Wrong radiator installed

[KeithV]

My 89 325i appears to have an ETA radiator in it. This means, currently, I have no aux fan switch sensor, and the hose routing is a bit... off.

Question is, should I bother installing the right radiator? Or should I just install the correct sensor in one of the available spots and extend the wiring over?

Here are some pics for examination:





I am going to be making a big order from BMA tomorrow, and I need to know if this is worth dropping $300+ on.

[Teaguer]

I would say just bay the correct radiator .

Hell you can get a good used late E30 one or E36 one all day long for cheap .

[KeithV]

I figured I'd buy used since they are only $170ish. The radiator in it is practically new, so it's tough to replace it if there isn't any real mechanical reason to.

[StereoInstaller1]

Step 1: Sell ETA radiator to other board member.

Step 2: buy correct radiator.

Just my opinion: YMMV.

[KeithV]

Yea, I could make some of that back.

[Dave]

that radiator should also work on early 325i cars, I believe. My 87 325ic had the routing of the hoses "backwards" from the late model cars. Selling one in good shape should be easy.

[ethree]

Do you think you could post or email some more photos (mainly of the lower hose connection/clearances) of how the hoses are mounted for that install? Reason being I'd like to put an alloy radiator in my eta and the only make them for the i/e36/m3 fitment. And yeah I know they're like $500 but I really hate plastic end tanks and alloy ones are probably resaleable and certainly transferable to a future e30/e36. Thanks.