E30 Radiators

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pac1982
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Post Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:28 pm

Looking to do a coolant system refresh on my turd, new water pump, pipes etc and was wondering what radiators fit what engines and if they are interchangeable.

Sure an M42 rad will work with my little M40B18 which will work well as if I ever get around to an engine upgrade I would be going down the M42 route.

Will a 325 rad work with an M40 or M42 engine and is it worthwhile?
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1991 BMW E30 318i Neon Design Convertible (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 325i Touring (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 318IS (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 316i (RIP)
Grrrmachine
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Post Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:50 pm

Remember that engines need a decent amount of heat to run, so that they can burn properly. With that in mind, fitting a massive 325 rad to a four-pot will be a waste of time, because it'll just overcool the system and make the thermostat switch more and more often.

Just get the right one for your engine.
pac1982
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Post Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:52 pm

Grrrmachine wrote:Remember that engines need a decent amount of heat to run, so that they can burn properly. With that in mind, fitting a massive 325 rad to a four-pot will be a waste of time, because it'll just overcool the system and make the thermostat switch more and more often.

Just get the right one for your engine.
Fair point
Image

1991 BMW E30 318i Neon Design Convertible (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 325i Touring (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 318IS (Sold)
1990 BMW E30 316i (RIP)
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sat Nov 02, 2013 9:55 pm

With a bit of lower mount swapping, most BMW radiators can be fitted to most BMWs, bur as Grrmachine says, a rad. just needs to be adequate. Nothing to be gained by going over the top.