Cooling System Differences Euro VS US E36 M3

[m3f_M3AN]

So should I change it?



Dont think I understood your post.

I've removed my clutch fan. I don't need it in my climate.



You can test your clutch fan, search here for the 'newspaper test'. If it tests okay then you're fine but again, you may want to consider replacing components for preventative maintenance as you approach 200k. Perhaps 175k in a harsh environment like yours.



These are just my suggestions though, not a bible!

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

Thanks. Really appreciate all the advice I can get.

[m3f_kevinwilly]

The euro cooling system is not anywhere near as problematic as the US-spec.


The water pumps don't really go bad. Like ever. The thermostat housing is aluminum from the factory. The expansion tank is not mounted on the back of the radiator so they don't get brittle and fail like the US ones.


Really, you just need to change out the hoses every couple years (like you should with ANY rubber hoses on any car) and replace the radiator every 120k km's or so. The radiator is really the only point of failure that you might want to be proactive about. If the tank cracks your car won't overheat because it's the highest point in the system, unlike the US cars which will lose all their coolant. If the return hose breaks, same thing. You'll just get a low coolant message and you'll find it on inspection. No big deal.

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

Thanks for the advice. Really appreciate it.


I checked the fan clutch with the newspaper. It didn't spread the newspaper, but it didn't stop either. But became quite slow.


Is the fan clutch the same between the US and the Euro cars?

[m3f_cracky]

regardless of anecdotes.

Old plastic and rubber is old plastic and rubber regardless


I wouldnt wait for the rad to break. I would replace it, hoses AND the expansion tank. its old plastic too.


Could you push it? absolutely you could. Some make it, some dont. In you climate...Id redo most of it.

[m3f_digger]

E

Only things I can add:


* You'll never need to replace your radiator unless you break it, they're very good.

except if it randomly breaks while driving...... it wasn't broken by a person, nor were the engine mounts shot which stress the snout even more. The engine moves and the raditor doesnt move near so much so the snout flexes and fatigues over long periods even with a rubber flexible hose. they dont last forever nothing plastic that sees a ballpark of 100C will


the small pipe back to header tank also gets brittle but its not expensive and simple job


the life will depend the temp it sees so climate will affect the life as the underhood temps get real hot

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

Thanks Guys



So is it better to stick with OEM hoses or get silicone hoses.

[m3f_Nick325xiT 5spd]

Thanks Guys



So is it better to stick with OEM hoses or get silicone hoses.

OEM hoses.

[m3f_Neubauten]

OEM hoses.

Regardless of the cost, do you think there is any downside to silicone hoses (I mean good ones, like Samco) versus OEM?

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

I always thought that silicone hoses were better. But I might be wrong.

[m3f_M3AN]

Silicon hoses are more durable, yes. A lot of people don't like them because of the shiny look but you can get them in matt black too now.


I'd skip Samco and get a Roose Motorsport kit if I were going silicon.


https://roosemotorsport.co.uk/e36-hose-kits.html

[m3f_Neubauten]

Silicon hoses are more durable, yes. A lot of people don't like them because of the shiny look but you can get them in matt black too now.



I'd skip Samco and get a Roose Motorsport kit if I were going silicon.



https://roosemotorsport.co.uk/e36-hose-kits.html

Thanks a lot, adding this on my shopping list

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

Silicon hoses are more durable, yes. A lot of people don't like them because of the shiny look but you can get them in matt black too now.



I'd skip Samco and get a Roose Motorsport kit if I were going silicon.



https://roosemotorsport.co.uk/e36-hose-kits.html

Thanks. I just ordered it.

[m3f_M3AN]

Thanks. I just ordered it.

Nice! What colour?

[m3f_Hasan Shaikh]

Nice! What colour?

My car is blue, so I ordered blue with the Roose Motorsport logo.



Thanks for your help and suggestion.