Mishimoto radiator Z3M on M20

[cmontym3]

I have a 1988 325is 5 speed manual within AC. Expansion tank is on left (drivers side) of engine bay so that means its late model correct?

I've read I can drop in a Mishimoto Z3M (3 row) or E36 (2 row) all aluminum radiator without any modifications.

Do I need anything besides the radiator? Hoses etc?

[cmontym3]

Can anyone help me out? Ive used search and read a lot of threads already….

[F34R]

I used an e36 M3 Mishimoto, fit without any issues, even used the stock hoses.

Here it is with an SETA m20, in my '87


Also fits with the m30b35(my current engine):

[MR 325]

E36 radiators are a direct fit to late model E30's. Same hose orientation.

[jalopi]

Unless you've got access to screaming deals on the z3 rad I'd just go with the mishi e36. Depending on your production date it'll be a 20-50% increase in cooling capacity. The e36 rad will be much cheaper and give you about 1" of extra clearance compared to the z3 rad.

Besides, are you doing something crazy to the point where you'd need a massive, 2.4" thick aluminum radiator? I've got one of the z3 units in my car and I find it to be overkill - and those old 5.0's aren't shy about putting out heat.

[cmontym3]

Went with the e36 radiator. Just wanted to make sure the hoses and everything from my stock e30 will work and I don't need e36 hoses or anything like that.

Thanks all!

[cmontym3]

I used an e36 M3 Mishimoto, fit without any issues, even used the stock hoses.

Here it is with an SETA m20, in my '87


Also fits with the m30b35(my current engine):

I've got to know what the Monster can is for? haha

[Danny]

Caffeine injection

[F34R]

Caffeine injection

That is my oil catch can, thought you knew these things, Danny ;D

[jalopi]

Lol wut? Oil catch can, in disguise as a coil?

[Mishimoto]

I have a 1988 325is 5 speed manual within AC. Expansion tank is on left (drivers side) of engine bay so that means its late model correct?

I've read I can drop in a Mishimoto Z3M (3 row) or E36 (2 row) all aluminum radiator without any modifications.

Do I need anything besides the radiator? Hoses etc?

OP,

It sounds as if you have the answers already, but let me know if anything else comes up!

Thanks,
-Pat

[Bimmerthusiast]

I don't want to thread jack, but I also don't want to start a new thread for a similar question.

I have an early model, '87 e30. What radiator besides oem is a DIRECT fitment for my car?

Mishimoto, your website only goes down to '88 for e30s. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

[jalopi]

None. You pretty much have to convert to the late model style radiator if you wanna go aftermarket.

[F34R]

I don't want to thread jack, but I also don't want to start a new thread for a similar question.

I have an early model, '87 e30. What radiator besides oem is a DIRECT fitment for my car?

Mishimoto, your website only goes down to '88 for e30s. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!

You must read when on forums, I even posted photos of my 1987 with the DIRECT fit e36 M3 from Mishimoto.

None. You pretty much have to convert to the late model style radiator if you wanna go aftermarket.

The e36 is direct fit, I even used the stock mounting brackets/points. I removed the old one and installed the new one from Mishimoto within the same amount of time as OEM. The late and early model have the same hose placements.

You can see how the hose placement is the same, on these manual transmission radiators.

Larger late model 87+

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/Connect-Images/17111468074-M6.jpg

Smaller early model on the eta.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/images/Connect-Images/17111468068-M6.jpg

The Mishimoto is lighter, all aluminum(cools much faster), affordable, around the same height/length and a killer coverage.

'MISHIMOTO LIFETIME WARRANTY
Customer satisfaction has been the foundation of the Mishimoto philosophy since its inception. Mishimoto is a name customers can trust to provide a lifetime of performance satisfaction with every aluminum radiator and cooling component. To back this promise, Mishimoto extends a "no questions asked" limited lifetime warranty that covers every product in the Mishimoto catalog. Mishimoto will gladly replace an original product should customers experience a defect or issue. To avoid any unnecessary issues, Mishimoto encourages customers to have professionals handle product installation. Any concerns relating to installation or compatibility should be addressed before installing any product. The Mishimoto lifetime warranty policy also provides for accident protection for Mishimoto components damaged during an accident. Accident protection warranties will be honored for customers who submit a warranty claim with pictures of the accident and an official police report within three months of the incident.'

[jalopi]

No, it's not a direct fit. The two pictures you used have the same radiator in them, just flipped upside down.

For reference, this is a pre 88, early '87 production rad:



This is an e36 rad:



The mounts are completely different. Granted, it's very easy to swap the correct mounting hardware over, but they're not the same. (early e30 rads use two bolt/screws on the sides of the radiator. late e30/e36 rads use the piece of plastic on the top of the radiator).

Also, early e30 rads have the inlet/outlets on the opposite sides as the late e30/e36 rads. I would've had a mega hard-on when setting my cooling system up if this wasn't the case.