Need radiator advice

[HamiltonSeth]

Hey all,
I need a radiator for my 318is with an m50 and manual trans. Do you all suggest I purchase a new radiator from an auto parts store for about $170, buy an aluminum radiator (probably no name eBay) for $180, or buy used for oem $60? I'm on a budget for the build but I would hate to have a radiator that won't last or won't be sufficient for the m50. What are your thoughts? I'm leaning towards used or aluminum. Thanks for your advice.

[CW325]

just find a used one and flush it out, make sure theres no leaks

[jlevie]

Since the safe useful life of an OE radiator is only 6-8 years (the plastic gets brittle) the odds of finding a good used radiator is slim. It would be better to get a new OE radiator and best to get a name brand all aluminum radiator.

Yeah I know that a lot of folks have radiators older than 8 years, but a radiator that old could fail at any time. And if it does it can instantly dump all the coolant leading to an immediate overheat. A BMW engine (and many others) is not at all tolerant of a serious overheat with head gasket failure or a cracked head being the result. The cost to fix such damage is far greater that the cost of a new radiator ever 6-8 years. The same is true for the cooling system hoses and expansion tank.

[Wanganstyle]

listen to the man!