Cooling Issue - Street & Track

[yhp2009]

What an unlikely culprit. the probability of both the OE rad and the aftermarket both being bad back to back. Glad you found the solution

[sapote]

Welp, as much as I can't believe it, a brand new BMW OEM radiator fixed the issue. I am pretty shocked that the previous one crapped out after only 1.5 years, but I guess these things happen. Thank god for FCP Euro. Lesson learned on assuming new-ish parts shouldn't be the issue.

wonder why the 1.5 years young radiator has the issue; no debris or dust covered cooling fins? I can't believe the water channels or pipes in the rad clogged up only 1.5 yrs. Maybe it is just a bad product with too narrow channels from day one and getting worst.

[bimmer]

No dust or debris on the fins, and no physical damage that I could find. I do wonder if it was defective from the get go and getting worse as you suggest. The issue really became apparent after my move from CT —> CO so I wonder if the higher temps and high altitude/thin air were enough to make the defective rad show it’s true colors?

[S14]

Welp, as much as I can't believe it, a brand new BMW OEM radiator fixed the issue. I am pretty shocked that the previous one crapped out after only 1.5 years, but I guess these things happen. Thank god for FCP Euro. Lesson learned on assuming new-ish parts shouldn't be the issue.

That's crazy! I wonder if FCP would warranty a CSF radiator for an OE replacement.

[sc_tr0jan_m3]

That's crazy! I wonder if FCP would warranty a CSF radiator for an OE replacement.

If they sell it, they will


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[Obioban]

A properly functioning stock rad in the car is superior to every aftermarket option, IMO.

[bimmer]

FCP let me return the CSF radiator outright after hearing about my issues with it. I then had the new BMW OEM radiator refunded to me as a warranty swap for the one I purchased 1.5 years ago. I love that company.

[jet_dogg]

I always love when people state they "upgraded" their radiator with csf haha.

[siamkazi]

I always love when people state they "upgraded" their radiator with csf haha.

Had one put in 3 months ago...still on the fence, wish I knew earlier 😐

[enjoy_m3]

So you had the full aluminum csf radiator and it still gave the same issue? And the a 2nd oem radiator fixed the problem? That's some really crappy luck getting 2 defective radiators. Glad you finally fixed the issue. Time for more Track Days!

[Obioban]

So you had the full aluminum csf radiator and it still gave the same issue? And the a 2nd oem radiator fixed the problem? That's some really crappy luck getting 2 defective radiators. Glad you finally fixed the issue. Time for more Track Days!

I would describe that as a defective OE rad and a CSF rad operating as expected.

[bimmer]

So you had the full aluminum csf radiator and it still gave the same issue? And the a 2nd oem radiator fixed the problem? That's some really crappy luck getting 2 defective radiators. Glad you finally fixed the issue. Time for more Track Days!

Correct - my half Irish luck isn't enough apparently 🤷♂️ but yes more track days for sure!

And yeah - apparently the CSF rads are no bueno. My thought process was that an OEM rad after 1.5 years and < 5000 miles couldn't keep up so an aftermarket surely would be better than that. Wrong.

[S14]

FCP let me return the CSF radiator outright after hearing about my issues with it. I then had the new BMW OEM radiator refunded to me as a warranty swap for the one I purchased 1.5 years ago. I love that company.

Great to hear, I love them as well!

[jet_dogg]

The csf isn't defective, it's just shitty.