[Scubudo]

Does the 335i radiotor fit the 335d?


Some sites suggest it will, but it looks like the 335d is a different part number.

If not, has anyone found an all aluminum radiator for the 335D?

[lnxguy]

Why use anything but stock? Honest question.

[HondaRC51]

Champion Radiators can make a custom all aluminum radiator as long as you provide the measurements for everything.

[Scubudo]

Originally Posted by lnxguy

Why use anything but stock? Honest question.

It is a fair question.
My understanding is that the plastic ends on many radiators have made them less reliable (as for whether this applies to BMW OEM IDK). Theoretically, aluminum ends would improve cooling…but I admittedly do not know whether that change alone would make a measurable difference.

While looking for an all-aluminum radiator, I found some reports of over-heating when the vehicles were pushed really hard (such as when being tracked). However, IDK if those vehicles had the secondary radiator or not (or if perhaps that is what lead to the addition of the secondary radiator).
At any rate, I gave up on finding an all-aluminum alternative and ordered a new “OEM or better” spec one from Performance Radiator (because they had it in stock locally). I hope I don’t regret the decision not to go OEM, but really need my vehicle to be usable and it was less than $200.00.

I really like this vehicle…and if still produced would consider replacing with newer…but am also starting to wonder if I should consider making it my secondary vehicle.
Since the beginning of this year, I have put a whole lot of work (and money) into my 335D:

Valve cover gasket
Rev 9 intercooler
Thermostat
water pump
turbo oil lines
engine mounts
vacuum solenoids and lines
coolant hoses
turbo boots
belts,
ABC delete
new exhaust
trans fluid and solenoids
brake pads and rotors
tires
Replaced grills around fog lights and repainted front bumper
Fueling restrictor delete
LED angel eyes and headlight rebuild (still in progress)

Prior to this, the only major repairs had been walnut blasting, EGR block-off, and harmonic balancer.

My intent was to keep this vehicle reliable...and while I seriously considered replacing the AC compressor when I had the turbos out and the compressor loose to replace the turbo oil feed and drain lines, I ultimately convinced myself not to do so.
Well...guess what decided to break in the midst of record heat...

So (to get back to your question), I really don’t have any evidence that there is anything wrong with the OEM radiator….but since I already have the radiator out, I decided not to roll the dice on reusing a radiator with 155K miles on it. If anyone thinks replacing it was a waste of money, they can have it.
I just hope nothing else breaks any time soon because I am tired of this.

[Asonchadwick]

I would alsoclikenrickniwnrhis, however my concern is the cooling bad and intercooler fitment. If the aluminum core is thicker will it push the fan back?

[lnxguy]

Originally Posted by Scubudo

It is a fair question.


So (to get back to your question), I really don’t have any evidence that there is anything wrong with the OEM radiator….but since I already have the radiator out, I decided not to roll the dice on reusing a radiator with 155K miles on it. If anyone thinks replacing it was a waste of money, they can have it.
I just hope nothing else breaks any time soon because I am tired of this.

I hear ya with a 155k radiator. If it were me I'd put a OEM replacement back in.