My Radiator Cracked! | BMW E90 DIY Replacement
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 พ.ย. 2019
- In this video I show you how to replace the radiator on your BMW E90 3 series. You can use this guide for the E91, E92 and E93 as well.
I am working on my 2008 335i equipped with the N54 motor and an automatic transmission. It will be a little easier if you have a manual transmission equipped 335i. The procedure will be very similar for all models even the non turbo variants like the 328i or 330i etc.
This jobs will take you about 2.5 to 3 hours from start to finish. It's not very hard just a bit tedious.
If you would like to purchase a decent radiator for your 335i you can get that here (affiliate):
bit.ly/2C5FGGT
The o-rings for your transmission cooler lines (affiliate):
bit.ly/32bjs0S
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Another awesome video, just a reminder for people to leave the door open when you initiate the procedure because if you close the door and initiate the bleed and then open the door it will reset and stop the procedure, so then you are stuck in the car for about 10 minutes. After bleed is complete, run defroster to allow for full circulation of the coolant system. Then let cool down and recheck coolant level.
not true. i adtually just changed my radiator (before i saw this bideo) but i closed my door when i did the bleeding procedure and it still worked
Read the post, I said if the door is closed and you open it, you said you closed the door which means it was open, that’s different.
Joel Rolley I stand correct 😅😅
No worries, if the door is shut and you wait for a while and then open the door it can reset
I had to replace mine too a few weeks ago. It cracked in the exact same spot. The amount of low quality plastic and rubber used in these cars is just unimaginable.
Same
Same lol. Pos plastics
@@F82_ well most cars are old so the plastic is older and isn’t the same when it first came out the factory
mine cracked in the SAME spot too. My last BMW. car full of plastic smh
Lasted 13 years for me so can’t really complain. Hope it holds up another 13 after replacing.
If anyone is wanting to do this for their 335i with a N55 motor, rejoice because this video will work perfectly.
THANK YOU, VEHICULAR DIY. Saved my Bimmer and my wallet.
Bleh Bleh I’m about to do mine on my n54 in the same crack lol. How was/long the job? Looks pretty simple to me
@@N54GASM It turned into a multi-day project for me... but I have 0 experience with working on cars, and I am taking my sweet ass time with this quarantine.
I will say that removing your intercooler will make things WORLDS easier, and removing it will be the simplest thing you can do.
Getting the radiator back into the groove it rests on was the most difficult thing for me.
Is yours a e90 n55 and auto or manual?
Where did you get your parts?
Very informative, thanks for showing the bleed procedure. Also good volume on the music, does not drown you out like a lot of other videos.
What a coincidence. I just did this job today on my E93. Cracked in the exact same spot too! Got a CSF oem replacement. Keep up the great videos!
Same here 🤦♂️
I am about to do the same job with a CSF on an E93. Were there any issues you ran into? What was your solution about not having the plastic clips on the radiator to hold it in place?
@@ivan.e82 How may miles were on your car when you replaced it?
Where did you buy the csf original style replacement?
Thanks for the video. I am so glad I have a manual. It made the process easier
Another helpful vid, many thanks bro. I replaced the radiator (leaking on both sides) on my 135i convertible. I actually removed the intercooler to clean the whole area and have more room. Simple, as it was only 2 screws from below. However, I also had to remove the support reinforcement in the front to get the radiator clear (convertible specific). Nevertheless, your content already helped me a lot since my N54 already showed some of the standard issues (wastegate rattle, oil pan and air/water intercooler as well as head cover gasket leakage, cyl. head cooling flange got brittle and so on). I still love the car, though.
Your're always my trusted source for info. Thanks dude!
I might be doing this friday, still not sure if it's the radiator or that oil cooler line connection. I broke my upper radiator hose reservoir outlet, so we'll see, but this looks pretty easy. Been a pleasure watching your vids, saved me loads of time! I think I got my misfire fixed (bad injector), but I only got to go for one ride before I tore it apart for the coolant leak. I can see why you like these cars, it's been a lot of fun this past week.
Replaced mine last month. Great video
Been watching your videos for a bit now. Just wanna give your production style some credit. I like the way the car is always the focus and you rarely face the camera. For some reason, it's easier to listen to the commentary than most when it feels like they are talking at you. LOL. Maybe it's an ADHD thing, I dunno, but I like it.
Hey mate love your videos but I’m experiencing a turbo wastegate rattle and wondering how to fix it I know you have a vid on it but it’s very dark and hard to follow. Could you make another one?
Mishimoto is working on a radiator for our cars and my 335i is beeing used for R&D this week so im hype !!! I let you know if theres a big dif in coolant temps!😁
What about the bleeder screw? I followed your steps. But then reading post I feel like I did mine wrong. About 5 quarts came out when I drain mine and 5 went back in, people says it takes more I can’t remember if I unscrewed my bleeder screw. After I filled my coolant tank I ran the bleeder process and just kept filling until it stoped hopefully all the air got out. 2009 bmw 328i engine temp gauge usually in the middle, after I replaced my radiator it goes up just a hair more. But I will re flush my system again soon.
