the extra heat the AC condensor will dump into the airflow going into the radiator.

[CorvallisBMW]

I've heard that an '88 325iS radiator is one of the few (if not the only) e30 radiator that will fit a m50 swap. is that true?

[matt]

no.

[Mike B.]

I've heard that an '88 325iS radiator is one of the few (if not the only) e30 radiator that will fit a m50 swap. is that true?

Not true...

Any E36 radiator will fit an 88+ facelift car. Mounting points are the same. Earlier cars need brackets welded in place.

I picked up a PWR radiator for my S50B32 swap. Very nice construction!