E36 Radiator Swap

[RobertK]

I've done some searching on this topic in this forum and I understand that the E36 radiator is more prone to failure but I still like the idea of swapping to this radiator so I can delete the ugly ass coolant tank on my 87 325i.

Most people say that the E36 radiators only last about 2-3 years and that's longer than I need it to since I plan on doing an engine swap within the next year or two.

What I want to know is if a radiator like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-E36-323i-325i-328i-M3-Behr-Radiator-NEW-NR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33602QQitemZ7963158561QQrdZ1

Will work in my car if I also swap out the upper and lower radiator hoses with hoses from an 88+ 325i car?

[AdamF 88iS]

The one in the picture is a 318 radiator. The E36 6cyl radiator has a seperate bottle.

[RobertK]

Are you sure? My buddy's 94 325i has the coolant resevior built into or connected to the side like that one.

[86325e]

Are you sure? My buddy's 94 325i has the coolant resevior built into or connected to the side like that one.

The E36 one I'm using doesn't. People have used the built in ones on their E30's. I didn't cause it gets hot here in Dallas and I like my A/C.

[asubimmer]

I don't know if the e36's are diff but...my friends 87 325is has a remote resv and my 318is has the resv attached to the radiator.

[AdamF 88iS]

Are you sure? My buddy's 94 325i has the coolant resevior built into or connected to the side like that one.

It's not part of the radiator like the 318's have. The 325 ones just hanging on the fan shroud by a clip.

[DarkWing6]

So your saying that you want to switch to lesser quality part that wasn't designed for your car casue it looks better?

[RobertK]

So your saying that you want to switch to lesser quality part that wasn't designed for your car casue it looks better?

No really.. more like.. If I'm going to do the M50 swap and have to replace the radiator I might as well get the E36 radiator now instead of buying 2.