BMW Cooling Overhaul Kits

As the E46 M3 gets on in years and mileage, the cooling system will be one of the areas that needs the most attention. We have packaged all of the major cooling components into one overhaul kit:

• radiator
• water pump
• thermostat
• radiator hoses and clamps
• gaskets and o-rings

We have found that the E46 M3 can develop inconvenient cooling issues, even on daily driven street cars. While the infamous radiator and water pump failures of the E36 are a thing of the past, the E46 M3 still has its own complications. The best approach to avoid bigger problems is preventative maintenance. We recommend replacing the water pump before 80,000 miles and the radiator before 100,000 miles. By addressing these problem areas before a failure, you will save yourself a larger repair bill in the future.

In addition to the standard cooling package items above, there are several other cooling-related components that may make sense to do at the same time:

• Original BMW coolant
• fan clutch
• main serpentine belt and A/C belt
• Turner Power Pulley Kit (because now is the perfect time!)

This cooling overhaul package fits:
2001-2006 E46 BMW M3
 

Just like the rest of your vehicle's major systems, the cooling system must also be addressed periodically to ensure proper cooling and component reliability. Plastic and rubber components become brittle and prone to splitting or cracking after long periods of heating and cooling cycles, especially in colder climates! The coolant itself can degrade or become contaminated, leading to potential corrosion or freezing issues. Finally, thermostats and sensors can fail completely, preventing proper cooling and/or coolant temperature readings to become inaccurate.

To make sure you are not left stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine, we have put together this Basic Cooling System Service kit. This kit contains all of the most-likely-to-fail components, giving you peace of mind knowing your engine will continue to run cool for another 60,000+ miles.

See kit contents below for all included components.

Looking to improve your cooling system's performance and add some peace of mind at the same time? Look no further. This kit includes everything you need to add performance, durability and longevity to your cooling system without spending a ton of money. Best of all, the upgrade can be performed by a reasonably competent DIY enthusiast in an afternoon. The team at ECS Tuning supplies their excellent silicone radiator hoses, stainless hose clamps, and aluminum coolant bleed screw for increased durability and heat resistance. Meanwhile, a lower pressure expansion tank cap makes for a less costly "weak link" if the system builds too much pressure, potentially saving you from a costly radiator replacement that could leave you stranded. The kit also includes a gallon of Genuine BMW coolant along with 12 ounces of Red Line Water Wetter, which lowers operating temperatures and protects your cooling system from internal corrosion. All you need is this kit, a few hours of free time, and a gallon of distilled water to keep your E36 cool & running at its best!

Kit Contents:

- ECS Tuning Silicone Radiator Hoses

- ECS Tuning Stainless Steel Hose Clamps

- ECS Tuning Heavy Duty Aluminum Coolant Bleeder Screw

- 1.4 Bar Expansion Tank Cap

- Red Line Water Wetter - 12oz

- Genuine BMW Coolant - 1 Gallon

Fits the Following BMWs:

E36 323i 325i 328i M3

Just like the rest of your vehicle's major systems, the cooling system must also be addressed periodically to ensure proper cooling and component reliability. Plastic and rubber components become brittle and prone to splitting or cracking after long periods of heating and cooling cycles, especially in colder climates! The coolant itself can degrade or become contaminated, leading to potential corrosion or freezing issues. Finally, thermostats and sensors can fail completely, preventing proper cooling and/or coolant temperature readings to become inaccurate.

To make sure you are not left stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine, we have put together this Basic Cooling System Service kit. This kit contains all of the most-likely-to-fail components, giving you peace of mind knowing your engine will continue to run cool for another 60,000+ miles.

See kit contents below for all included components.

The cooling system is one of the major weak points on the N62 engine in the 550i/650i. The water pump itself won't last more than 100,000 miles in most cases and the engine itself is prone to coolant leaks from multiple locations. So a major 550i cooling system overhaul should be planned before the 100,000 mile mark. Aside from obvious leaks the 550i water pump will also squeal or screech indicating the bearings inside have worn. This package covers the water pump, thermostat, and radiator for the 2006-2010 E60 550i and E63 650i with a manual transmission.

The entire cooling system on the 550i is susceptible to leaks and poor performance. The condition of the rest of the cooling system should be considered along with the water pump and thermostat. Replacing the water pump will expose the front of the V8 engine where more problem areas may appear so plan accordingly. The biggest problem is the V8 valley pan gaskets and inner coolant tube seals. The tube carrying coolant through the valley is prone to leaking and replacement is a major job (see our valley pan pipe kit here). Additional items recommended to be replaced during the water pump job are: cooling hoses, expansion tank and cap, temp sensors, drive belts, and pulleys and tensioners.

Base 550i/650i Cooling Package includes:

• OEM Behr radiator (17117519210)
• OEM water pump (11517586779)
• water pump pipe (back of pump to engine block) (11511439976)
• OEM thermostat (11537586885)
  
• BUY AS A PACKAGE AND SAVE $$!
  