What made you just replace it with an OEM radiator vs replacing it with an upgraded version such as a Mishimoto or CFS??
My coolant hose was rubbing on the alternator pulley on my n55 it was swollen alittle and rubbed. Busted and was stranded but luckily wasnt a bad fix
Great video as always....truly hope that clearances on n52 are not tight like here...
I recently got stranded in tj with a failing water pump, fixed it, then a crack on the radiator caused my expansion tank to explode, fixed that and just replaced radiator today. Everything seems to be fine but radiator icon still comes up on dash when I start the car. Would that mean something is still not right?
Weird I have the exact same car. Lip, bumper, and wheels.
My radiator cracked along with my bumper and lip. I cant seem to find replacement. Any help?
Thanks
I was debating on replacing it while everything is still apart now Im just going to do it.. Thanks for video
Yeah not a bad idea if you're in there anyways. More power = more heat.
@@VehicularDIY Hence a higher performing radiator, preferably all aluminum.
I got a pinhole in the same spot, and I'm gonna have to replace it. I'm thinking of going with an full aluminum one.
That's where mine cracked too, right along what looks like the injection mold seam. JB weld held out for a week until the parts arrived.
Lol I used jb weld on the same spot but it immediately started leaking in a different spot lmao. And it was even worse than the first one
Am I safe to use zerex g05? Or do I have to use g48? Thanks.
hey is it necessary to replace the hole radiator just for that part being cracked? If not , what is the name of that piece mine is cracked in same spot.
Damn, literally everyone I know with an n54 who gets a crack in their radiator, all get it in that same exact spot! Crazy how failure prone that one little spot can be... as always, great diy brotha!
KiTshowtime it’s not only the n54 most plastic end capped radiators crack right there. I’ve changed numerous radiators in different makes and models with the exact same crack.
@@kalei43 dude that sucks, they're smart for making parts that dont last forever tho I guess lol more money in their pockets
KiTshowtime this is why you get a full alloy replacement rad. This is a huge problem in most bmws
hi! i have an automatic e92 335i and i converted my transcooler to bms oil cooler. question, im gonna change my radiator, can i use a radiator for manual transmission?
I’m doing it right now and I have no idea how you got the fan out without dropping the intercooler.
Absolutely Fabulous!!!!!!!
Good afternoon my name is Kevin I live in Florida I have a 335i BMW 2007 I have some issues with it going into limp mode every now and then was wondering if you can give me some tips to find out what is wrong
Just ordered mine thru your link! Thanks for the video
How was the quality on that one
@@BeamedoutTV good. 6 months in
@@azcarpetco3461 How many O rings did you have to purchase & would you recommend getting any other hoses ? Gonna do this myself kinda nervous lmao
@@BeamedoutTV I didn’t buy anything else. My mechanic did it for $50
Mine same spot a month ago least it was cheap and easy to fix. I beleive mine was orginal 08 e92 n54 AT 92k miles on the dot at fail..
I dropped the whole bottom cover pulled my ARM fmic that transmission cooler fought me to no end with the fan both ways also those oil cooler lines love to mess with the fan both ways. Easy job but its tight add twice as long as you think its going to take.. do your self a favor replace the main top and bottom hose your right here and its cheap. If you have time replace the U hose on the water pump super cheap, also lots of crap is in the pump you will see how dirty it is worth the extra 15 minutes.
Where can I find that radiator hose to the cooler at the bottom
Mine just cracked in the same spot lol. Good video
Did you use the green or black drain plug?
Oh man I literally just replaced mine yesterday because it was leaking in the same spot! I was able to do everything from the top as well but my lower back is still sore lol
It hurt my back just watching the video. I have to do the same so I'll put the car on jack stands so I don't have to bend over so much.
Mine cracked in the same spot as well
你好，我的水箱放水螺丝坏了但是不知道怎么拆除，能不能发个详细视频，我的是蓝色和黑色的塑料螺丝
TQ bro... 🤘from Malaysia kuala lumpur 🇲🇾
Third!!!!! I love your videos sir. My radiator burst not long ago so I changed it like a week or so back lol. Btw dynamic autowerks turbos are amazing. Thank you vehicular DIY. Who ever wants to see these turbos in action see my page am so impressed with them
I just got done replacing my spark plugs and tighten my charge pipe.
If doing it from the bottom is an option is it easier ?
Noticed that my new radiator has a plug that must be repositioned to allow coolant to flow into the autobox cooler. With the manual box no coolant flows and the plug stays in the normal position.
