325i auto radiator DIY..?

[mcbonio]

Anyone done or know of a DIY for replacing a 325i automatic radiator?

[mrLEE30]

What do you mean?

to replace it is easy, drain, remove hoses, remove fittings,remove old rad, replace and refit, fill and bleed.

one hour job.

[mcbonio]

Cheers man, I found my bently. Looks to be easy.

Know of any good hose kits? The hoses on mine look original. Might as well replace whilst I'm at it.

[Rtaylor2208]

It really couldn't be easier. One thing to watch for if your's has it. There is a small diameter pipe that attaches from the top of the coolant tank to the top left hand corner of the radiator.

The pipe attaches onto a small plastic stub pipe and it is very easily broken. And if it breaks you will need a new radiator.

Other than that there is just the top and bottom hoses and two metal pipes connected that connect to the autobox.

[mcbonio]

ECP stock this,

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/BMW_3 ... ad4&000261

I'm confused as it says its for a manual only, but it looks like its for an automatic as it has the brass blanks on the corner for the autobox oil cooler pipes...

Can anyone verify?

[BenHar]

I think you should check the gearbox level after you've changed the rad.

Ben

[mcbonio]

Can anyone verify this car part?

[Rtaylor2208]

Before buying a brand spanking new one, give Boyd (cecotto479) a PM. He supplied me with an A1 second hand radiator for my auto cab a few months back and I think he may have had another.

Pretty sure they are just the same. Just a case of removing the blanks.

Check the part no's on RealOEM to make sure they match up between a manual and auto.

[mcbonio]

Real OEM says;

Manual - 17111707563
Auto - 17111707564

You sure Its just a case of removing the 2 blanks?

[mcbonio]

Just been to have a look on my lunch break, I'm sure the transmission oil cooler lines attach to the underneath of the radiator.

I'm really not sure this radiator from ECP is the one.

Can anyone advise?

[Rtaylor2208]

You sure Its just a case of removing the 2 blanks?

I couldn't say that I was 100%, just what I had been told when looking for a radiator myself.

On mine the the autobox pipes attach to the left hand side of the radiator below the top hose. Have you tried call Matt (Meatballs82) at ECP he knows the parts pretty well.

His contact details can be found in the traders section. You'll also get a healthy discount.

[mcbonio]

Cheers Rtaylor,
Called him, he's finding one for me.!

[Andyboy]

You need to be really careful undoing the autobox cooler pipes if they're rusty. Plenty of WD40!

[mcbonio]

Thanks andyboy, this is all based on if I can actually find a radiator for my car.!

[Meatballs82]

Real OEM says;

Manual - 17111707563
Auto - 17111707564

You sure Its just a case of removing the 2 blanks?

The number I crossed into my parts cat is the one ending in 564, this number does not cross to the one in your link to the ECP website above!

if you PM me your email address, I can send you pics of the one I've ordered, straight from my parts cat

[mcbonio]

PM'd

[Meatballs82]

Replied

[Andyboy]

Thanks andyboy, this is all based on if I can actually find a radiator for my car.!

What year is it?

[mcbonio]

Jan '87 - pre facelift auto.

[mcbonio]

I'm beginning to think all the pre facelift radiators can be used with automatics, you just blank off the cooler fitting holes as required with the supplied brass fittings which are held in the corner.?

Look at these 2 pics, first pic is for auto, second is for manual, they look the same. Is there anyone out there that can solve that? Brianmoooore where are you when we need you?

[mcbonio]

I'm guessing this was a silly question?

[Andyboy]

The top one is a correct rad, the bottom one isn't. The two brass plugs are way too close together.

If Euros can't supply a rad, it's straight to BMW. They list one but it's £400.

[mcbonio]

Cheers Andyboy, Meatballs82 is on the case.! He may have one he reckons.

[450sel]

Hi
Did you get a resolve for this?
I have an early 325i (85) Auto and having the same probs you had finding a replacement radiator. I have been advised to use a manual spec radiator and then set up and external oil cooler for the gearbox.
Trying to work out what best route to use to find an oil cooler......
Thanks
Ian

[450sel]

Coolio
That makes sense.
Do you know which model would be best?