Problem with Meyle expansion tank- does this look right?

[beanie]

I’ve just received a replacement Meyle expansion tank but I’m not convinced it’s ok.

As you can see there is a small gap on the corner. I’ve filled it with water and it doesn’t leak but that’s hardly representative of the pressurized system. Obviously I don’t want to take a chance on fitting a duff piece but was wondering if this is par for the course with pattern tanks.

I’ve contacted Autodoc and am still exchanging mails to resolve it, but in the meantime I thought I’d ask if anyone has fitted a new exp. tank and if they noticed anything similar.

 

[Andyboy]

That's nasty. Compare the seam with a BMW original.

Certainly with E46 expansion tanks I learned quickly to only buy BMW originals. The cost is a bit of a sting but you know it'll be right. I'm not that convinced about Meyle stuff tbh.

I had a tank from a low mileage 2.8 write off but I'm not sure if I still have it.

 

[beanie]

I’ve had a look at images online and a few seem to have this kind of gap, or at least something similar. Chances are it might be ok, but I think at this point I’ll see what the genuine part costs.

There have been a few things I’ve read recently regarding Meyle and I don’t think I’ll be buying their stuff again.

 

[Peter1450]

Trouble is it will probably be a real pain to return to Autodoc? Are they not the same company online using loads of different names when googled.
Personally I’d take a chance and fit it, it’s not like it’s one of the difficult jobs, we did my lads Z4 with a pattern and it’s been fine for two years, it’s not like the original’s great , everyone seems to have had to replace them!

 

[Andyboy]

The only aftermarket stuff I trust is febi (Ferdinand Bilstein) who basically repackage OE stuff - Bosch, Lemforder, even original BMW and all with the logos ground off.

Some Meyle stuff is fine but that expansion tank looks like cheap crap.

 

[beanie]

After a few online chats and exchanged mails. Autodoc have agreed that the tank is not worth returning and they’ll refund me. Can’t say fairer than that really.

Another quite annoying part of this cooling system refresh is that the radiator I ordered, which was listed as compatible, is subject to some uncertainty. It’s a Nissens 60638 which came labeled as suitable for an early 2.8. I had them check it against the chassis number and the first time round they said it wasn’t the right one. The next time round (different person on the line and after a few pics) they seemed to think it was ok but couldn’t be sure. To their credit, they have said I can have a refund and free return shipping if it turns out to be incorrect.

It looks correct according to real oem and my original part number checks seemed to tally up when I bought it but I am now at a loss.I’ve put a couple of pics below so if anyone knows to say if it’s the right or wrong rad for an M52TU 2.0 that would be a great help.

 

[beanie]

Trouble is it will probably be a real pain to return to Autodoc? Are they not the same company online using loads of different names when googled.
Personally I’d take a chance and fit it, it’s not like it’s one of the difficult jobs, we did my lads Z4 with a pattern and it’s been fine for two years, it’s not like the original’s great , everyone seems to have had to replace them!

Returning the parts should be simple enough. As I’d spent a fair bit on this order I had free shipping and thankfully it turns out that applies for any returns in this instance. I’m also in Italy so avoid any of the post brexit complications.

I’m not sure what to make of the part, but as I’ll be paying labor to have it all fitted I don’t fancy it failing and having to pay again. Even more importantly, I convinced my girlfriend that this was the right way to do things so if it failed and took out her engine one day, I’d never hear the end of it!

The only aftermarket stuff I trust is febi (Ferdinand Bilstein) who basically repackage OE stuff - Bosch, Lemforder, even original BMW and all with the logos ground off.

Some Meyle stuff is fine but that expansion tank looks like cheap crap.

The reason I went for the Meyle was that our local garage suggested using an unknown brand, Birth I think. After a quick search the Meyle part seemed popular so I decided to go that route. I expect there are a couple of pattern part makers and all these various places probably just stick their own part number on and sell them on.

 

[Andyboy]

I don't think it will. Iiirc, the 2.0 M52 has push fit hose connectors at both ends.

Euro Car Parts do a Nissens rad for about £100 plus VAT.

 

[Synclare]

Looks like that should be correct rad. These are on a year 2000 registered 2.0 litre:

 

[beanie]

Thanks guys, although given the differing responses I’m still not sure From the pics above (thanks for those) it looks very similar, so I’m hoping it’s the right one.

I should be able to get to the car tomorrow to have a look (it’s in a garage a fair walk away) so perhaps that’ll clear things up. If not, I’ll just have to have the rad pulled and if it looks the same then great, if not I’ll have to send it back.

Either way, there should be a definitive answer in the coming weeks!

 

[beanie]

Just to update this. The radiator turned out to be the correct part, so for anyone in the future who perhaps has the same confusion, worry no more-the Nissens 60638 is fine for an ‘00 2.0 M52TU. Our original rad was part no. 17101715319 and that seems to be common to a great number (possibly all) of the 6cyl cars.

As for the expansion tank, we let the garage doing the work supply the part and it looks far far better made than the Meyle in the first post.

Fingers crossed that it all holds up for many years to come and that there wasn’t an underlying issue causing both the tank and rad to split!

Thanks to all for your musings and info