Radiator Leak

[unk045]

Hey guys looks like I've got a radiator leak. In case you're trying to figure where the leak is coming from, it's from right under the upper radiator hose on the driver side.

My questions are:

1) You guys think I'm better off sealing or replacing the radiator? I'm leaning more towards doing it right which would be replacing it

2) Any brands in mind for a radiator replacement? I have a stick shift so I'm limited in my options it seems

3) If you recommend sealing, do you have a good sealer I can apply from the outside? I don't intend on using any of the pour stuff.

Thank you all for your insight

[spidertri]

I'd definitely replace it rather than try to seal it. At least with older BMWs, once the [insert plastic cooling system component here] starts leaking it's probably heat cycled out and ready to fail further.

Radiator necks are fairly common failures especially as engine mounts get older and with more movement of the engine, the hoses pull on those necks back and forth.

I see you're in LA (the city or the state?), is your car an SULEV 128i? The radiator is covered under the SULEV warranty since it has the PremAir coating and EAC sensor. Wouldn't hurt to ask the dealership about it.

[smeard]

Is yours an N51 or N52? I blew out my radiator when I hit a Fast and Furious jump going way too fast in my lowered car. I absolutely recommend replacing with a CSF Radiator. Haven't heard my fans come on unless I hit the A/C, no more limp mode or heat soak issues in the canyons, too. That jump I took was a blessing in disguise, made me replace something I thought I didn't need. Coolant capacity is way more and the temps are years cooler. CSF is full aluminum, none of that cheap ass plastic on the stock one. They have a reputation with autocross and track guys for their work with the charge coolers and intercoolers on the newer M cars. N52 is direct fit, my N51 has a dumb sensor for EVAP shit on the stock one, so I just unplugged it and add to the list of reasons my SES is on. Also, cheapest N51 SULEV radiator cost nearly $700, but CSF was like $300! No brainer. BTW The autos get a radiator with an additional nipple (hehe) at the bottom where the trans cooler hooks up, so the CSF one won't work for autos. Do yourself a favor and get a CSF radiator. This is not a paid advertisement, just a testimonial from a very happy customer.
Here's the link:
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-csf-part...ator/7001~csf/