update early 1987 325 to later cooling system?

[JustinHoMi]

Hey guys. I just bought an early 1987 325is (manuf date 3/87). My understanding is that the cooling system was updated in 9/87. Does anyone know what the specific changes were, and why? Is it worth updating to the newer cooling system? This is going to be a Spec E30 car.

Thanks!
Justin

[James Crivellone]

I honestly don't see the point in upgrading to the later. Especially if you already have the early setup.

On my Pro3 car (83 built 318i chassis) I went with the later model as I didn't need to make brackets to hold the overflow bottle.

Some say the later ones are easier to bleed, but I cannot tell the difference. And imho the only benefit of the late model version is if you drop a motor mount the alternator fan won't destroy the lower radiator hose (lates had it up top) But on a racecar I don't see that happening as much with proper urethane or solid mounts.

If you do decide to change over, you need a different waterpump, overflow bottle, radiator, upper radiator mount, and the hoses (mainly the long T house that runs the side of the block, and the radiator hoses (3 of them) + the metal hose that runs across the front of the block

my is leave it alone

[jlevie]

The cooling system was changed beginning with 9/87 production. Those changes are a different radiator, water pump, hoses, expansion tank, and inclusion of a cross over pipe. The later cooling system doesn't work any better, or worse.