M5 Radiator

[johne]

I replaced my 7 year old Behr radiator which was leaking on the lower passenger's side with a new BMW Behr radiator. That one leaked at the same place after 200 miles of driving. Ordered a new one which took about 2 weeks to arrive from Germany. That one leaked at the same place after about 100 miles of driving. In the meantime I had noticed bubles in the overflow tank immediately after start -up and continuing when warm. So I thought I had a head gasket problem. When the 3rd one arrived (2 more weeks) the dealership said I had to have their service department diagnose the car. When I went to pick up the car they had already installed the 3rd radiator --no charge. I spoke to the senior tech and he said bubbIes are normal for this car. I work for an automotive group that includes BMW which may explain why they installed it.. I was very surprised but pleased about the service. However I'm still skeptical that this one will last. Behr quality --questionable at best.

[Ken H.]

Contact Ron Davis Radiators in Phoenix. They make an all-aluminum clone for the M5 radiator. Price will probably beat the realoem one. 5 years w/o any issues on a FI S38.

[johne]

Thanks I'll keep that in mind. If # 3 goes "south" I may consider asking for a refund an getting an all aluminum type.

[LaRue]

Thanks I'll keep that in mind. If # 3 goes "south" I may consider asking for a refund an getting an all aluminum type.

There's a thread on here of a group buy from Wizard Cooling. I shipped the plastic fan shrouds to them so they could tweak their CAD drawings and they have ti well sorted out. I recommend them.

[TurboChris]

Contact Ron Davis Radiators in Phoenix. They make an all-aluminum clone for the M5 radiator. Price will probably beat the realoem one. 5 years w/o any issues on a FI S38.

I was a huge Ron Davis fan till I called them in Dec regarding a replacement radiator for my M5 and they quoted me $900.

[wkohler]

They seem to have gotten nuts lately. A friend of mine had them make an M30 unit for his 535 using a spare of mine for a template and he was out well over $800.

Kinda funny comparing the idea you can go buy a Mishimoto for an M50 car for $200.

[1st 5er]

... Wizard Cooling.

$550.00 advertised price.

[TurboChris]

Agreed, I think the Wizard is the way to go. The one I just picked up looks great. No way Ron Davis's is worth almost twice the money.