Hello, I need some suggestions on a good radiator to replace stock in my r53. I’m trying to fix an overheating issue and am unsure of the problem. There’s no leaks. Head gasket is good. Thermostat is new. Supercharger PTO gears are good. Radiator fan turns on. I’m replacing the water pump and figured I’d go ahead and replace the radiator while I’m at it. Any suggestions on a good value brand is appreciated.

 

I'd go with a nissens from FCPeuro https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/min...ns-17117570489 the price is reasonable and it seems like a decent quality part. Bonus points for FCP's lifetime guarantee replacement policy.

I would avoid the temptation to go with an aftermarket radiator with metal tanks. The moderate increase in cooling isn't worth the high rate of leaks in my opinion.

 

Please elaborate on "aftermarket radiator with metal tanks" and "high rate of leaks".

I want to put a Mishimoto radiator in my R53 and I know FCP sells them (though Mishimoto warranty's their own stuff for life anyway). I've never heard about all metal radiator leaks.

 

I've heard stories of Mishimoto products failing on E36s and other BMW chassis whether it be broken fan controllers or pin hole leaks on radiator welds. Personally I would stay away from them and just go with the OE/OEM supplier from FCP (looks to be Nissens).

 

I can't remember if I saw it on here or on FB, but when I was looking to replace my radiator 6 months ago, I found too many complaints of them leaking at the welds between the tank and the radiator core. they do have the lifetime warranty so that is nice, but I don't really enjoy replacing the radiator. Also I don't think most of us need the extra cooling. I run a 17% pulley and CAI on an otherwise stock engine and I don't have any over heating issues, even on track days. The OEM radiator provides enough cooling capacity to keep it cool under most circumstances, so If you're having over heating issues and not turbo'ed making 400+ WHP the problem is most likely elsewhere, and adding more cooling capacity is really just a bandaid instead of fixing the real problem. That's the conclusion I came to when I was trying to make the decision, but I don't claim to be an authority by any means.

 

I used a Mishimoto radiator on a S2000 I tracked heavily (6 events a year, plus autocrosses). Never had a problem with cooling or leaks.
Bonus, they'll replace the radiator if you get into an accident, as long as you have proof of purchase.

so, for my experience, no issues and I'd buy it again.

For the Mini, I used an autozone special. No issues with it either.

 

I have a Mishimoto in my r53 for almost two years now, no problems. I have the OEM one shelved just in case I ever have a problem with the Mishimoto I can swap while I get a lifetime replacement sent.

 

Last time I replaced my R53 radiator I used a 'Canadian' version of the OE radiator. So far no problems.

 

I just fitted a Fletcher v2 40mm alu rad, the v2 has extra brackets in the corner for structural rigidity. So far so good

 

Is your condenser bent? Looks like mine!

 

Yes it is! Somewhere in the past, something "kissed" the condensor. It's still intact, but bent out of shape

 

The Fletcher looks the part, but I don’t see the reasoning behind the bracing. It’s not attached to any structural part the the car that my have flex.

 

It's just there as a support..! To help keeping it from "racking" (top sideways over the bottom).
Why is that a problem for you ? It's just good support for many of the unknowns that it may go through.

Mike

 

I don’t have any problems with it, and that’s silly to assume I do. It looks like a quality radiator. Thanks for explaining the structural engineering to me.

 

If you'll do a search on this forum, you'll find my comments and others about M!@#$%^&o radiators. I don't want to badmouth or deter anyone from using them. Their warranty is commendable but, as noted above, replacing a radiator once is a chore; Twice is aggravating; The third time, a pain in the a**!

 

Yep, there are situations known where they start to leak, so extra structural rigidity is not a bad thing. I was also warned for this, but I was willing to try the v2 version.