Lets talk radiators. Behr VS Nissens VS Mishimoto

[nando]

stock radiators are fine. for the cost ($120?) they'll last 5x longer than Chinese aluminum radiators (even if they come with a warranty).

I'd go with the Z3M S54 radiator if you want extra cooling capacity.

[Jb325is]

So, what rad did you end up with?

I just did an s54 swap instead.

It wasn't overheating, the fan was just running a lot. I think the e36 m3 radiator or M-coupe radiator would be a better option, but I know clearance is tight with those

[Ether-D]

The e28 radiator didn't cool my m30 very well fwiw, but it probably is a hell of a lot more hot/humid down here

So, what rad did you end up with?

[FunfGan]

The Mishimoto I purchased for my Mini blew after less than a month, then after paying for the warranty replacement I had to wait 3 months before I finally called to find out that it was back ordered for another 3 months...

No refund, apology, discount, nothing at all...

[Jb325is]

The e28 radiator didn't cool my m30 very well fwiw, but it probably is a hell of a lot more hot/humid down here

[Mr. Burns]

2man thanks for the link!

Thanks for the feedback all...

[2mAn]

found his post...

replaced radiator. distributor was rubbing and created a pinhole leak.

previous nissens radiator was 2mm clearance from radiator to distributor on a good day.
new behr radiator has 4mm clearance from radiator to distributor. the core itself is not thinner, it's the folds where the aluminum meets the plastic that is lower profile on the behr. anyone doing m30 swaps and using e28 535i radiator should use the behr IMO.

[lukeADE335i]

Have used both Behr and Nissens - both are fine, neither seems much different as far as cooling capacity goes.

I did seem to have more clearance on my M30 swap with the Nissens in there, but have a Behr at the moment.

If you have a look at the first post of my members rides thread, the first engine bay shot has an e28 Nissens, the second the e28 Behr.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

The thing is depending where the leak comes from on a mishimoto you can TIG it and close the leak. although Id rather not have to do that at all

[slammin.e28]

We use Nissens after a rash of bad Behrs.

They're all alright, IMO, never had an issue with either.

[Navarone]

My old behr broke right at the upper nipple, seems like (from what I read) after about 100k the plastic gets brittle and fails. I don't know if this was the original, (which would make it about 250k) but I replaced it with another behr and trust if for at least 100k.

[Jb325is]

Mishimoto's are cheap, we've had a lot of problems with pinholes/sub-par welds on racecars. I'm sure they are ok on a street car, but I've always gone with Behr.

[roguetoaster]

I've never had a Behr fail, leak from the coolant tank (M42) after years of service, sure.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Havent had problems with my mishimotos but only time will tell

[2mAn]

My buddy Glenn (glnr13 I think) just installed a new radiator in his M30 swapped car. Cant remember which way he went, but he had a Nissen and then switched to a Behr and gained some more clearance, or maybe it was the other way... Id hit him up