need help.

[-MSport 0]

hi bimmersport,

my 1997 bmw z3 temp gauge goes up until 3/4s then suddenly after i got to the 4th level parking my bonnet steamed and heard like something popped under the bonnet. and so when i looked at the radiator i noticed that the plastic on the right side of the radiator was broken and heaps of coolant on the floor. i'm no car expert and this is my first time to have a European car.

any suggestions where i can find cheap but trusted mechanics and parts in Auckland?

any help will be much appreciated thank you in advance guys!

[Phil-540i 166]

Hiya.

Try Glenn.............

Botany Motor Worx Ltd is East Aucklands No. 1 european car workshop.

We specialise in European vehicles: Mercedes, Audi, VW and predominantly BMW. 75% or more of our work is on late model BMW's.

Contact Glenn @ Botany Motor Worx Today

Ph: (09)-272 2546

Address:
Corner Ormiston Rd & Te Irirangi Dr
Botany South
Auckland

Before you phone please make sure you are ready to provide us with as much information as you can

Car: Model ie: E36 E28 E34 E39... coupe, sedan, touring
Year:
Vin number:
Import / NZ new:
Options ie: Manual... Auto
The list could go on & on ...dependant on the problem you might have

We need as much info as you can give us

And a description of what the actual fault is or a pic

Or Ray............

Hell BM

Located in Silverdale, Auckland - Hell BM has a huge variety of second hand BMW parts, perfect for when you need an affordable repair option for your car.

Contact Ray on 021 2 HELL BM (021 2435526)

Username: HELLBM

[yng_750 247]

yea fairly common occurance on bmws to pop a radiator.

if you stopped driving straight away you likely wont have done much damage.(provided the radiator blew from age rather than overheating)

expect the advice to be replacing radiator, hoses, thermostat, water pump and a couple of other bits.

dependant on model parts can range in price but its worth the investment for piece of mind as its never a case of if but when.

but as above see botany motor worx

[Haitoman 110]

It will probably be the plastic expansion tank which are known to split after 10-15 years. A relatively easy job if you are lucky but the bugger is you will need to bleed the coolant system as it will have air in it after replacement. Expect an hour labour plus 100-150 for the parts.

[MoJoJoe 46]

replacing the radiator is easy, you need to know why it explode in the first place. if you didnt drive it much after then the motors is probably okay. otherwise you are looking at a new head gasket as well.

I think your thermostat went popo causing the engine to overheat and the radiator poped.

New radiator(or second hand)

new thermostat,

new waterpump,

metal/alu housing

hoses

and a complete drain and flush with new fluid (50 50 mix will do)

and maybe a new headgasket (just in case) but if its good you could do without.

PS: get a 80/88C radiator temp switch and a new bmw engine fan clutch (while you are at it)

Go to paul @ milland. He can get you almost every new bmw part for like half the price of the dealer.

http://www.milland.co.nz

MillAnd is the fastest growing independent BMW parts supplier of premium quality parts at consistently low prices across a huge and continually expanding range of items.

We have over 40 years experience in European automotive after sales and the reliable supply of premium spare and standard parts for BMW vehicles.

We source and import all our BMW products from OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in Germany and reputable aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers from around the world.

Edited January 7, 2014 by MoJoJoe

[-MSport 0]

thank you guys for replying. as soon as it pooped i immediately pull over and have it towed to my house. is it ok to buy second hand radiators etc etc? i have no idea what are the prices are. is there any signs if my head gasket is damaged? coz i've heard its pretty expensive to fix those.

[yng_750 247]

pop it out and look at the damGe first. you can go second hand but they still wont be hugely reliable. have a look on pelicanparts.com for part prices if you are capable of doing it yourself. come time to sell a system overhaul will be a selling point

Sent from my GT-I8160L using Tapatalk 2

[-MSport 0]

the plastic on the right side of the radiator was broken i reckon it popped or exploded? then immediately it steamed. ill provide pics later or tomorrow.

is there anyone who can do home service? or its not possible? or any reliable shops in the northshore?

thank you guys for your help!

[-MSport 0]

Anyone knows reliable shops around northshore?

[-MSport 0]

If it's just a generic fix then really just about anyone close to you can help. Bellar off Constellation know these cars.

Hometune may even be able to do it, you'd need to check first and have an idea on the required parts.

i reckon its a generic fix coz people is saying its normal for a bmw to popped /cracked out a radiator?

is it cheaper if im going to buy the parts and just go to a shop? or is it better to just let them do the whole lot?

sorry still new in European cars.

[-MSport 0]

Thanks again everyone for replying.

Here is a photo of the radiator. It seems that the built in tank plastic cracked out.

[-MSport 0]

I see. I ask one of the sponsors already. He qouted me 280 for new one and 120 for used one.

The radiator is from a 4cyl engine btw.

[-MSport 0]

I reckon its a aftermarket one.