Best E46 Expansion Tank Brand ?
 

So my 2002 BMW 325Ci's expansion tank is leaking (Surprise surprise!). and I Want to get a replacement that is better than the OEM if possible. The list of brands include Power Pro, Uro, Meyle, Behr and (of Course) OEM. Which one is better?

FYI: the OEM expansion tanks are famous for failing, so unless you think all other brands suck, please try to suggest an expansion tank other than the OEM one.

Thanks in Advance!

Oem

Oem +1

oem

I appreciate your opinions guys. Did any of you actually had an issue with their expansion tank ?

No. OEM can last a long time believe it or not. My tanks is at 103k (don't ask). I have a new OEM tank in my trunk waiting to be put in this week.

Oem.

oem

Walmart universal cooling system tank...a few extra hoses...a gizmo or two, some clamps and duct tape....almost like OE, but I had to remove just a small section of hood for it to fit.


I'm on phone so if I wrote something stupid, it was probably the phone!

OEM, boss!

no to Behr. yes to OEM
The upper hose would not fit to the nipple on the tank (the retention clip would not engage)
I tried fitting the old and new hose to the Behr tank with the same result.
Old and new hose to the old tank was no problem.
I looked inside the Behr tank and saw plenty of excess material from the weld process.
So I headed down to Global Imports here in ATL and got a tank with no hose fitment issues (tried it in the parking lot before leaving).

I got 110K out of the original tank (had the production sticker still on it)

I bought my car and it had an original ET. I decided to buy a new one(OEM from teh dealer) just incase and left it in my basement until I needed it, because I was almost sure my original one would blow.

At 112k miles I decided I've waited enough and changed it. There was no leaks and no signs of cracks or damage on my original one, which was dated 02/03. I could've probably used it for another 59k miles.

Genuine BMW.
My original tank went at 200k. I think that's a testament to its longevity.

I just went straight to oem and didnt bother looking for other brands.

2 reasons....

Price for oem isnt expensive and this is a piece you dont want to experiment with. It helps keep the engine cool. That thing leaks out coolant and your overheating quick.

The oem one is like $70. If your that cheap to not be able afford it, get another car. It works fine and lasts 100k+

Original ET still at 128K miles.I have one sitting here for over two years now.

Mine was OEM at 130K and looked pristine. No areas looked weakened...replaced it anyway with Meyle.

I like Meyle.

I didn't buy a BMW expecting to treat it like a Mazda. I just wanted to know if there's an upgrade from the OEM with regards to the expansion tank. I don't wish to replace the OEM tank twice.

I guess OEM it is then. Thanks for the feedback everybody.

I replaced my first one at 100k miles and purchased it from AutohausAZ. It wasn't OE and I paid the price as it ruptured within aabout 20k miles. The next one came from Tischer BMW so it's OE. Still going 45k miles later. All that to say, go OE only!

OEM
For guarantee fitment (it just fits, no fighting with it to get it installed) and reliable functionality (coolant level sensor)

Yes, you've heard/read that the original ET do fail/crack/explode BUT that's usually after 5 years or 85+K miles whichever comes first.