why is the BMW coolant system the way it is? - Page 6

winstontj · 10-28-2012, 12:32 PM

Are the ///M cooling systems simply better? I'm a new e46 owner and based on the very few and limited posts I'm wondering if the M cooling system is in fact better than a non-M system, and, would an M cooling system fit directly into a non-M chassis?

Or would that be an exercise in futility? I'm still not understanding if the preventative (dare I say "required") maintenance is something due to poor original OEM parts and the subsequent parts are deemed "better" (which some posts suggest) or if the replacement parts are similar/same (or not much better) than the OEM therefore it's just replacing crap with crap.

I come from a 2002, e21 and e30 background where there are plenty of aftermarket "upgrades" (all-aluminum radiator with extra cores + electric fan + manual fan delete for example) which end up killing two birds with one stone - radiator upgrade + belt fan delete = better cooling + more HP/efficiency.

I know there is a ton of crap on/in the e46 that would simply be gutted out of a race car or even just to revert back to the standards of the 70's, 80's or 90's so is it simply not possible to just add a decent performance radiator/cooling system and upgrades? Are things like this even made?

Zell · 10-28-2012, 12:43 PM

The M cooling system is just different than the M5x cooling system. It's not that it's better, but it's more reliable. Also more expensive...have you seen the cost of a water pump on an S54?!

winstontj · 10-28-2012, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zell

The M cooling system is just different than the M5x cooling system. It's not that it's better, but it's more reliable. Also more expensive...have you seen the cost of a water pump on an S54?!

No, and I don't even know if it would fit in a M5x engine. I was just curious about things like the expansion tank, etc.

My only M to non-M experience is with the S14 vs. M10 engines in 2002's and e21's - pretty much plug & play since everything is easy on both motors and cars/chassis.

Zell · 10-28-2012, 01:30 PM

I think the M expansion tank works like your traditional one in which coolant from the radiator overflows into it as it expands, rather than the system we have which...I don't know does it do that? All I know is the cap vents and we don't have that line going from the radiator like you normally see in cars.

klax · 10-28-2012, 01:32 PM

Winstontj,

With the exception of some pricey aluminium radiators and the Stewert water pump, you're basically replacing crap with crap.

10-28-2012, 12:43 PM	#102
Zell Wears carbon fiber boxers Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 3,694 My Ride: 330Ci ZHP 6sp View My Garage	The M cooling system is just different than the M5x cooling system. It's not that it's better, but it's more reliable. Also more expensive...have you seen the cost of a water pump on an S54?! __________________ E46Fanatic's resident mathemagician

10-28-2012, 01:30 PM	#104
Zell Wears carbon fiber boxers Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: In a van down by the river Posts: 3,694 My Ride: 330Ci ZHP 6sp View My Garage	I think the M expansion tank works like your traditional one in which coolant from the radiator overflows into it as it expands, rather than the system we have which...I don't know does it do that? All I know is the cap vents and we don't have that line going from the radiator like you normally see in cars. __________________ E46Fanatic's resident mathemagician

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

10-28-2012, 12:32 PM	#101
winstontj Registered User Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: CT Posts: 53 My Ride: a car View My Garage	Are the ///M cooling systems simply better? I'm a new e46 owner and based on the very few and limited posts I'm wondering if the M cooling system is in fact better than a non-M system, and, would an M cooling system fit directly into a non-M chassis? Or would that be an exercise in futility? I'm still not understanding if the preventative (dare I say "required") maintenance is something due to poor original OEM parts and the subsequent parts are deemed "better" (which some posts suggest) or if the replacement parts are similar/same (or not much better) than the OEM therefore it's just replacing crap with crap. I come from a 2002, e21 and e30 background where there are plenty of aftermarket "upgrades" (all-aluminum radiator with extra cores + electric fan + manual fan delete for example) which end up killing two birds with one stone - radiator upgrade + belt fan delete = better cooling + more HP/efficiency. I know there is a ton of crap on/in the e46 that would simply be gutted out of a race car or even just to revert back to the standards of the 70's, 80's or 90's so is it simply not possible to just add a decent performance radiator/cooling system and upgrades? Are things like this even made?

10-28-2012, 01:32 PM	#105
klax Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 411 My Ride: '04 325i View My Garage	Winstontj, With the exception of some pricey aluminium radiators and the Stewert water pump, you're basically replacing crap with crap.