E39 radiator pin hole

[HRG]

The rad on my E39 has just developed a pinhole leak I've Araldited it up and it seems to be holding but having Googled it there seems to be a problem with the plastic age hardening and holing/cracking.

Does anyone have any recommendations for aftermarket radiators as I'd rather put a better part in there if I've got to pop the old one out.

[belleair302]

Behr or Nissens are the two best OEM or aftermarket suppliers. Phone around the breakers if you want a used one, otherwise the usual suppliers.

[HRG]

As they're plastic I wouldn't bother with a S/H one. GSF seem to have an OEM for about £120.

[eliot]

I glued mine up, lasted about a week of short journeys. Replaced from eurocarparts for around £130 in the end.

[HRG]

So they're not overly good then

That said, I suppose a £120 part lasting ten years isn't the end of the world... If the Araldite holds I'll just leave it but if it happens again I'll stick another one in there. Just wondered if any of the OEMs' were 'better'.

[matt uk]

The cooling system is a weak spot on the e39.

When I bought my 530i I did notice that he previous owner had spent hundreds of puunds (at a BMW garage) sorting the issue. And the car was only 5 years old when the work was done.

10 years probably isn't so bad.

[welwynnick]

Was the pinhole in the vertical "header tank" on the nearside, right next to where the top hose goes in, by any chance?

Design fault, methinks. The top hose is not flexible enough. I tried a prorietary coolant leak sealer, but it didn't work.

Just replace the radiator, it's charted in the stars. £130 sounds OK.

Nick

[HRG]

Offside where the top hose enters. It's holding so far but I'm ready to replace it if it goes.

Are all the OEM and genuine ones plastic?