Wow what finesse. Literally was one of the hardest thing for me to do on my car. Them hoses and clips were stupid annoying. Also trying to align it. Smfh
Did you replace the drain plug?
Great video 😂😂😂🤗👍👍👍
wait what coolant was that, in yellow container/
With a manual trans, is it possible to replace without getting under the car? I don’t trust myself with jacks and Jack stands (had a close call in the past)
I have a vsrf stepped fmic though.
Many thanks for this video!!
Following up on my comment. It is possible to replace the radiator without getting under the car (manual only).
Few notes:
1) it’s super messy. Since you can’t access drain plug, coolant gets everywhere despite my efforts to catch it when disconnecting hoses. I even attempted to pump the coolant out of the radiator with a hand pump but got 1/2 gal
2) The technique of shimmying the radiator out as shown in this vid is effective. When putting the new radiator in, start with drivers side. Get the hook at the bottom just past the condenser lines then get to work on passenger side.
3) I replaced both hoses too. Lower rad is a pita but doable without getting under the car. Need to do a lot of shaking and pulling. Hose ends have guides so hoses cannot spin
4) If you are reusing the hoses, watch out that the c-clip does not fall off. This happened on my lower hose as I tried to remove it from the radiator
5) I have rb factory location inlets. I do. Not know if this made it easier or harder. The front inlet sits very close to the radiator fan.
6) FMIC has hooks to hold the fan. Know this as you insert the fan to tilt the bottom towards the FMIC other will get caught and not seat properly
7) I used the csf #3716 and Bmw oem upper/lower radiator hoses
Can't I stick it with metal epoxy adhesive?
When you did the DIY on the new radiator replacement, did you replace the old O-rings in the old hoses, at the 4 connection points on the new radiator?
No I had relatively new hoses
Will this man ever show his face. The world may never know.
2011 n55 cracked in the same spot. Same procedure. I took my aftermarket intercooler out though. Made it much easier. Was struggling with the 2 t25 on the bottom of the 3rd rad.Wish this video was out then.
Duuude same spot where mine cracked lol just got my new radiator in today
Hey man where did you get the radiator? Cracked mine and kinda wanna get an autozone one to get it running asap or should I go the fcp route?
either or. they should both be lifetime warranty
Yeah, I've had my fun with that fan doing inlets and intercooler piping. E60 has the oil cooler mounted on it, definitely prefer that design tho. Electronic bleed procedure when I did my water pump is super convenient haha. Have a question regarding secondary o2 sensors. If you don't mind. What's your email?
Hey check the contact area of my TH-cam page. It contains my email.
What are the 2 plugs (short and long) for? I know what they are for... auto and stick shift, But do the new radiators have plugs in them already?
Is your car auto?
@@VehicularDIY mine is
Just finished mine. TAKE NOTE: This dude makes it seem a lot easier then it really is but not impossible. This will take you 3-4 hrs! Another tip make sure you buy another O ring!!! I put it together and to my horror it started leaking after install because of that O ring! Was a nightmare. This is a very tedious job and is way easier with 2 people. Also be easy with the DRAIN PLUG! That fucker will break (side tabs) if your not careful. Good luck everyone 🙏🏻
Which o ring are you talking about
I should have this done as maintenance for prevention. I am at 105K miles and live in Arizona.
Replace your ineffective OEM ATF heat exchanger (It is NOT an ATF cooler as coolant runs way too hot for ATF. It is to preheat ATF for better cold start operation.) with a B&M and mount it in your driver's side opening. This might require ducting from the PPK2 kit.
Quite frankly, this is where I would spend the buck and go with an all aluminum CSF to better cool the block and heads (especially in Texas) and not repeat this job again. As you have already experienced, the plastic end tanks are a failure point.
I am still a little incredulous that you understand the importance of sealing the radiator to maintain ambient ducting through the front openings to the engine compartment, but you still reinstall the original CAI ducting thus back pressurizing the engine compartment and reducing effect ambient flow into it. The DCI's gain little benefit from the dilution of the preheated under hood air being diluted by the non-ducted ambient air.
Why does my radiator have a sensor on it?
I'm having waterpump issues I have been through 2 water pumps in 1 year and 20,000miles with my n54 335i I have tried retrofitting an f30 n55 Pierburg water pump but the ecu doesn't communicate with it, I'm trying to find a alternative or a revised or more reliable pump have you got any ideas or solutions on this, love your content and appreciate the knowledge you share on your channel
there is a lawsuit for the waterpump being premature faulty. you should get something in the mail. you can get a full refund.
including labor.
Exact same spot where mine has started leaking
Did you modify your inlets for the csf radiator? I’ve heard that they had fitment issues.
I just installed an OEM style radiator.
@@VehicularDIY Thanks for the response. I guess it only applies to the high performance radiator.
