Cooling System Question - '99 528i

[Mike528]

I just replaced the theromostat for the first time in my 528i at 106,000 miles.

Question for fellow '99 528i or older owners: At what mileages did you have to replace your thermostats, radiators and water pumps?

Just curious if I need to replace the radiator and water pump to avoid problems on the road.

Thanks for any information you can share.

[drz]

If the radiator hasn't been changed yet, you should do it now, along with the water pump. The weak link on BMWs is the cooling system. The radiator is good for around 90k - 100k miles. Of course, they can last longer, but then you are on borrowed time. The water pumps usually are a threat to fail as early as 60k.

[BimmerE39]

Originally Posted by Mike528

I just replaced the theromostat for the first time in my 528i at 106,000 miles.

Question for fellow '99 528i or older owners: At what mileages did you have to replace your thermostats, radiators and water pumps?

Just curious if I need to replace the radiator and water pump to avoid problems on the road.

Thanks for any information you can share.

-My thermostat failed at 60K miles

-My radiator failed at 75K miles

-My water pump is still working, however I plan to replace it this summer with an aluminum impeller as the OE resin impeller is notorious for failure. The last thing you want to do is attempt to fish out tiny pieces of plastic out of your cooling system.

Also, make sure you are using the proper coolant in your system. Coolant that is extremely basic (high Ph) has been known to cause failures with BMW cooling systems. Stick to factory coolant and do not pull whatever is on the shelf in Autozone, Pepboyz, Advanced Auto, etc. Also periodically check your coolant levels as well and top off if required using the dipstick in the expansion tank.

[Mike528]

DRZ and BimmerE39,

Thanks for the information. I am having the radiator, surge tank, and water pump replaced tomorrow. All OE parts. Water pump with metal impeller. Coolant is BMW over the counter, standard issue.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

[drz]

Cool. Be sure to keep the records of date and mileage.

Any pics of your ride?

[Mike528]

Originally Posted by drz

Cool. Be sure to keep the records of date and mileage.

Any pics of your ride?

drz,

Here's a picture of my machine.



It is an out of the box standard vanilla E39. It is Titanium Silver with gray interior. 5-speed manual transmission. With an upgraded Radio/6 CD Player.

[witeshark]

Very nice!

[BimmerE39]

Originally Posted by Mike528

drz,

Here's a picture of my machine.



It is an out of the box standard vanilla E39. It is Titanium Silver with gray interior. 5-speed manual transmission. With an upgraded Radio/6 CD Player.

Looks just like my car 3 years ago.

[Mike528]

Originally Posted by BimmerE39

Looks just like my car 3 years ago.

BimmerE39,

I saw your post about your E39 Project.

Awesome!! Absolutely Awesome modifications.

Very European.

Thanks for all of the information you included about your project car.

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by drz

If the radiator hasn't been changed yet, you should do it now, along with the water pump. The weak link on BMWs is the cooling system. The radiator is good for around 90k - 100k miles. Of course, they can last longer, but then you are on borrowed time. The water pumps usually are a threat to fail as early as 60k.

^ A Big +1 ^ Yep!



jb

[BimmerE39]

Originally Posted by Mike528

BimmerE39,

I saw your post about your E39 Project.

Awesome!! Absolutely Awesome modifications.

Very European.

Thanks for all of the information you included about your project car.

No problem! Glad you enjoyed reading it. I'm trying to keep the car as clean as possible by doing small mods here and there. This coming weekend I'm painting my speaker grilles matte black instead of the OE grey. It will be subtle but it will also stand out.