10-30-2023, 04:29 PM | #1 |
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RK Autowerks Billet Coolant Reservoir DIY Install
I picked up the RK Autowerks Billet Coolant Reservoir this morning and installed it in about an hour. This is not a DIY for how to remove your existing reservoir, but rather showcasing the end result with the RK one.
Having had my second reservoir leak after less than a 100 miles after the dealer replaced the original, and after they deemed this second one as “holding pressure” and not replacing it, it was obvious that BMW would continue playing around with this issue for the foreseeable future. The second one was leaking even more in the days following. The RK version is beautifully built. Not sure why folks on social media are complaining about the price, considering this is machined out of billet aluminum and is very well made. It is also fully serviceable. It is not a welded aluminum piece that would obviously cost less. The unit is heavy indeed, coming in at 9.2lbs on my scale. The sensor o-rings are already installed inside by RK, and all you have to do is remove the original sensor for reuse, from the OEM reservoir. This was a beating, and while theoretically you could cut downward on the electrical connector tube and pull out the sensor, this still proved brutal with no results. This ticked me off, so I went to town with cutting tools to hack up the OEM reservoir to extract the sensor. After installing the new sensor (push it down hard enough with your finger so you can feel and hear a click, signifying contact with the o-rings inside), install everything back, ensuring the three hoses to the reservoir are seated properly and the hose connector retaining clips properly engaged. Fill back up with coolant (I didn’t have any on hand, so used distilled water for the time being) and start the car. After a drive to get the car back to operating temperature, I checked for leaks. Some notes and comments:
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F30Andy1774.00 DarkishM5C308.50 Sales@RKautowerks357.00 afo818254.50 NoMods1108.00 vanos8466.00 omgmike359.00 |
10-30-2023, 06:33 PM | #2 |
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On my first bullet point above, this is a silicate repository mesh container, to extend the life of the aluminum components of the cooling system, apparently.
When I hacked open the OEM reservoir, I damaged and perforated this mesh bag. For those of you about to embark on this retrofit, I’d suggest you remove yours from the OEM unit and install in the new one.
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10-30-2023, 07:39 PM | #4 |
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It’s actually bolted together. Very serviceable design.
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10-30-2023, 09:59 PM | #5 |
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Seeing that someone has received theirs already just reminded me to purchase mine before the price jumps up. I wondered about the mounting feet and you covered that here. Hopefully this doesn’t create any issue over time for those of us that keep and abuse the shit out of our cars.
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10-30-2023, 10:02 PM | #6 | |
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Quote:
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10-30-2023, 11:35 PM | #7 | |
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10-31-2023, 03:00 AM | #8 |
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I get it Nick380.
I was diligent in always checking and inspecting my original reservoir. Even at the slightest leak that prompted the first dealer visit, the tech had to remove, clean, and replace the coils. It was cruddy down in there. I too thought about the cost being high, and cycling through a few OEM ones instead, but the thought of “missing” damage caused by leaks even though I always had my eye on it, just got annoying. Now hopefully it’s just forget and move on, without any issues.
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10-31-2023, 07:38 AM | #9 |
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Nice writeup and it looks great in the engine bay. Hopefully this reservoir is the fix for this, and you don't have to deal with it again. The only issue I see, for the price they charge, you would think Autowerks would include the oem sensor. It is ridiculous that they are having customers go through all that trouble to remove the sensor. A person could potentially damage the sensor in the process.
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10-31-2023, 08:23 AM | #11 | |
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The OEM sensor is held in with O-rings, it is not secured in any way beyond that. In theory it should just slide out, but it does not simply pull out. Whats required is to put a vertical slit on the front of the sensor port, then break away the slit by using a needle nose. Once the sensor is exposed, it pulls right out. This procedure anyone with basic hand tools installing in their garage, would be able to do. I know most would rather not tamper with wiring themselves if they do not have to. I've also sent out several emails to try and source the sensor, but it seems to be a BMW only part and nobody else uses that sensor in any of their vehicle. If someone is able to find it, i'd be more than happy to include it with the reservoir. As of right now the only way for me to do that is to start scrapping brand new reservoirs for a sensor; that's just not a realistic option for a variety of reasons. Thanks -R
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afo818254.50 Maverik2594140.00 |
10-31-2023, 08:28 AM | #12 | |
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This was made because the community asked me to do it, we make our own product, so i dictate what i want to charge for it. The majority so far have been more than happy with the price. I'd say the split is 90/10 for happy/unhappy. I know i can't please everyone. Thanks -R PS: When you run through 5 reservoirs, i'll buy the broken reservoirs from you for the sensors.
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10-31-2023, 09:18 AM | #13 | |
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10-31-2023, 10:57 AM | #14 | |
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10-31-2023, 12:07 PM | #15 | |
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10-31-2023, 12:35 PM | #16 | ||
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If its genuinely our fault, we will assist with taking care of it. Thanks -R
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10-31-2023, 03:57 PM | #17 |
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Just ordered one (from the UK). I do hope a sensor can be installed prior to my fitment (bit scared of breaking the donor sensor). Looking forward to receiving the tank - looks like a quality product.
Would like to add, my car for is very low mileage 2019 car and this is a preventative maintenance mod, as I don't want to risk engine damage. Last edited by RockEnterprises; 10-31-2023 at 04:25 PM.. Reason: Reason |
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10-31-2023, 05:38 PM | #18 | |
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Thanks -R
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11-01-2023, 10:01 AM | #19 |
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Any pics of what the black version would look like? Didn’t see anything on the website.
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11-01-2023, 12:23 PM | #21 |
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Keep us updated on the longevity of the tank and feedback after a few hundred miles or 1k miles
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RockEnterprises12.00 logicators222.00 |
11-04-2023, 09:11 PM | #22 |
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Not sure if it's just me, but the billet tank looks to have a smaller capacity than the OE tank in that side by side image. Can you confirm?
Awesome product btw. Seriously considering. |
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