MT 07 328i Is this radiator plug normal?

mastamind518 · 12-31-2011, 10:08 PM

I recently bought a 07 328i and noticed low coolant after a week of driving. Upon inspection, I noticed a weird cap on the lower left of the radiator (driver side) facing the engine. And there was liquid under it.

Is this plug normal?

Picture is taken looking down in front of the air box(upper right of picture)

I tried looking up the diagram on realoem, but dont see this cap/plug on the bottom left of the radiator on the engine side. I noticed that the AT diagram had more hoses than the MT one, so is this a block for the lack of transmission cooling for a MT car?

Also... Happy new year!

mastamind518 · 01-01-2012, 08:32 AM

Anyone? I'm referring to the plug in the center of the picture, all the way at the bottom.

ctuna · 01-01-2012, 09:52 AM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16

mastamind518 · 01-01-2012, 12:02 PM

I searched in the DIY but couldn't find anything about radiators.
I'm guessing that the previous owner put an auto trans radiator into the manual trans car and plugged the hose for the transmission cooler. And now it seems to have developed a slight leak.
Any tips on materials I can use to reseal it as a temp fix until I change it out with the proper radiator?
Thanks

Juiced46 · 01-02-2012, 09:53 AM

Nope that is not normal at all. BMW does not use rubber caps and screw clamps like that. I also see another one on the large hose at the top of the picture on the large coolant hose. That large hose is not clipped on properly either. That small metal clip needs to be seated against the hose, and is not supposed to have that screw clamp on it either. Some did a hacked repair.

mastamind518 · 01-02-2012, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Juiced46

Nope that is not normal at all. BMW does not use rubber caps and screw clamps like that. I also see another one on the large hose at the top of the picture on the large coolant hose. That large hose is not clipped on properly either. That small metal clip needs to be seated against the hose, and is not supposed to have that screw clamp on it either. Some did a hacked repair.

Thanks, I noticed the clips too. They seemed to be in multiple locations for the cooling hoses. Will have to redo the cooling.

Guess I'm in the market for a new radiator and hoses now.

12-31-2011, 10:08 PM	#1
mastamind518 New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 07 328i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	MT 07 328i Is this radiator plug normal? I recently bought a 07 328i and noticed low coolant after a week of driving. Upon inspection, I noticed a weird cap on the lower left of the radiator (driver side) facing the engine. And there was liquid under it. Is this plug normal? Picture is taken looking down in front of the air box(upper right of picture) I tried looking up the diagram on realoem, but dont see this cap/plug on the bottom left of the radiator on the engine side. I noticed that the AT diagram had more hoses than the MT one, so is this a block for the lack of transmission cooling for a MT car? Also... Happy new year!
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01-01-2012, 08:32 AM	#2
mastamind518 New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 07 328i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Anyone? I'm referring to the plug in the center of the picture, all the way at the bottom. __________________ Upgrades done: Dual Exhaust, LCI E90 Trunk/taillights, Escort 9500i, 20% Tints Upgrades Pending: Wheels, Xenon Headlights/Angel Eyes
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01-01-2012, 09:52 AM	#3
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,104 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	don't know look in Diy and mainteanane section http://www.e90post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=16
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01-01-2012, 12:02 PM	#4
mastamind518 New Member 0 Rep 23 Posts Drives: 07 328i Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I searched in the DIY but couldn't find anything about radiators. I'm guessing that the previous owner put an auto trans radiator into the manual trans car and plugged the hose for the transmission cooler. And now it seems to have developed a slight leak. Any tips on materials I can use to reseal it as a temp fix until I change it out with the proper radiator? Thanks
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01-02-2012, 09:53 AM	#5
Juiced46 Major 74 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 03 Turbo Cobra, 2011 335xi Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Wallingford CT iTrader: (3)	Nope that is not normal at all. BMW does not use rubber caps and screw clamps like that. I also see another one on the large hose at the top of the picture on the large coolant hose. That large hose is not clipped on properly either. That small metal clip needs to be seated against the hose, and is not supposed to have that screw clamp on it either. Some did a hacked repair.
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