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      03-21-2019, 11:59 AM   #1
Tommm
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Maintenance Thoughts - Cooling System

I out this in the maintenance forum a few days ago. Got crickets. So I'm posting it here.

Background, we have an E46 323Ci that my daughter uses. I had a E36/7 M Roadster, E46 330Cic, and a E36 M3 so i am familiar with the cooling system woes of those cars.

I have a 08 128i with 68k miles. I had it at the dealer today for the PCV recall and let them beat me for the eccentric shaft sensor seal for a bit less than $80 (and the 49.99 oil change coupon). Kudos to the dealer for not totally whacking me on the seal.

They told me the belt is getting ready. That is a job I will do.

While I am in there I will do the:
Belt & Idler - BMW Accessory Drive Belt Kit - 11287628650KT $93.97
Thermostat - BMW Thermostat Assembly - Borg Warner / Wahler 11537549476 $56.99
Water Pump - BMW Electric Water Pump - Pierburg 11517586925 $264.49
Coolant Hose Thermostat To Water Pump - Rein 11537545665 $11.99
Screws - BMW Water Pump Aluminum Screw Set - OEM Rein 11510392553 $3.09
That comes to $430 from FCP Euro

Now the question - Should I also go for:
BMW Radiator - Nissens 60786A $131.85
BMW Radiator Hose Upper - Rein 17127531579 $23.99
BMW Radiator Hose Lower - Rein 17127564478 $22.29
BMW Expansion Tank - Febi or Rein 17137640514 From RM European $45.

The hoses and tank are easy to say yes to, and go from $430 to $500. Is the radiator and expansion tank (almost $200 extra) a known failure like it is in the E46?

Also, any brands above to avoid?

I dont like to spend money unnecessarily, I also dont like to break down. I also know that it is a BMW, one of the finest machines ever built, which is what they also say on the Porsche and Volvo forums.
Thanks
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      03-21-2019, 01:35 PM   #2
olds350
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I just ordered the water pump kit from FCP Euro as well along with upper and lower rad hoses for the wifes e91. That has the same N52 engine as the 128, but her's is making noise and it's right at 100k miles. Personally, I think you're pulling the trigger too soon on a replacement water pump. Actually, at 68k miles, you're a bit early on the belt as well. Unless you see some signs of wear on that lower pulley or the tensioner, I'd wait there as well unless you're concerned about the car being 10 years old now...

I know the 135s seems to suffer a bit more on water pump issues, but the n52 seems to keep chugging right along. This is your call from a maint standpoint, but like I said, I'd wait... Have you done the water pump test to make sure it's still working ok? I'd do that before I spend money...
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      03-21-2019, 01:38 PM   #3
olds350
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I just ordered the water pump kit from FCP Euro as well along with upper and lower rad hoses for the wifes e91. That has the same N52 engine as the 128, but her's is making noise and it's right at 100k miles. Personally, I think you're pulling the trigger too soon on a replacement water pump. Actually, at 68k miles, you're a bit early on the belt as well. Unless you see some signs of wear on that lower pulley or the tensioner, I'd wait there as well unless you're concerned about the car being 10 years old now...

I know the 135s seems to suffer a bit more on water pump issues, but the n52 seems to keep chugging right along. This is your call from a maint standpoint, but like I said, I'd wait... Have you done the water pump test to make sure it's still working ok? I'd do that before I spend money...
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      03-21-2019, 02:15 PM   #4
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If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is ...
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      03-21-2019, 03:52 PM   #5
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I would replace the expansion tank. I've had two fail on N55 cars at around 70K miles.

I would do the hoses and radiator at 150K.
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      03-21-2019, 04:02 PM   #6
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Dealer did the PCV recall and said the belt is starting to go. That's what got me thinking I shoudl just do it!

The big expense is the radiator,a nd fromwhat i read it isnt as failure prone as in the E36 aned E46. I may do everything but the radiator. My post April 15th project.
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If it ain't broke, fix it 'til it is ...
I am a pro at that!
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      03-21-2019, 05:42 PM   #7
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If there's any question on the belt, do it now. Not tomorrow, now. The carnage when the belt goes on these motors can quickly become very expensive, and belt/idler/tensioner is cheap and easy insurance.

