1994 325i cooling system refresh
Discussion
So touch wood zero running issues with this little coupe compared to everything going on my 2002 e46 320ci.. I want to give the old thing some love back and make sure it doesn't overheat next summer for planned Euro trips etc.
Its on 93,000, had fan clutch and water pump at 45,000 in 2005, no other history to show anything else.
What should I change out, and where should I get the parts from, ECP rads etc any good or is there any genuine suppliers that sell Meyle/Febi etc cheaper? Even a kit like they sell in the states?
Also has brake shudder braking from 55mph plus, which discs and pads are recommended?
Many thanks!
Its on 93,000, had fan clutch and water pump at 45,000 in 2005, no other history to show anything else.
What should I change out, and where should I get the parts from, ECP rads etc any good or is there any genuine suppliers that sell Meyle/Febi etc cheaper? Even a kit like they sell in the states?
Also has brake shudder braking from 55mph plus, which discs and pads are recommended?
Many thanks!
I changed the thermostat housing on my '93 325 (and current 328) to an alloy one and replaced the stat at the same time. Found the housing on eBay I think for about £22, stat from ECP or GSF using the regular discount codes. Usually buy the better quality items from ECP/GSF not the cheapest ones.
Water pump might be due again after 12 years, esp. if it's the plastic impeller type which tend to fail.
I hear Nissens rads are OK and cheaper than BMW. Also worth replacing the expansion tank if this is not included with the new rad as they tend to fail.
The plastic vanes of the viscous fan can apparently get brittle and fail, can be bought separately from the viscous coupling - think I saw them on GSF or ECP.
Also try CarParts4Less - no discount codes like ECP/GSF but they are still cheap enough to compete and beat them sometimes.
Had front brake judder on my 325, but replacing the discs and getting wheels balanced didn't help - I think the front hub assy had some runout.
Just used Brembo OEM-style discs from one of the above suppliers but I quite like EBC Greenstuff pads so used those. I'm gentle on brakes though so if you drive harder they'd probably recommend the Yellowstuff pads for a heavier car like the E36.
Water pump might be due again after 12 years, esp. if it's the plastic impeller type which tend to fail.
I hear Nissens rads are OK and cheaper than BMW. Also worth replacing the expansion tank if this is not included with the new rad as they tend to fail.
The plastic vanes of the viscous fan can apparently get brittle and fail, can be bought separately from the viscous coupling - think I saw them on GSF or ECP.
Also try CarParts4Less - no discount codes like ECP/GSF but they are still cheap enough to compete and beat them sometimes.
Had front brake judder on my 325, but replacing the discs and getting wheels balanced didn't help - I think the front hub assy had some runout.
Just used Brembo OEM-style discs from one of the above suppliers but I quite like EBC Greenstuff pads so used those. I'm gentle on brakes though so if you drive harder they'd probably recommend the Yellowstuff pads for a heavier car like the E36.
IME the cooling systems tend to only suffer on BMWs through neglect. By that I mean ignoring signs of overheating and not keeping on top of coolant changes.
If your gauge is smack bang in the middle once it warms up and stays there I'd personally do the following.
-Change the expansion tank
-Check over the system. If there are any leaks deal with them ASAP
-Change the coolant with either genuine BMW coolant or Comma Glytansin G48.
I've never had a problem with the vanes coming off on plastic impellors and I've covered some huge numbers in cars including those with a reputation for breaking them.
If your gauge is smack bang in the middle once it warms up and stays there I'd personally do the following.
-Change the expansion tank
-Check over the system. If there are any leaks deal with them ASAP
-Change the coolant with either genuine BMW coolant or Comma Glytansin G48.
I've never had a problem with the vanes coming off on plastic impellors and I've covered some huge numbers in cars including those with a reputation for breaking them.
The plastic impeller pump has a bad reputation that is wholly undeserved - I've changed them at 15 years/150k. Some fail after less, but how long is it supposed to last?
On a 325i E36, a Euro Car Prats alloy thermostat housing and a paper gasket from BMW, a genuine BMW stat, Nissans rad (header tank built in), Circle ECP water pump and regrets the plastic rollers for the drive belt - I just pick the seals out, finger a bit of grease in, refit the seals and they're good to go.
The E36 was one of the last cars BMW built properly, unlike the heap of s
t that replaced it.
On a 325i E36, a Euro Car Prats alloy thermostat housing and a paper gasket from BMW, a genuine BMW stat, Nissans rad (header tank built in), Circle ECP water pump and regrets the plastic rollers for the drive belt - I just pick the seals out, finger a bit of grease in, refit the seals and they're good to go.
The E36 was one of the last cars BMW built properly, unlike the heap of s
t that replaced it.Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff