Radiator change - cost?

Andrewf20

Folks, Any idea of how much roughly I can expect to pay to get the rad changed at a specialists? Id be interested to see what folks have been quoted.

I have an E36 btw. Im picking up a new rad tomorrow from GSF hopefully.

Seth Brundle

Andrew, I picked up a rad at GSF a few weeks back for my 523i. IIRC it was about €170.
The job itself isn't that hard or time consuming so if you are paying someone else then it shouldn't cost that much (but I don't have a price)

Mr.Diagnostic

It will depend very much on the garage. Some wont want to fit a part they did not supply and some will. Some will want to check the cooling system before they fit the rad (correct way as long as it is not leaking too quickly to do this).

Just to fit the rad is about ½ hour. Bleeding the cooling system and checking for stat operation and temp control would take another hour or more. I would expect the bill to be approx 2 hours plus coolant but this will depend on there not being any complications.
Is the rad gone because the car overheated? This could be a symptom of another problem etc etc

Andrewf20

Cheers guys.

I was quoted 120 euros + vat from GSF myself vs 210 all in from Otto.

The rads defo leaking. Green coolant gunge flowing down it on both sides. Hoses are new and they look fine. Engine hasnt overheated, I've just been keeping an eye on the expansion tank over time. I need to top it up every 30 miles or so. People have been mentioning Radweld, but id rather just get the whole job sorted.

Andrewf20

KB, did that rad from GSF come with the expansion tank attached or did it come like this:

http://www.modifiedm3.co.uk/Pre-Rad-website.jpg

or this?

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/engine/engine_cooling_e36_behr_radiator_325i_328i_m3_17111469179_lg.jpg

It looks easy to remove the whole assembly incl the expansion tank, but Im not sure what happens if i am hand just the rad across the counter, like in either of pics attached, - how it will hook up to the existing expansion tank?

Cheers.

Esel

Andrewf20 wrote: »

People have been mentioning Radweld, but id rather just get the whole job sorted.

Novastop is worth a try - costs about €20, but you will use well less than half a can for a normal rad.

Seth Brundle

Andrew, the rad was the one here... and it came with everything you see on that page except for parts
7 (the plastic air bleed screw)
8 (rad cap)
10-12 (temp switch)
These were salvaged from the old rad.

Andrewf20

Thanks KB.

Esel, I think ill go ahead and just get the rew rad, for piece of mind. I have a few long trips in the car planned over the next few months. Thanks all the same.

rebel.ranter

Just bear in mind that the expansion tanks on the side of the radiators on the e36 are very brittle with age. Something to bear in mind.

Also the seals on these can go. I had to do them on mine.I got the rad pressure tested at the same time as it was out.
Maybe you don't need the rad itself only the expansion tank? or maybe just the seals?

Andrewf20

The expansion tank looks fine. No green gunge near it, it seems. Looks like the new rad comes with the new expansion tank thankfully. The coolant is coming out of the fins near the top of the rad. Drove 20miles home from work yesterday. Took it handy. Didnt use any coolant strangely.

gezas

I did change my Opel Vectra radiator for 20 euro in Your garage in D1.