[redbaron007]

Hello,

Had an oil change done on my E93/N51 (104k miles) recently at local shop - they did a standard inspection and told me there's a radiator leak "on both sides", and recommended a radiator replacement ($1000+ job). Images attached. Would any of you knowledgeable folks be able to advise if replacement is the correct option, and if $1000+ is a reasonable price to pay? Engine temperature reading is fine, no sign of overheating so far. Thanks.

[fgpalmer71]

I'd check all of the hoses above those areas before I replaced that radiator. I find it odd that the radiator would spring 2 leaks, simultaneously. I'm unsure whether or not $1000 is fair.

[bluewater328]

What's the limitation of the SULEV warranty? It's actually a replaceable item under warranty so I'd check that out as the radiator alone is $600 in parts (thats where your cost is). So price range is about right if you're actually paying...but check for warranty options.

[whyzee125]

$1,000 is a little high, I paid around $600 I think at an Indy. It’s not a terribly hard diy either but that does look to be a radiator leak to me.

[Efthreeoh]

He quoting $400 - $500 too much. Buy a new radiator $200. New upper and lower hoses and coolant $150. Drain the coolant. Cut the old upper and lower hoses. The remove the fan and radiator (20 minutes). Remove old hoses from t-stat and OFH. Install new parts. Shouldn't be more that 1.5 hrs. labor.

[E93_Savage]

I did mine in an hour and change. Any amount is to high if you can do basic removal and replace. Youtube videos and diy guides help tremendously. Take a look at some of those guides and videos and see if the work is worth an extra 5-600. Thats kinda how i do it and if it's too much then im learning something (doing it myself) and saving money (avoiding labor cost and part mark ups).

My parts were right over 250 thats with radiator, upper and lower hoses, expansion tank hose and coolant.

[gbmw311]

[/QUOTE]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

He quoting $400 - $500 too much. Buy a new radiator $200. New upper and lower hoses and coolant $150. Drain the coolant. Cut the old upper and lower hoses. The remove the fan and radiator (20 minutes). Remove old hoses from t-stat and OFH. Install new parts. Shouldn't be more that 1.5 hrs. labor.

You're not taking into account that the radiator in an N51 is specific to SULEV and much more expensive - you can't just put in a $200 radiator - it will throw codes for emissions. To original poster, since you're in CA, an SULEV state, you should definitely look into the warranty. I had a faulty fuel pump replaced at no cost to me by BMW this summer as it, like the radiator, is covered by the SULEV warranty.

[Efthreeoh]

You're not taking into account that the radiator in an N51 is specific to SULEV and much more expensive - you can't just put in a $200 radiator - it will throw codes for emissions. To original poster, since you're in CA, an SULEV state, you should definitely look into the warranty. I had a faulty fuel pump replaced at no cost to me by BMW this summer as it, like the radiator, is covered by the SULEV warranty.[/QUOTE]

Good point. I forgot about the stupid magical coating that converts water to wine. Maybe there's a hack for it...

[gbmw311]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

You're not taking into account that the radiator in an N51 is specific to SULEV and much more expensive - you can't just put in a $200 radiator - it will throw codes for emissions. To original poster, since you're in CA, an SULEV state, you should definitely look into the warranty. I had a faulty fuel pump replaced at no cost to me by BMW this summer as it, like the radiator, is covered by the SULEV warranty.

Good point. I forgot about the stupid magical coating that converts water to wine. Maybe there's a hack for it...[/QUOTE]

I looked a little bit more last night - looks like people are able to take the sensor from the old radiator and use that on a replacement to trick it. But still, given it's an SULEV and the OP appears to be in CA, I'd just have BMW take care of it.

[redbaron007]

Yes, as you folks have pointed out the N51 radiator comes with a manganese oxide coating + sensor, and costs $615 at FCP Euro.

I'll call the local dealer and ask them if it's covered by the 150k/5y warranty since the N51 radiator is an emission-related component.

Otherwise, my only other option is to get radiator replaced but also do a complete cooling system overhaul (hoses, water pump, thermostat, exp tank,..), which I think is recommended at 100k miles. That way I can atleast save a bit on labor, rather than paying again for the overhaul. What do you folks think?

[redbaron007]

So I called BMW Customer Relations since that is the number mentioned on warranty booklet. The guy confirmed that radiator is a part of emission control system and is covered under 150k ml/15y warranty....BUT...I need to take it to dealer, so their warranty advisor can certify that the problem is indeed due to a manufacturing defect and not due to mishandling/tampering, etc. So I've setup a service appt w/ the dealer next Tue, will keep you folks updated.

[gbmw311]

Originally Posted by redbaron007

So I called BMW Customer Relations since that is the number mentioned on warranty booklet. The guy confirmed that radiator is a part of emission control system and is covered under 150k ml/15y warranty....BUT...I need to take it to dealer, so their warranty advisor can certify that the problem is indeed due to a manufacturing defect and not due to mishandling/tampering, etc. So I've setup a service appt w/ the dealer next Tue, will keep you folks updated.

Good luck!

[redbaron007]

UPDATE: Good news!! Dealer fixed it under warranty. Drove to dealer who inspected it, and replaced it free of cost. They found a leaky hose and replaced it at no cost as well (good gesture!). Thanks to you all who advised me to check for SULEV warranty. Saved me $1000+.

[gbmw311]

Originally Posted by redbaron007

UPDATE: Good news!! Dealer fixed it under warranty. Drove to dealer who inspected it, and replaced it free of cost. They found a leaky hose and replaced it at no cost as well (good gesture!). Thanks to you all who advised me to check for SULEV warranty. Saved me $1000+.

Late on responding; so glad this worked out for you!!