Radiator Burst

[318 NewBoy]

Does anyone can help on the reason of the burst of radiator? Usually how long is the life span of a radiator, or depends on luck? The radiator of my E46 318 was burst out of a sudden and coolant & water was just splash on the floor, dramatic!!

 

[yky]

Re: Radiator Burst

Happened to my previous E36 328i and another person's E46 320i. In both cases, the cars are about 4.5 years old when it occured.

 

[piggyboyz]

Re: Radiator Burst

Check out my post under "Living Beyond 100"

It's a common problem for the E46 nearing 100k mileage.

 

[hetraa]

Re: Radiator Burst

mine burst at the 4 yr mark also...its a common fault..

Does anyone can help on the reason of the burst of radiator? Usually how long is the life span of a radiator, or depends on luck? The radiator of my E46 318 was burst out of a sudden and coolant & water was just splash on the floor, dramatic!!

 

[318 NewBoy]

Re: Radiator Burst

Thanks buddies. I just installed a gauge for monitoring the water temperature, however, the temp seem to be staying at 120 C, which is the highest that the gauge can read. I was told by a mechanic that the gauge was meant for japanese made car, which has a lower water temp, normally at around 90 C and BMW would have higher temp at around 120 C. Is this true? Please help.

 

[jawzsg]

Re: Radiator Burst

120 C is probably the temperature of steam despite the coolant effect. Have water pump & hoses checked, and radiator pressure test for leaks.

 

[zero]

Re: Radiator Burst

Does anyone can help on the reason of the burst of radiator? Usually how long is the life span of a radiator, or depends on luck? The radiator of my E46 318 was burst out of a sudden and coolant & water was just splash on the floor, dramatic!!

This morning I also discovered my 3 yrs old E46/318 water tank totally empty. The coolant was splashed all over the floor.

I top-up the water and check but there's no leakage - quickly drove to Juzz For Cars and parked there since 7 AM. On the way, temperature was normal and coolant light did not came "on".

However, See Toh just called me and said the coolant light was "on" - it could be radiator hose or the tank, hopefully nothing major. (I suspect it only leak when the engine is cold).

 

[rodders]

Re: Radiator Burst

My expansion tank and top hose needed replacement when my mileage touched 65K km. Seems that things start breaking down one by one when the car passes the 3 years mark or so.

 

[teckheng]

Re: Radiator Burst

mine brusted 3years also.

i think it's a normal tear and wear.

 

[piggyboyz]

Re: Radiator Burst

This morning I also discovered my 3 yrs old E46/318 water tank totally empty. The coolant was splashed all over the floor.

I top-up the water and check but there's no leakage - quickly drove to Juzz For Cars and parked there since 7 AM. On the way, temperature was normal and coolant light did not came "on".

However, See Toh just called me and said the coolant light was "on" - it could be radiator hose or the tank, hopefully nothing major. (I suspect it only leak when the engine is cold).

If a pressure test cannot trace the leak, then it's your water pump that is gone. Anywhere else, u can trace it through a pressure test.