Re: Yet another E28 radiator question

[rusmaster <rusmaster@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jeff,    I would go for the new OEM.  If not, then the recore would probably do.  I
put a new OEM in my '88 535iS and it's worked great.  I'm a big believer in only
putting new parts in areas of high wear.  Radiators fall into this catagory for
me.  Somtimes the used, re-done, re-surfaced, re-somthing or other just don't work
like new over the long hual.  Again, you have to determine if your staying with the
car long term.  Reliability is important IMHO.

Take Care,
Russ


> Date: Tue, 12 Jan 1999 17:52:36 -0500
> From: Jeff Pharr <pharr@domain.elided>
> Subject: Yet another E28 radiator question
>
> Hi all,
>
> About a year and a half ago I broke the overflow nipple off the side of
> the OEM radiator in my 535i.  I was not a member of The Digest at the
> time so I did not find out about the radiator repair kit in time.  The
> replacement radiator I purchased from a trusted independent repair shop
> had metal endcaps and began leaking several weeks beyond its 1 year
> warranty.  I have now had the radiator repaired 3 times at a radiator
> repair shop (the last two were at no charge) but it begins leaking
> around the endcap seam as soon as the car reaches operating temperature.
> The repair shop claims that my radiator is a cheap Taiwan unit that was
> bad the day I received it and that there is nothing more that he can do
> short of installing a new core.  Something about insufficient solder
> used during original construction.  The trusted independent repair shop
> that originally sold me the radiator stands by their supplier and their
> experience with the manufacturer.
>
> So...
>
> Do I have this guy install a new core, find a new repair shop, or cut my
> losses and buy a new radiator?  And if the best thing is to buy a new
> radiator, should I use only OEM from BMW or try another supplier?
> Plastic or metal endcaps?
>
> Recommendations?
>
> - --Jeff
> Can now remove, resolder, refit, and refill an E28 radiator before you
> could get your first RR from the cooler.

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