NCT tomorrow, E46 decides to develop a radiator leak

delly

So, I thought I'd get ahead of time by booking in my 2001 E46 318Ci for it's test tomorrow which is due to expire next month. Not a problem wrong with her up until this morning when the coolant light came on. Strange enough I think, as I check it and oil every 2 weeks. Having already replaced the expansion tank last year, I hoped for a sensor fault, but once I checked the bottle the indicator was on the bottom.

So, after a good 15 minutes driving I pulled the bonnet to see if I could source the leak. With nothing visible on the undertray, I was starting to fear a head gasket issue when I noticed steam coming from the fan shroud. Taking a look from the front I could clearly see the coolant coming out of the radiator, with only a very small amount coming from the side facing the engine. Having checked it out online, it seems there are two radiators, with the one at the front being the one for air conditioning where it seems the leak is coming from.

So, to put out some questions, would I be correct in diagnosing that it is the front rad, or would it have to be diagnosed correctly by an indy before ordering a new rad? The part numbers for rads are not as clear on realoem as I would like. I have found this, but am not sure if it is what I am looking for. Also, any recommendations for sourcing rads locally, Dublin/Louth etc., to save on the time it would take to deliver?

Thanks

Hal1

I've heard an egg works wonders for a leaky rad . On a serious note summerhill spares I hear are good for parts. http://www.summerhillspares.ie/

delly

An egg and radweld, a tempting fix option . Thanks for the link, one to check in the morning.

I've been looking more online and I may have misinterpreted the reference to there being two radiators. The A/C condenser is what I have linked in the OP and I first thought that it was just another radiator and that it worked in the same way. However looking more online, my leak is green, so defo coolant, but if the A/C condenser is something totally different, then it can't be coming form this, it has to be coming from the main rad.

delly

Ok, so having googled until my fingers are sore, I believe I have found the correct part number which is 17119071518 for the radiator itself. My next question is, if the leak is coming form the location pictured below, and if it is green coolant, can I be sure that it is the rad itself that is leaking and it is being pushed through to the A/C condenser. Granted I know the basics of how it all works, but it is only as you come up with a problem you start to learn more, so am hoping for an experienced voice to weigh in.

delly

Just an update to say I am now back in action. I got my mechanic to take a quick look and he confirmed what I thought to be a radiator issue. So, I managed to find a few new ones that were available in Dublin, but the best value was from Micks Garage. I didn't actually think they went down to that level of component, but there you go. Once I checked and double checked I had the correct part, I picked up this for just shy of €130.


This is the old one out. I was surprised it wasn't covered in a bigger layer of dirt, having seen some of the videos online.


This is a close up of the only visible damage that I could see, so presume it was the cause, although the staining pattern says different.


Labour was €80, so all in it cost €210 to sort, but thankfully was a quick turnaround.