I was putting on the radiator today and noticed the upper flange was broken 🤔 do I have to buy a new radiator or can I just order the broken part and bolt it on? I tryed to Google what I thought was the part number but couldn't find it. Here is the picture

Benny
04 Cooper S
86 944
82 528e

 

Even if I don't always order from them, I like to use this site because of their catalog parts search: https://www.lllparts.co.uk/catalogs/...rch/17/17_0233 (direct link to radiator parts for 04 Cooper S)
If I'm not mistaken, that part is number 1 on the diagram, with part number 17 12 7515500.
Please don't take my word for it and double-check that's the right part before buying though.

 

It's actually this part it bolts on to the radiator.

 

are you able to JB weld the flange back together? Looks as if the ears where the bolts go through just snapped off, which is outside of the sealing area of the flange against the radiator.

 

As you can see on the parts diagram, it's not offered as a separate OEM part. If you want to use only OEM, it looks like you'll have to buy the whole radiator.
Otherwise, if you want a new part, you'd need to find a compatible part. I tried to have a look, but couldn't find one.
I was going to suggest a junkyard to get a second-hand part (I came across a few on ebay that looks like the right part, but in Europe), but while looking for a compatible part, I came across this other hurdle: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...g-coolant.html

Even if you manage to source a flange, there seems to be a gasket inside. Again not sold separately, and I've not found a compatible part either (though I didn't search hard). There is a possibility for leaks if that gasket is damaged during disassembly/reassembly, or just too old and the disassembly "finish" it. I would personally not be comfortable changing the flange without changing that gasket too.

Unfortunately, in light of those facts, my advice would be "new radiator", though of course you decide for yourself

 

I've come to the same conclusion, fortunately the prices of a new radiator aren't that crazy so I'll just order a new one.

Benny
04 Cooper S
​​​​​​86 944
82 528e

 

Yep, part of the radiator.