Expansion tank leak, is this a bitch to replace?

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paul13899
E30 Zone Newbie
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Posts: 123
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:00 pm
Location: Merseyside

Post Sun Jan 20, 2013 10:47 pm

Hi all. Im new to the e30 world just bought my first red two door 316i 1990 this weekend! its AMAZING!

Only thing that is very annoying at the moment is that the expansion tank appears to have a leak at the bottom?
I think there is an o ring there and have heard its a common fault and i should replace the rad and ET together?

Anyway, pics will be uploaded tomorrow and any thoughts/suggestions would be much apreciated! Oh.. and its an auto.. can only make things more complicated lol...
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Brianmoooore
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Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sun Jan 20, 2013 11:11 pm

There is an O ring there, and if that's the problem, that's all that needs replacing, unless the other parts are past their best. Part# 17 21 1 712 965. Should be around £3.
If you do go for a new rad., note that the auto has a rad. with a gearbox oil cooler built into it, so a manual rad. won't fit.
If you think a 1.6i auto E30 is amazing, try to get a ride in one fitted with a M52B28 (2.8 E34/36/39) engine!
paul13899
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 123
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2013 11:00 pm
Location: Merseyside

Post Mon Jan 21, 2013 12:04 am

Thanks mate! Think i'll try the o ring first as a new rad is £95.84! What a bummer, oh well it's all part of the fun i suppose. Cheers mate