Upgraded Radiator Options - Built In Expansion Tank

[Panici]

Hey all,


Looking to upgrade from the OEM spec M42 radiator in my car currently.
Would like a solution with an integrated expansion tank for packaging.

The unit I have currently is a Behr/Hella branded CR330000P. (Google tells me this has a 34mm thick core.)



The most economical option I've found so far with a thicker core is the Cooling Solutions (with a 50mm core).

https://www.driftshop.com/cooling-solutions-bmw-e36-aluminium-radiator.html

However it looks like shipping from driftshop is almost €200 to bring it to Canada.


Any other options you guys can suggest that won't break the bank?


And a note for myself later, Eastwood Radiator Black seems to be the choice if I get a polished radiator.

[Panici]

Looks like Aliexpress has a 42mm thick one, and it comes in black too.

Anyone tried these out?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006287488480.html

[varg]

I am not aware of any drop in upgrades for the integrated tank radiators other than CATuned which is probably a relabel of what you linked here. I have doubts about how much of an upgrade that really is, the same area and under 20mm thicker. I know you shaved your engine bay, but frankly I'd go with a Z3M radiator like what is in my E30 with some external expansion tank, whether that be a repurposed E36 tank mounted to the radiator or something that fits in a stock-ish location. I used a generic aluminum expansion tank made for a mini cooper in my very space constrained turbo E34. IIRC the Z3M radiator area is about 15% larger than the OEM E30 318is radiator and it is maybe 10mm thicker.

[TobyB]

I had a lot of hassle with the integrated reservoir on E36's- it just never seemed like an upgrade...
between leaking and splitting and delaminating, I think I went through 3 or 4 of them.

That said, the early E39 radiator is pretty durable and has an attached right- side reservoir.
Whether it would FIT is an entirely different question...

no help here,
t

[Northern]

I have had two ebay Z3M Rads - first one is still in my E30, and the second one I sold after I sold the car it was for.
The first one seems great, and the second one was painted silver for some reason. Otherwise no issues.
Not sure if the Z3m is actually an upgrade - IIRC it's physically shorter than stock so it might not be all it's cracked up to be.
If I were to buy again, I'd look into the size thing more and probably buy whichever one from CSF because they seem nice.

I assume that Aliexpress is probably similar.
Pressure test it before you install and weld up any pinholes you find.