M40 radiator differences (non-aircon/with aircon)?

[jazma]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here. English is not my native language, so forgive me problems with my grammar.

I've got a 318i with m40 engine. And my radiator keeps leaking more and more. I've taken it to parts couple times before and use sikaflex to seal it up. After that treatment it works ok for few months but then it starts to leak again. It usually leaks somewhere near the fluid container, but the leaking place has changed every time. I think I've had enough with this radiator. So time to buy a brand new one.

Here comes the problem. My car doesn't have an aircon yet, but I'm going to buy and install it in the future. According to realoem, there exists a radiator for non-aircon M40s and a radiator for M40 with air con. What if I buy a radiator which is meant for M40s with aircon, does it work like it's supposed to work in my car? Are there places for censors etc. that should be covered somehow, so that the fluids don't leak away?

It makes no sense to buy two different radiators in a short time period and they're also quite expensive. I may buy the parts for aircon before this summer comes. I don't have a garage where I could keep my car, so it's always parked without any shield from the sun. It is hot as hell sometimes.

[Gwynleym10]

Welcome to the zone! - Your English is very good - where abouts are you?

A/C rads for M40's are bigger than normal ones - they drop down a bit more, and like you say they have extra fixings.

If you look at the one in the m40 cambelt sticky article - that is an A/C one.

I *think* that M42 and even M50 radiators will fit. E36 ones for these engines will as well. Have a look on ebay you might get something a bit cheaper.

Nissans is a good make.

[jazma]

Thanks for the info. I'm from Finland.
I just ordered a radiator for aircon e30 m40 and the order numbers are same with e30 with aircon and e36 with aircon ones at the store where I ordered it. I guess that it will fit alright.
It seems that one possible problem for fluid leak is the place for double temperature switch, but if it's meant to be fastened to the radiator, then I'll buy one of those as well.

[jazma]

If someone wonders the same question, here is an answer about the fitment.
So I installed today the new radiator. You can use all the original hoses. The bottom bush at the bottom of the radiator on the right hand side (in a UK car on the driver's side) fits ok to the original bracket. But as the radiator is 60 mm wider than the non-ac radiator, the bracket on the left hand side is too long.
But notice the blue-colored cap for releasing all the fluids. Right underneath that cap is plastic bump/knob where the fluids leak. You can put the rubber bush in that knob and use the original bracket. The problem is of course that if you want to empty the fluids from the radiator, you need to disconnect the rubber hose instead of just loosening the blue cap.
Also due to width, the the plastic shield(?) for viscous fan doesn't fit to the original holes, unless you buy the larger plastic shield for air con radiators or make custom bracket for the left hand side. The drivers side fits normally.
This was a Nissens radiator and the place for dual temp censor had a metal cap. So I didn't need to buy the dual temp censor yet.

Edit: You need to change the upper hose. It has to be streched as much as possible, but the the vibration during driving starts to pull it back slowly from the radiator. And it starts to leak. I replaced it with an aftermarket hose and that seems to work fine. Finally I don't have worry any coolant leaks.

[Chris-W]

Thanks for taking the time to post the answer

[Gwynleym10]

Yea I remember that the drain is different on them - and the blue plug is VERY easy to snap.

The front cowling will be different as there is a fan in front of the radiator