Engine radiator OEM BMW or Nissens

Mine didn't stop creeping up until I finally replaced the radiator. Nissens has been good over the last 2+ years.

The first radiator at the dealer was a genuine BMW part# 17111436060. Mine has lasted well.

Nissens is top notch, not cheap aftermarket stuff.

Nissens if you prefer to buy a new one, mine has been solid for over 5 years. I like the late model until '91 7/9 all metal Blackstone ones too if you're thrifty, I hoard them. I figure a metal rad won't just blow up and leave you stranded like a plastic end tank one will.

The nissens one. Yes they have plastic side tanks, but they're still good for 8-10 years. (Realistically you probably won't have the car that long) Replace it preventively. Very good for the price. If you go fully metal it'll corrode instead of pop so may as well get the one that's a fraction of the price and will pop 10 years from now. It's a quality unit and is the only direct no modification drop in replacement still available to my knowledge. Even has the thermal switch installed that was for some models with a auxiliary electric push fan.

I replaced my stock blackstone a few months ago with a Nissens from Rockauto. I am happy with it.

Nissens is good, put a long zip tie around the upper plug on the passenger side above the transmission fluid return, the plugs can push out.

If you can\u2019t afford the OE Modine radiator, get a Nissens one from FCPEURO with BMW hoses (NOT Rein which are absolute junk). Stay far away from Mahle radiators which are also junk and not worth your time.

I bought a Nissens radiator because it was the highest rated one for my car. Everything went so smooth initially. Bled the system, pressure tested it, drove it for 20 minutes, and it ran beautifully. Checked for leaks, nothing. Then, the moment I drive off the lot, my low coolant light comes on and coolant was pouring out the bottom of the car. I got a (2E83) *Electric coolant pump, reduced power operation* error. The car never overheated or went into limp mode.

My NISSEN didn't last 2 years before it failed catastrophically on the plastic side tanks.