Cooling System Rebuild

[fotontom]

At 105K, I'm assembling parts towards rebuilding the cooling system. Yes, most of these parts are not showing wear but I'd like the car to be as reliable as possible and not worry about some obscure hose blowing on a long trip.

The question is, if I go to the bother of replacing water pump, thermostat, hoses, fittings, even radiator, should I also consider the cooling fan?

[Gray_Panther]

Originally Posted by fotontom

At 105K, I'm assembling parts towards rebuilding the cooling system. Yes, most of these parts are not showing wear but I'd like the car to be as reliable as possible and not worry about some obscure hose blowing on a long trip.

The question is, if I go to the bother of replacing water pump, thermostat, hoses, fittings, even radiator, should I also consider the cooling fan?

Can you post your list of part numbers for historical purposes?

Would be great to refer to this thread for others when they decide to do a cooling system rebuild.

[dtla1]

If you do replace the fan, might be a nice upgrade to replace it with the larger PPK2 fan (and larger fan relay?). I wonder if there's any aftermarket replacements as well.

I don't think fans are usually weak points or failure points, but if you're going all out, would be nice to see what the cost of the upgrade is anyways, while you're in there you know?

Edit* Noticed 128i, not sure the fan upgrade would be needed at all, maybe it doesn't make sense, idk.

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by Gray_Panther

Can you post your list of part numbers for historical purposes?

Cooling system you say???

I started with the FCP coolant/t-stat/pump kit: KIT-11517586925KT

These are mostly BMW part numbers even though I used the Rein versions when they were available. Total cost: around $640. Add another $80 if you're also doing the tensioner and belt.

17127548223
17127565093
34321156893
CRP-64216951946
64219178427
11537521049
11537535829
07129952119
11537545890
07119905591
17127564478
17127531579
11537545278

[Thunderguts]

Originally Posted by fotontom

The question is, if I go to the bother of replacing water pump, thermostat, hoses, fittings, even radiator, should I also consider the cooling fan?

If you replace the radiator, you might as well do the cooling fan since it will be a piece of cake at that point. That was a bit too much overkill even for me, but I only had 80k miles. Someone else figured out that the key to removing stubborn fittings is to heat them with a heat gun first. If you don't you'll likely be buying a new radiator whether you like it or not when you snap off the neck.

[fotontom]

Before starting this project, I relied heavily on Thunderguts' post. Then went to Realoem to be sure.

I'm doing this 'cause I really like the car and hope to run it well into the 200's. I may do something similar to the suspension bushings, etc. next year, and then to the fuel system after my SULEV warranty expires at 150,000.

Note: could not find an aluminum radiator ANYWHERE for a 128. But then again, I've learned that it is probably best to keep a BMW as close to stock as possible if one wants to keep it a while...

[Gray_Panther]

Originally Posted by Thunderguts

Cooling system you say???

I started with the FCP coolant/t-stat/pump kit: KIT-11517586925KT

These are mostly BMW part numbers even though I used the Rein versions when they were available. Total cost: around $640. Add another $80 if you're also doing the tensioner and belt.

17127548223
17127565093
34321156893
CRP-64216951946
64219178427
11537521049
11537535829
07129952119
11537545890
07119905591
17127564478
17127531579
11537545278

You are the man! Thank you!

[audi355]

Just did a cooling system rebuild on my 172k mile 2011 128i with manual transmission and N51 motor. I did not do the fan, it's expensive so I'll just replace it when it goes.

I'll post my exact parts list as there were some things specific to the manual transmission (radiator plug) and N51 motor (radiator and lower radiator hose plus sensor).

KIT-11517586925KT water pump kit from FCP
BMW-17117566339 radiator (with EAC sensor)
17107523260 radiator adjustment screw (plug for manual transmission)
CRP-CHC0609 mickey mouse flange
CRP-CHE0457 coolant hose
CRP-CHR0406R upper radiator hose
CRP-CHR0462 lower radiator hose
VNE-49090 fan switch sensor for lower hose
CRP-CHE0497 feed pipe hose
CRP-CHE0409 water pump to t-stat hose
BMW-64219178427 heater hose
VAI-V201474 heater core return hose
BMW-17127548223 coolant recovery tank hose
BMW-17137640514 expansion tank
FEB-36737 tank cap
BMW-11537534880 pump inlet gasket
OES-11517514942 inlet pipe o-ring
VAI-V201227 expansion tank hose

these spring clamp pliers were great to have:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CR6BN2Y...roduct_details

[JustAnotherSportsCar]

Last spring, I replaced all hoses, tank, Mickey Mouse flange, waterpump, thermostat, and accessory dive when I upgraded to PPK2. While I did not initially intend to replace all of that, I found a few suspect hose connection points that I did not want to deal with down the road. I also replaced my turbos, so it was a big project and I got to the point thinking, the more new parts, the better while I have it ripped apart!

Approaching 100,000 miles and hoping for many more.