  This item fits the following BMWs:
  2006-2010 E60 BMW 550i with manual transmission
  2006-2011 E63 BMW 650i with manual transmission

This is a compete cooling system overhaul kit, which includes all the common cooling system failure parts bundled into a complete package. This cooling system package is for the 2008-2010 E60 528i/528xi models with an automatic transmission (N52 engine).

Much of the later E60 cooling system is strong and reliable compared to the previous generation 5-series models. But there is still the potential for serious cooling system and engine-related failures. On the N52 engine the electric water pump is the weakest link. It will fail without much warning and shut down the engine. Preventative replacement is the best course of action and the water pump and thermostat should be done before they reach 60,000 miles. Several other cooling components are due for replacement by 100,000 miles to prevent other breakdowns. A failure in the cooling system can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine failure. Don't gamble your engine! By replacing these core items preventatively you are defusing what could be a ticking cooling system time bomb. And if you've had a failure of one of these parts, now is the time to refresh your entire cooling system.

Our base kit comes with the OEM Behr thermostat, Original BMW electric water pump with mounting screws, and the u-shaped hose between the pump and thermostat. From there you can add additional items to complete the overhaul - radiator, expansion tank, cap, and new radiator hoses..

E60 528i Automatic Radiator Options. There are two styles of radiators for the E60 6-cylinder and automatic transmission: original and updated. You can use either radiator as long as you have the correct corresponding parts to go with it. Both radiators are still available from BMW or the OE supplier Behr. If it were up to us we would prefer the updated style because it won't cause any confusion down the road and it reduces the number of potential leak points by eliminating an unnecessary fitting.

• Original, BMW #17117534914. This setup has an extra fitting for the engine oil heat exchanger along with a hose that attaches to the water pump pipe and heat exchanger. In order to use this radiator you must use the corresponding hose. This was the original setup as the car was built at the factory and is pictured in the radiator image to the right. At some point BMW stopped listing this part number in their official diagrams and used the 209 number below.
• Updated, BMW #17117519209. This is the updated style from BMW. If your radiator was replaced at some point after 2010 it most likely has this radiator style. On this radiator they did away with the extra fitting for the heat exchanger. When looking at the ETK or RealOEM diagrams it will only list this radiator but with a note saying you also need two compensators (spacer blocks, #17117520335) and the hose (11537519494).

Click here for diagrams of both E60 radiator options.

E60 528i Cooling Hoses. There are a lot of hoses on the N52 engine. Not all of them need to be replaced during an overhaul but it would be a good idea. The hoses themselves don't wear but the metal spring clips on the connector lose their tension over time and that can lead to a leak. It's worse when re-using a hose after it's already been disconnected. Since our package includes the thermostat, water pump, and radiator we offer all of the hoses related to those components. Use the diagram on the right to see where each is connected in the engine bay. Evaluate your current hoses and then decide which ones to replace. One note about the lower radiator hose: when ordering a new hose you must order a new temp sensor. Do not reuse the original temp sensor as it will leak on the new hose.

This item fits the following BMWs:
2008-2010 E60 BMW 528i 528xi with automatic transmission

Just like the rest of your vehicle's major systems, the cooling system must also be addressed periodically to ensure proper cooling and component reliability. Plastic and rubber components become brittle and prone to splitting or cracking after long periods of heating and cooling cycles, especially in colder climates! The coolant itself can degrade or become contaminated, leading to potential corrosion or freezing issues. Finally, thermostats and sensors can fail completely, preventing proper cooling and/or coolant temperature readings to become inaccurate.

To make sure you are not left stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine, we have put together this Basic Cooling System Service kit. This kit contains all of the most-likely-to-fail components, giving you peace of mind knowing your engine will continue to run cool for another 60,000+ miles.

See kit contents below for all included components.

This is a compete cooling system overhaul kit, which includes all the common cooling system failure parts bundled into a complete package. This cooling system package is for the E30 with the M42 engine. 

A failure in the cooling system can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine failure. Don't gamble your engine! By replacing these core items preventatively, such as the thermostat housing, radiator, and waterpump, you are defusing what could be a ticking cooling system time bomb. And if you've had a failure of one of these parts, now is the time to refresh your entire cooling system. Keep on top of the cooling needs of your engine for your own piece of mind. Potential buyers also see the upside of a properly maintained car with receipts. 

This kit fits the following BMWs:

318i 318is M42

If you plan to drive your BMW aggressively on the track, it is important that you upgrade your cooling system to avoid overheating. To ensure your BMW keeps cool on the track, we have built out our new High Performance Cooling System Upgrade kits. Featured in this kit is everything you will need to redo your cooling system from top to bottom with OEM components, with select stock components swapped out for the high performance alternative! This kit includes a high performance Mishimoto Radiator, for significantly better cooling than the stock radiator and full aluminum construction that won't crack from long term heat cycling, a performance Mishimoto 70*C thermostat, for lower temperature operation and increased cooling of the engine, and a Stewart High Performance Water Pump, for dramatically increased coolant flow at all RPMs. 

