|
|
|
08-04-2020, 09:20 PM | #1 |
Enlisted Member
19
Rep 41
Posts |
Plastic cooling system woes?
Some BMW models are notorious for failures of plastic parts in the cooling system. And I have experienced similar problems with Volvos I have owned. Our cars seem to be better than some.... but not perfect.
On one hand nobody wants to spend a ton of money when not needed. On the other hand I'd far rather spend $500 or even $1000 in parts and a pleasant day working in the shop, than risk being stranded on the side of the road in a cloud of steam. So what parts should be replaced at what mileage or age? My specifics: 2010 128i, 163k miles on it. Powertrain is stock. Daily driver, spirited use. I'm the third owner and I have service records. Nothing has been replaced in the cooling system AFAIK. This car has been super reliable and fun, best car I've ever owned. I would be happy to put some money and time into preventative maintenance, I just want to be smart and do the most critical items first. What do you recommend? |
08-05-2020, 03:42 AM | #2 |
Private First Class
75
Rep 187
Posts |
Water pump
Thermostat Coolant reservoir Plastic tube that feeds the coolant reservoir Oil filter housing gasket Oil cooler housing gasket Genuine BMW coolant Start with the gaskets as they are the cheapest but also known to fail the most Then move on to the water pump and thermostat Then the rest If the car has non genuine fluids it take a lot of water to flush them old fluid out. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-05-2020, 10:02 AM | #3 |
Second Lieutenant
174
Rep 257
Posts |
Thanks for the tip. Mine is a '12 128i with 96K miles, now. Preparing for the same plan, I was able to find an all-metal pump, the thermostat and the appropriate bolts. Will consider the other parts as well.
It seems the 128i's fare better than the 135i's, supposedly due to lower temps. Haven't seen anything conclusive, but 163K sounds like the upper end of when to expect inevitable failure of the original items. |
Appreciate
1
nazali1264.50 |
08-05-2020, 10:49 AM | #4 | |
Captain
772
Rep 992
Posts |
I posted this a while back...
Quote:
One word of warning: the connectors on the radiator were the toughest ones to remove. You must be careful with these or you will snap the neck off the radiator. I really wish they would use metal necks, even if the radiator is plastic. That plastic is going to be brittle after that many heat cycles.
__________________
Official BMWP Whore - BMWP suspension kit w/ M3 arms, BMWP big brake kit, BMWP intake w/Mishimoto tube, BMWP exhaust, BMWP carbon strut brace, BMWP short shifter, and BMWP carbon spoiler. OZ Leggera HLT w/ 245 square setup.
|
|
Appreciate
1
nazali1264.50 |
08-05-2020, 09:50 PM | #5 |
E82 Mudflap Ambassador
2212
Rep 2,219
Posts
Drives: '08 128i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Orlando, FL
|
CAN CONFIRM I cracked my upper radiator neck trying to get the hose off
__________________
My 2008 128i - Sparkling Graphite/Beige - Sport pkg - 6MT - Click me!
Parents' 2014 528i - Mineral White/Ivory White - fully loaded Instagram @Andreys_128i and @Honda.Bito |
Appreciate
1
nazali1264.50 |
08-06-2020, 09:24 PM | #6 |
Enlisted Member
19
Rep 41
Posts |
Thanks all!
I haven't priced it yet but I'm not adverse to replacing the radiator prophylactically. The fact that several folks have snapped off a fitting when working on it tells me the plastic is getting brittle. I've had several plastic tank radiators fail on other European cars, it's not fun. Agree completely re replacing water pump and thermostat if it is plastic. Where should I look for metal replacements for water pump and thermostat? Gaskets, I'll inspect carefully but I'm kinda adverse to replacing a gasket that looks healthy, between parts i don't have to otherwise disturb. Tell me if there is something I'm not aware of here please. I've already done the belt, tensioner, idler. Wow there are a lot of hoses! Remember when there used to be always just two coolant hoses under the hood? Or four if you count the heater hoses. Anyway that's a tough one, if it feels good and looks good from the outside, to replace or not? Are there any that are particularly known for trouble? |
Appreciate
0
|
08-06-2020, 09:39 PM | #7 | |
BMW Cool Aide!
903
Rep 841
Posts |
Quote:
pro·phy·lac·tic (prō′fə-lăk′tĭk, prŏf′ə-) adj. Acting to defend against or prevent something, especially disease; protective. n. 1. A prophylactic agent, device, or measure, such as a vaccine or drug.
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
1
Esteban42220.00 |
08-06-2020, 10:54 PM | #8 |
Major General
42220
Rep 7,224
Posts |
Or...
proactively pro·ac·tive·ly /prōˈaktivlē/ adverb By taking action to control a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened. |
Appreciate
0
|
08-07-2020, 04:29 PM | #9 |
Second Lieutenant
174
Rep 257
Posts |
I managed to the all-metal pump from the dealer. The variety of different pumps available can be found here. https://www.carid.com/2012-bmw-1-ser...er=1&sub-model[Liter][]=3.0L
I've heard that the all-metal version was intended as an improvement to the original, and then it was determined that the bearings might seize prematurely. And then that supposedly led to an improved plastic pump being designed. But I could not say which is which. I gave the dealer the part number and the metal pump is what I got. Cannot say if there is an all-metal thermostat available. I will make certain to get all the related hoses as long as I'm going this deep. Thanks for that tip! |
Appreciate
0
|
08-07-2020, 08:56 PM | #10 |
Enlisted Member
19
Rep 41
Posts |
Yes, that's exactly what I meant. Your point?
|
Appreciate
1
JimVonBaden902.50 |
08-09-2020, 01:59 PM | #11 | |
Lieutenant
173
Rep 498
Posts
Drives: 2010 128i 6MT Sport Pkg. 18"
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Ottawa, Canada
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
08-12-2020, 10:16 AM | #12 | |
Private
10
Rep 78
Posts |
Quote:
The shop that installed the CSF radiator didnt manage the lines around it though so it ended up rubbing a trans oil line and damaging that... which had to be replaced and arranged so it wouldn't rub again. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|