E30 Radiator Compatibility

[curry]

I have a 1985 325e w/ manual trans and the radiator sprung a leak. I happen tp have a radiator core (and tank) from a 1990 325i. I am wondering what it takes to get the '90 radiator to work. I noticed that the sensors and coolant tanks are in a different configuration.

[jalopi]

as far as i know you'd have to do custom hoses to make it work

[MR 325]

To do it properly you'd need to change over to the compete late model cooling system. This includes the majority of the engine's coolant hoses, the water pump, and the expansion tank. It would be smarter to install the correct radiator. Any 84-87 325e/i radiator will work.

[curry]

I have all of the hoses and water pump from a later model but that seems like a lot of work. I guess I will go try and repair the radiator.

[jalopi]

did one of the plastic endtanks crack or something? don't bother trying to fix it dude - if it was new plastic (like you had an accident or something and it got punctured) that'd be one thing, but trying to patch old, brittle plastic never works out well

[Som]

I'm doing this conversion now. Things I've found that you'll "need" (in quotes, because it's possible some of it can be worked around:




The crossover pipe (Image 1, #8 )
A late model timing belt cover (for the crossover pipe to bolt into)
A late model water pump (only because the crossover pipe bolts into this too, otherwise you could have reused the old water pump / expansion tank)
A new style radiator mount (Image 2, #9 and 2x #10s)
The associated hoses in Image 1 (note that Hose #1 in Image 1 is the same as the old style)
A late model expansion tank
The special "3-way" hose that connects the tstat housing to the heater core and expansion tank (Image 1, #13)

Som

[curry]

I'm doing this conversion now. Things I've found that you'll "need" (in quotes, because it's possible some of it can be worked around:




The crossover pipe (Image 1, #8 )
A late model timing belt cover (for the crossover pipe to bolt into)
A late model water pump (only because the crossover pipe bolts into this too, otherwise you could have reused the old water pump / expansion tank)
A new style radiator mount (Image 2, #9 and 2x #10s)
The associated hoses in Image 1 (note that Hose #1 in Image 1 is the same as the old style)
A late model expansion tank
The special "3-way" hose that connects the tstat housing to the heater core and expansion tank (Image 1, #13)

Som

Thanks for the information, this is very helpful. Are the sensors the same? I only saw 1x on my late model radiator and 2x on my early model radiator.

[curry]

bump! anyone have info on the sensors on the radiator?