Converting to a non-M radiator

[bigjae46]

I know...it sounds insane!

So the radiator mounting and hose fitting locations are the same, so not an issue there. My only concern is the bottom driver's side. I know there is a blue drain plug. I see an opening which I can't tell if it is for a screw or if I need to find a way to plug it?



The reason I am considering this the core is slightly thinner which leaves more room to mount an oil cooler on the backside and duct the radiator through the hood. Every millimeter helps. I know the cooling performance will suffer but I can sacrifice some cooling capacity in favor of better oil temp control and less weight.

[Cubieman]

Here's the petcock for it, it inserts and you turn it 90° to lock it, this is for an E90.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...BoCuocQAvD_BwE

As far as the the hole above the petcock it has a hose that inserts there and uses a coarse screw to hold it into place, you can see the hole for the screw just above the hole.

You could buy that hose/fitting and modify into a plug I would imagine.

[sapote]

"My only concern is the bottom driver's side. I know there is a blue drain plug. I see an opening which I can't tell if it is for a screw or if I need to find a way to plug it?"

Pic is the plug for automatic which has a hole on the shaft for coolant to flow to the said opening/hole; there is a plug for manual which blocks coolant flowing to the opening and you can leave it alone.