Additional items included in this kit:

• OEM Replacement Coolant Hoses
• OEM Expansion Tank, Cap, and Level Sensor
• OEM Belts, Tensioners, and Pulleys
• OEM Auxiliary Fan Switch
• Genuine BMW Hardware for Easy Installation
• ECS Tuning Aluminum Water Pump Pulley - For increased reliability over the stock composite pulley

Just like the rest of your vehicle's major systems, the cooling system must also be addressed periodically to ensure proper cooling and component reliability. Plastic and rubber components become brittle and prone to splitting or cracking after long periods of heating and cooling cycles, especially in colder climates! The coolant itself can degrade or become contaminated, leading to potential corrosion or freezing issues. Finally, thermostats and sensors can fail completely, preventing proper cooling and/or coolant temperature readings to become inaccurate.

To make sure you are not left stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine, we have put together this Basic Cooling System Service kit. This kit contains all of the most-likely-to-fail components, giving you peace of mind knowing your engine will continue to run cool for another 60,000+ miles.

See kit contents below for all included components.

If you plan to drive your BMW aggressively on the track, it is important that you upgrade your cooling system to avoid overheating. To ensure your BMW keeps cool on the track, we have built out our new High Performance Cooling System Upgrade kits. Featured in this kit is everything you will need to redo your cooling system from top to bottom with OEM components, with select stock components swapped out for the high performance alternative! This kit includes a high performance CSF Aluminum Radiator for significantly better cooling than the stock radiator and full aluminum construction that won't crack from long term heat cycling, and a Mishimoto Performance 74*C thermostat for lower temperature operation and increased cooling of the engine. 

Additional items included in this kit:

• OEM Replacement Coolant Hoses
• ECS Tuning Silicone Coolant Outlet Hose with ECS Billet Thermostat Hose Adapter
• ECS Tuning Aluminized Water Pump Hose
• OEM Expansion Tank, Cap, and Level Sensor
• OEM Belts, Tensioners, and Pulleys
• OEM Auxiliary Fan Switch
• OEM VDO Water Pump
• Genuine BMW Hardware for Easy Installation
• Genuine BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (Undiluted) - 2 Gallons

Just like the rest of your vehicle's major systems, the cooling system must also be addressed periodically to ensure proper cooling and component reliability. Plastic and rubber components become brittle and prone to splitting or cracking after long periods of heating and cooling cycles, especially in colder climates! The coolant itself can degrade or become contaminated, leading to potential corrosion or freezing issues. Finally, thermostats and sensors can fail completely, preventing proper cooling and/or coolant temperature readings to become inaccurate.

To make sure you are not left stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine, we have put together this Basic Cooling System Service kit. This kit contains all of the most-likely-to-fail components, giving you peace of mind knowing your engine will continue to run cool for another 60,000+ miles.

See kit contents below for all included components.

This is a compete cooling system overhaul kit, which includes all the common cooling system failure parts bundled into a complete package. This cooling system package is for the E82/88 135i or E90/92/93 335i/xi/is with the N54 engine. 

A failure in the cooling system can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine failure. Don't gamble your engine! By replacing these core items preventatively, such as the thermostat housing, radiator, and waterpump, you are defusing what could be a ticking cooling system time bomb. And if you've had a failure of one of these parts, now is the time to refresh your entire cooling system. Keep on top of the cooling needs of your engine for your own piece of mind. Potential buyers also see the upside of a properly maintained car with receipts. 

For vehicles with automatic or DCT transmission only

This is a compete cooling system overhaul kit, which includes all the common cooling system failure parts bundled into a complete package. This cooling system package is for the E82/88 135i or E90/92/93 335i/xi/is with the N54 engine. 

A failure in the cooling system can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine failure. Don't gamble your engine! By replacing these core items preventatively, such as the thermostat housing, radiator, and waterpump, you are defusing what could be a ticking cooling system time bomb. And if you've had a failure of one of these parts, now is the time to refresh your entire cooling system. Keep on top of the cooling needs of your engine for your own piece of mind. Potential buyers also see the upside of a properly maintained car with receipts. 

For vehicles with manual transmission only

This is a compete cooling system overhaul kit, which includes all the common cooling system failure parts bundled into a complete package. This cooling system package is for the E30 325 with the M20 engine. 

A failure in the cooling system can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine failure. Don't gamble your engine! By replacing these core items preventatively, such as the thermostat housing, radiator, and waterpump, you are defusing what could be a ticking cooling system time bomb. And if you've had a failure of one of these parts, now is the time to refresh your entire cooling system. Keep on top of the cooling needs of your engine for your own piece of mind. Potential buyers also see the upside of a properly maintained car with receipts. 

This water pump fits the following BMWs: 
1986-1988 E30 BMW 325e 325es 325i 325ic 325is 325ix