m20 hose routing photo help request

[Wanganstyle]

my 87 eta has a failing radiator; I have a good PWR unit from my E36M.

Was going to spend money on an ebay "solution" radiator but realized I have this USA made product that cost me $0, so I want to use it. It is on the ugly side for a PWR but I have personally tested it to S52 oem V-MAX many times .... :D so I know its good. Otherwise I would just hunt around for a inexpensive local early model replacement.

My last e36M had a aftermarket e30 325i late model unit installed init, so there must be some crossover point.

can some one with a 1989-1992 e30 325i take a photo of the hose coming from header side to radiator and its specifics?

the header side hose of E36M port from radiator is at the middle of the rad, unlike the top as the e30 unit is.

I'm keeping the e30 early style bleed bottle; I do have the E36M bleed bottle I could use also. I used a e30 late style bleed bottle (per euro e36m setup) with my e36m S54/s52.

I'm guessing the late model M20 header side rad. hose will be longer; or will be a 2 piece setup with short hose and metal pipe connect


current idea is to use S52 hose for header side water port from radiator and shorten to OEM clamp on to S54 shorty 4" waterpump connecting pipe (pretty much same OD) and then OEM clamp to the M20 hose to port to M20 engine

[jstam]

is this what you are looking for?

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1113&mospid=47309&btnr=11_1167&hg=11&fg=35

[Moberg12]

BMW changed the design for the 88 model year. the expansion tank was moved to the drivers side and the radiator was changed. The inlet for the upper rad. hose was moved to the drivers side and the lower moved to the passenger side. They ran the lower hose through a pipe across the front of the engine. The pipe is bolted to the timing cover, Early model timing covers won't accept the coolant pipe. They also changed the water pump to a single inlet from a dual inlet. The new design also uses a crazy T hose that is not cheap.

It is possible to swap everything, but it would be much easier to just order the proper early model radiator.

[jlevie]

That is correct. You won't get there just by fiddling with hoses.

[Wanganstyle]

Thanks guys for the insight!

M20 early radiator is EASIER..... but not $0 to me. My E30 is not my #1 BMW, although I really like it. $$$$ goes to the other BMW :)


I have handled it. been driving around half a week now, using OEM fan.
going to try fitting S52 clutch fan and m20 fan shroud later this week.

Bleeds fine; m20 early overflow bottle kept in place.

I Used S52 hoses x 2 (both trimmed), one s54 water pump connect pipe and the header side OEM M20 early hose. S52 top hose clears M20 air box perfect.

e36m PWR installs with OEM 1989-92 e30 325 radiator top bracket, holes already in the front apron from the factory (at least on my 87)

e36m top box clears the M20 airbox happily.

some early photos:



finger points to hybrid M20 header side hose + s52 hose + s54 water pump pipe junction - fixed with OEM BMW clamps. Connects between OEM m20 and s52 radiator.



3 things of note:

1. Nipple for overflow moves from header side to intake side of engine bay. Small hose had to snake across the bay, BMW OEM S52 item does this with both USA and Euro style overflows.

2. temp sensor on radiator moves from intake side of engine bay to header; the m20 sensor will direct fit though; I will just extend /re-route the wiring for the plug. One could just re-tap if desired, I could since the PWR has billet end tanks but I am lazy and prefer electronic adaptation to any mechanical. I may also use a Late style temp switch and install an OEM E46m SMG e-fan to the PWR but will be trying the S52 OEM clutch fan first (as its $0 on my shelf).

I had to clearance the plastic shield near radiator for this plug replocation, sharp shears should handle it.

3. PWR radiator is thicker than stock BEHR, the OEM radiator mounting bracket setup is designed for OEM BEHR thickness. Problem ? YES.

I had to clearance the OEM bracket to fit the thicker PWR core and hold it in place. No modification to mounting would be required if you wanted to fit OEM BEHR E36M or E36Z3M radiator to your E30.