Nice video. Is this the first time the radiator has been replaced? If so, you got some good mileage out of the original.
Yeah so far as I can tell it's the original rad. Lasted 11 years in Texas heat and 194k miles.
Why didn’t you go with the csf radiator?!?! Curious, I’ve read it can provide 40%+ more cooling.
it doesnt provide more cooling if you dont change table values on the DME.
@@erickromero010 how do I change the values on the dme?
Aw man I thought you were gonna build the 335i now since you don’t have to drive it anymore. Nice and slow build would have been nice, what’s your thoughts on the CSF performance Radiator?
I've heard good things about it. Yeah I'll build it slowly, for now going to focus on the conversion to full e85 and pushing more boost. I'd like to keep it somewhat streetable at time same time if at all possible.
@@VehicularDIY Cannot wait for the expanded fuel tank installation for E85. probably port injectors in new intake manifold also.
Damn everyone gets the same crack, I replaced with oem style koyo rad, wish I could afford the full aluminium rad..
Thanks mine just cracked. Ordered rad plus all hoses oem bmw
I just replaced my radiator on my 2009 335i. After the procedure I drove the car for a little before an engine light popped up on my dash. This wasn’t one of those service engine soon lights though, it was an engine icon that was half filled indicating that my car was using its full performance. Also while driving it felt like my car was using no boost. I doubt anyone will see this comment as this video was uploaded 3 years ago but if anyone could help or give some advice that would be greatly appreciated. If i solve my problem I’ll be sure to give an update and hopefully I can help someone else out.
lol i didn’t put my charge-pipe back on correctly, go figure
Lol mine has the same leak same spot man i ordered mine as well
Same
@@FernandoLopez-yn6hm verry common weak spot im assuming 🤔
#E90Life #SaveaBMW
CSF all metal rad = never worry about overheating again
I thought the same thing til just last week mine cracked on the bottom passenger side. Where the core goes into the tank..something to look out for.
@@NiiaTastic I didn't even wait until mine started to give way. In my 03' 530 I paired CSF's all metal M5 rad with Zionsville metal SPAL electric fan shroud and a new OE rad cap. It's very tight but a perfect fit/finish in the engine bay. The peace of mind is priceless...
@@danielwatts9803 yea I got the csf mainly because the heat in az. But unfortunately it cracked at the core, idk why. It only lasted a year. Now I'm back to a stock one
@@NiiaTastic shoulda ordered through fcp and got a free replacement
@@MacLaw3084 truuu huh, it’s got one In there now xD
I see waterpump failure coming !!! From this
It has about 60k on it so it's due anytime now. I've been running G05 since owning the car if that's where your comment came from. Did a full flush and fill years ago. Already done the thermostat
Vehicular DIY yeah mate as soon as you do this exact fix I can safely say your pump will fail
You didn't show how to put in the draining just fyi..
That bottom radiator hose is my worst enemy
What year and mileage?
2008 and 194k miles so I can't complain lol. Seems to be the original rad.
@@VehicularDIY That seems to be the limit. My 2001 X5 4.4L rad made it to 180K before I changed it out.
@@VehicularDIY your lucky then.. mine died at 110k miles
I think the heat from the new turbos probably contributed.
When mine fails I am dead 💀. I have the N51 engine with the sensor on the radiator so I can't go aftermarket$$$👎
mines too bud and im dead right now 😂😂😂
There is 15 year warranty on that particular rad for the N51 engine if your mileage is below 150k. Check with bmw
The screw is so corroded on my intercooler that it isn’t possible to remove it
why doesnt anybody ahow how to take off the lower radiator hose? Shits a bitch to remove 🤦🏻♂️
Second
oh god.. i did this.. its a royal pain in the ass .. no room at all to work and putting in the new one is super risky. just buy an m240i man
M240i is cheaper than a radiator?
Stupid bmw plastic. Mine just cracked in the same spot.
Another video that skips the most important part
So much plastic everywhere
You're acting like you didnt spend the full day trying to take off the upper and lower radiator hoses. Gtfo lmfao
@whacky pax Both of mine were stuck hard on it. I used heat gun and wd40 came off
the lower omg that shit was insane to take off.
First
Huuuuuuge shock...not. Do yourself a favor and buy a full aluminum radiator. Plastic bmw parts are a ticking timebomb. Expect 6 years out of it before it is ready to fail again
Haha yeah, it's not my daily anymore so if it lasts 2+ years I can work with that.
Vehicular DIY idk, my n54 blew out the expansion tank, rad, upper rad hose and the McDonald’s straw at different times. Needless to say all these parts are full alloy now. Fck bmw plastic
@@goclunker What metal expansion tank did you use?
@@matthewm5640 i believe its a turner. I have a mishi on my e36. They are notoriously harder to bleed, but, they also do not explode
probably the worst video i’ve seen