Excuse my mechanical ignorance

[bp9129]

So I pulled off the highway yesterday when my E30 began billowing steam after the hose connecting to the radiator appeared to have popped off. I thought it might have been only a hose clamp, but I had it towed to my mechanic. I talked to my mechanic today who told me he will have to replace the radiator since the hose connection had broke off due to regular pressure. He said this is a common issue. I was just wondering if this is a common issue because I was quoted $457 for parts+labor. Is this fair? Sorry for sounding completely automotive-mechanically retarded and any feedback is appreciated. Could this issue have been prevented?

[Ryann]

Well, an OE Behr radiator can be had for around $165. So $292 for labor + 1 gallon of coolant? Sounds pretty steep to me. I can have my rad drained, disconnected, and out in 15min or less. What's the shop rate/hr?

[bimmerteck]

Sounds about right. It doesn't matter how fast Ryann can do it. IIRC the book time is 2.1 hours. Where I used to work on BMWs that's $200 of the price right there. then add in the radiator which will be marked up b/c the shop is a business. Throw in 2 new radiator hoses and tax and your likely at the other $257 of the estimate. It's a 20 year old car, many parts will break eventually, if you replaced the radiator in the last few years it would be odd but if it's original it's not really out of the ordinary.

[Ryann]

IIRC the book time is 2.1 hours. Where I used to work on BMWs that's $200 of the price right there.

Like I said, what is the shop rate/hr? I think $300 out the door would be fair. Then again, maybe Pittsburg shop rates are double what they are here.

[bp9129]

Well, an OE Behr radiator can be had for around $165. So $292 for labor + 1 gallon of coolant? Sounds pretty steep to me. I can have my rad drained, disconnected, and out in 15min or less. What's the shop rate/hr?

I truly envy your knowledge and skills. Seriously.

Sounds about right. It doesn't matter how fast Ryann can do it. IIRC the book time is 2.1 hours. Where I used to work on BMWs that's $200 of the price right there. then add in the radiator which will be marked up b/c the shop is a business. Throw in 2 new radiator hoses and tax and your likely at the other $257 of the estimate. It's a 20 year old car, many parts will break eventually, if you replaced the radiator in the last few years it would be odd but if it's original it's not really out of the ordinary.

Thanks for this peace of mind. Just dropped a G into the b-rot 318i to have the original R12 ac back up and running and now this happens so...yeah. I've never doubted my mechanic before but this car has been a money pit lately and I'm still trying to get the suspension done this summer.

[bp9129]

and yeah, bimmerteck, its the original rad so i guess this was expected at some point

[ak-]

You guys are freaking insane. You're going to cough up $475 for a radiator, a hose if I read correctly, and labor?? The radiator alone is $120+ and removing plus installing is something you should or should learn to do on your own. It's like 3 hoses and a sensor? It's not a big deal whatsoever man! Do it, you own an e30 so you're partially obligated to! :)

And sorry if you really can't!

[Eecen]

You guys are freaking insane. You're going to cough up $475 for a radiator, a hose if I read correctly, and labor?? The radiator alone is $120+ and removing plus installing is something you should or should learn to do on your own. It's like 3 hoses and a sensor? It's not a big deal whatsoever man! Do it, you own an e30 so you're partially obligated to! :)

And sorry if you really can't!

I was about to post this, but when I re-read it I sounded like a douche. Your post is much more classy, nicely done.

[Ryann]

I truly envy your knowledge and skills. Seriously.

You need the jack in your trunk, a medium bladed screwdriver (also in your trunk), and a bucket. Seriously.

[bp9129]

Eh, I've never worked on cars in my life and I value my e30 too much to fuck something up and have it sit in pieces. Anyway its already with my mechanic and I gave him the go ahead.

But thanks for making me feel like I'm throwing money away lol

[Asbradley21]

This has happened to my 318 and my dad's I filed off the some of the plastic on the broken off nipple and just crammed my rad hose on as well as I could. Hasn't come off or given me any problems. It's a known issue with these rads.

[frankenbeemer]

Eh, I've never worked on cars in my life and I value my e30 too much to fuck something up and have it sit in pieces. Anyway its already with my mechanic and I gave him the go ahead.

But thanks for making me feel like I'm throwing money away lol

I am disappoint. Not so much in you, you're taking care of the car just fine, but I would bet there is some r3v'er near you who would help you learn how to do this for some beer and to satisfy their natural pedagogical reflex. If I was near, I'd be glad to help. Of course, if you don't want to learn that, that's ok too.

Who is going to do the suspension?

[bp9129]

^R3vers are rare in pittsburgh, but it would be nice. shit man I'd love to learn.

And I'll most likely have my same mechanic do the suspension.

[bp9129]

This has happened to my 318 and my dad's I filed off the some of the plastic on the broken off nipple and just crammed my rad hose on as well as I could. Hasn't come off or given me any problems. It's a known issue with these rads.

Thanks for the input. i knew my car couldnt be falling apart

[Ryann]

if i was near, i'd be glad to help.

+1:(