BMW E39 radiator replacement, Radiator fix, leaking radiator fix, radiator swap

Today's patient is BMW E39
The problem is leaking radiator.

Radiator is fitted with 2 bolts as on picture.

 Cracked radiator. As you can see glue did not stop the leak. You can try in this happen to you, however it may be not successful. If the leak is coming from metal part of the radiator it can be easily fixed using EPOXY glue for metal. Just give it enought time to dry off and get hard. You can use hair dryer for better results

 You will need to disconnect few wires

 And reservoir tank, As you can see in here the tank is damaged and supposed to be replaced or at least properly glued and sealed

Reservoir has two pipes coming from bottom
As owner of the car used water to top up the coiling system you can drain it on the ground as it is just pure clean water

 Another pipe to be removed. On the RHS of this picture you can notice bleeding bolt

 In order to remove the radiator you will need to remove the fan first. This model has 2 fans. You are dismantling the one between engine and radiator

 Shelf for rubber supporter mounted on both sides of the radiator

 New one

 Bleeding hole

 Here you can see the second bleeding bolt.

Bleeding: There is few methods but keep it simply and universal for all types of cars:

Top up the necessary amount of coolant and release slightly bleeding bolts. When you notice these are dripping tight them. Keep topping up the system until correct level. Do not put cap on the reservoir tank. Keep it open.
Then start the engine and keep it running for about 5-10 minutes after engine achieve the normal working temperature (radiator should be hot).
You will see some air bubbles in reservoir tank.
Stop the engine. Let it cool. Then check again the coolant level.
You are good to go!


Thanks