I haven't heard of the radiator being as fragile in the N52 as it was in the M54, and the latter motor does not tolerate overheating well at all, whereas the former has built-in ECU protections and less tendency to warp heads and rip head bolts out of the block.
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      03-21-2019, 05:52 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02Pilot View Post
If there's any question on the belt, do it now. Not tomorrow, now. The carnage when the belt goes on these motors can quickly become very expensive, and belt/idler/tensioner is cheap and easy insurance.

I haven't heard of the radiator being as fragile in the N52 as it was in the M54, and the latter motor does not tolerate overheating well at all, whereas the former has built-in ECU protections and less tendency to warp heads and rip head bolts out of the block.
thanks. I know. He said beginning, starting to show signs. I need another 1500 miles.
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      03-21-2019, 07:21 PM   #9
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My car had just under 130,000 miles before the water pump started throwing ominous codes. Threw in the towel and replaced it just to be safe; did not want to break down in the bitter freezing, snowy winter we'd been having. Replaced water pump and thermostat and the codes went away. It was pretty low drama and I feel good having had the opportunity to do it at the right time.

10,000 more miles and I'll do the second spark plug replacement and second diff/gearbox flush with Redline D6 and gear oil.
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      03-22-2019, 11:42 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
My car had just under 130,000 miles before the water pump started throwing ominous codes. Threw in the towel and replaced it just to be safe; did not want to break down in the bitter freezing, snowy winter we'd been having. Replaced water pump and thermostat and the codes went away. It was pretty low drama and I feel good having had the opportunity to do it at the right time.

10,000 more miles and I'll do the second spark plug replacement and second diff/gearbox flush with Redline D6 and gear oil.
How much did you get out of the belt? You have double the miles (and fun) so I'm not sure how much is wear and how much would be age.

$100 for a water pump is an easy decision comared to $265 for something I may not need for another 50K. You have me wondering if just the belt and tensioners for $95 is enough. Do the cooling system at 100K
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      03-22-2019, 07:02 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tommm View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
My car had just under 130,000 miles before the water pump started throwing ominous codes. Threw in the towel and replaced it just to be safe; did not want to break down in the bitter freezing, snowy winter we'd been having. Replaced water pump and thermostat and the codes went away. It was pretty low drama and I feel good having had the opportunity to do it at the right time.

10,000 more miles and I'll do the second spark plug replacement and second diff/gearbox flush with Redline D6 and gear oil.
How much did you get out of the belt? You have double the miles (and fun) so I'm not sure how much is wear and how much would be age.

$100 for a water pump is an easy decision comared to $265 for something I may not need for another 50K. You have me wondering if just the belt and tensioners for $95 is enough. Do the cooling system at 100K
I just changed the belt in December at around 205,000 kms or just over 120,000 miles. I would make sure to inspect it regularly. My mechanic said it made a noise on startup with the hood open (I never heard anything myself) but we could see the belt pulling forward off of the pully tracks. Don't know how long it was like that but needed to be addressed asap at that point. Believe it is a common issue that will eventually occur for everyone.
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      03-25-2019, 07:47 AM   #12
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Definitely do the belt, along with the idler and tensioner pulleys if they're "showing signs" the broken-off pieces of belt like to go through the front main seals and have a demolition derby inside the engine, which is far less than ideal.

The cooling system on the 128i is surprisingly sturdy. The 135i's had issues with cracking expansion tanks, but my car appears to have the original at 185k miles. I'm also on the original radiator, and it's held up fine to track days and general daily abuse just fine. You'll almost certainly have to replace the upper and lower hoses if you have to take them off, those are definite weak points in the system (they are cheap, though). I did my OFHG a while back, and had to replace the upper hose because part of the hard plastic flange broke-off.
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      03-31-2019, 08:56 PM   #13
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Just did my radiator, upper/lower hoses, new expansion tank on my 128 at 98K miles. Was losing coolant and it turns out the bottom of my radiator was leaking. I used a Behr replacement radiator. Did the waterpump and belt at 75K just to be on the safe side.
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