Rad replacement 1997 328i
- Thread starter bfwilson
- Start date
I've replace the radiator on my 94 about a year ago, your 98 should be similar.
I don't recall needing any special tools. Changing the radiator is fairly straight forward if you have done work on cars before. As I recall:
- Remove the upper shroud cover panel
- Remove upper and lower hoses, I suggest replacing both of them
- Remove the expansion tank hose
- Remove the temperature sensor
If you want to remove just the radiator, you'll need to separate the expansion tank from the radiator, and also the shroud from the radiator. The radiator should then slide straight up and out. But it is a very tight fit and all of these required some coaxing on my car.
- Watch for the rubber mounting bushings as you pull it out, you will need these for the new radiator.
- Check the expansion tank for cracks and sludge inside. Sludge frequently gums up the level switch.
- Be sure to refill the radiator properly, they need to bled correctly.
I think I covered most of it. I would give this a 2.5 to 3 difficulty on a scale of 1(easy) to 5(hard). I think PelicanParts.com has a DIY page for this job on their site.
I don't recall needing any special tools. Changing the radiator is fairly straight forward if you have done work on cars before. As I recall:
- Remove the upper shroud cover panel
- Remove upper and lower hoses, I suggest replacing both of them
- Remove the expansion tank hose
- Remove the temperature sensor
If you want to remove just the radiator, you'll need to separate the expansion tank from the radiator, and also the shroud from the radiator. The radiator should then slide straight up and out. But it is a very tight fit and all of these required some coaxing on my car.
- Watch for the rubber mounting bushings as you pull it out, you will need these for the new radiator.
- Check the expansion tank for cracks and sludge inside. Sludge frequently gums up the level switch.
- Be sure to refill the radiator properly, they need to bled correctly.
I think I covered most of it. I would give this a 2.5 to 3 difficulty on a scale of 1(easy) to 5(hard). I think PelicanParts.com has a DIY page for this job on their site.