Coolant system

[paphillyman]

I have a 1996 Z3 1.9 with 83000 on it , just got the car about a month ago. Ive been reading that its a good idea to change out the water pump , thermostat and the radiator. First thing I want to know is if anyone hasn't changed out these parts and has like 120000 miles on the car, Second thing I was looking at prices of these components and was wondering if its ok to go with different brands like I was looking at a Hepu water pump , a Behr thermostat and a Nissens radiator also if ya do replace theses items is it a good idea to change the hoses and belts too as I'm not sure what was done before with the car.

 

[GazHyde]

Best to replace pump, thermostat and all belts at the same time. No need to change the radiator unless it's faulty. A good flush through with a hose pipe while it's off the car is sensible. same with any rubber hoses, check for any issues and replace only if needed.

No reason why you can't mix and match suppliers, as long as they are good quality!

As for likelihood of failure are at high mileage, there probably are a few at big miles on the original I'd guess. Mine failed on 95k, but was quick to stop the engine and save any damage.

 

[colb]

Good advice from GazHyde regarding the cooling system.
Since you have only had the car for a month it would be prudent to change all oils, engine and filter and gearbox and diff then you know that its been done and what oil has been installed for peace of mind. Change the fuel filter as well, this is often overlooked. Make a point of checking the condition of all underhood rubber hoses for cracks and air leaks, inspect condition of plugs and put in a new set if in any doubt. Check condition of drive belts and replace if they show signs of cracking.

 

[Mint]

+1 to the advice previously posted. Just to say my water pump let go at 161,000 miles but I was lucky, only requiring a new water pump, belt and pulley wheel. It had been grumbling for a bit though.

 

[Dickymint]

I found when I changed my fuel filter that the rubber pipes on the ends were perished on the inside, so its worth changing them as they are only short sections a few inches, also I brought s/s hose clamps not jubilee clips just to make changing next time easier and I replaced the metal pipes as they were starting to rust on the inside edge where they bend upwards into the boot area but its difficult to see so may go unnoticed, I think it may have been touching a bolt that's sticking through the bottom of the car

 

[paphillyman]

Thanks for all the replys , I did change the oil and filter , differential and trans fluid , coolant flush , and the fuel filter . I guess next on the list is to change the brake fluid and look into getting a new water pump and thermostat . I guess I should of waited to do the coolant flush if I'm going to get a new water pump and thermostat but that's a lesson learned I guess.

 

[Marvin]

This probably says more about my quirks as much as the quality of the coolant system. A 1998 1.9l with 163K miles and the top radiator hose is dated 11 97

Trying to make it to 11 17 to replace the hoses. 20 years of service is a nice round number. Original radiator, water pump and thermostat. Knock on wood.
Marvin

 

[Uncle_Clanger]

Was discussing "Evans" waterless coolant yesterday, Anybody here use it?

If so which variety.?

It claims to be an engine life long, non changeable coolant.

where can you buy it at a reasonable price?

I believe it's an American company so maybe a bit cheaper over there.

 

[Dickymint]

I had a look at that but looked expensive as you have to buy special stuff as well to dry out what water is left in the system, also If you do happen to have a leak anywhere you cant just top up with water and i'd hate to go out to the car one morning to find a £100 of fluid all over the floor

 

[Uncle_Clanger]

I had a look at that but looked expensive as you have to buy special stuff as well to dry out what water is left in the system, also If you do happen to have a leak anywhere you cant just top up with water and i'd hate to go out to the car one morning to find a £100 of fluid all over the floor

That's true. I think the 3.0 holds 10.5 litres so it would be more £ if you lost a lot!

Special stuff to dry out water? Is that the prep? The video I watched said the coolant can tolerate 3% of residual water... So by the power of Google thats 315 ml

 

[Dickymint]

yea most makes have there "prep" fluid you need to buy and use first, I think that if it had been a little cheaper i'd have tried it but I know as soon as I put the stuff in...... my radiator would go

 

[Dino D]

I've read on a US forum someone doing this and the tiniest amount of water caused issues (it was leaking in places it never leaked before, something about the stuff reacting with water) so he went back to normal coolant.

 

[t-tony]

That coolant, to me, is too expensive to use on older cars which by the law of Sod will lose it all over the floor at some point. Maybe in a newer car ( a few years old). I wouldn't risk it in my 2003 car.

Tony.

 

[Zeti]

I guess I should of waited to do the coolant flush if I'm going to get a new water pump and thermostat but that's a lesson learned I guess.[/QUOTE]
When i replaced the water pump and thermostat (as a safety procedure at 100k) , i found the cooling system very clean inside (like new), probably due to quality antifreeze used during the years. The factory parts are quite good , but they (bmw) didn't expect the Z3 to be a colectible and be used forever! Prevention is much cheaper and stressless.
Dan