The Komodo-Curse Continues - M3's Dead - United Bimmer Community

**komodo** · 07-17-2006, 06:02 PM

So yeah, you guys know my luck with cars... it continues today.

As we speak right now, my car is in the center median of an 8 lane expressway.

I was driving home from work this evening, and it was hot... probably in the 90's (F). All of a sudden I saw a puff of smoke and liquid shooting everywhere, covering my windshield.

I immediately pulled over to the closest shoulder, which happened to be the median since I was in the fast lane. I opened the hood and saw a VERY, VERY familiar sight.

My radiator exploded... the plastic neck cracked where the tube connects, the EXACT same as on the 328. The expressway was covered in coolant, and my entire engine was starting to turn white from the heat drying out the splatters.

Oh, and right after it happened, a nice little message popped up on my OBC saying "Check Coolant Level". Gee, thanks BMW.

Bah, the I have to leave in a few minutes to go meet the tow truck, and get the car towed to my house. Then I'm going to try and be really nice to Rob, so he will help me install another radiator.

I swear, I'm cursed.

witeshark · 07-17-2006, 06:09 PM

Damn! I'm so sorry to hear that! If it helps any my car has been stuck with a bad water pump for over a month. Got to know the 115hp 2.0 Jetta like it's mine

Well I hope it's a quick fix. I can never forget my coolant break down, I remember thinking how classic it was -- just like you see on TV with all the white steam smoking from the hood!

**94bmw325i** · 07-17-2006, 06:11 PM

sell me your car man and buy something else every bmw you own you eventually have cooling problems!

j/k, hope you get it fixed, and as far as installing a radiator I don't think it would be too hard, or many tools required either. My 94 bmw has been fine so far with 135k miles, so I think I am just extremely lucky

**c1apton** · 07-17-2006, 06:38 PM

Harry (and UBrs) - not to sound like a preacher but... WHENEVER you buy a car used - go through the basic maintenance items from the day you buy the car. Harry you're not cursed, but you assumed it was ok. I trust no-one when it comes to what they say they've done. (except Dudesky - he does DIYs and shows what he's done. Rooz is another good one with his documentation) I don't care if it's a "shit-box daily driver" go through the basic maintenance items - so you KNOW it's been done.
Pull / change the plugs (tune it)
Change the fluids & filters (air, oil & fuel)
check for & fix all leaks
inspect brakes, lights, belts, tires.
Too many people concentrate on the mods and not the basics and then cop an attitude because the car left you stranded.
Harry, the previous owner probably topped off the coolant prior to sale and according to my buds in BMW NA it only takes an extra quart of water or coolant to blow those radiator necks - even a new radiator. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that it didn't cause my damage.

**TJsBimm** · 07-17-2006, 06:53 PM

Good luck with the fix Harry, hopefully no damage.

**Rob** · 07-17-2006, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by c1apton

Harry (and UBrs) - not to sound like a preacher but... WHENEVER you buy a car used - go through the basic maintenance items from the day you buy the car. Harry you're not cursed, but you assumed it was ok. I trust no-one when it comes to what they say they've done. (except Dudesky - he does DIYs and shows what he's done. Rooz is another good one with his documentation) I don't care if it's a "shit-box daily driver" go through the basic maintenance items - so you KNOW it's been done.
Pull / change the plugs (tune it)
Change the fluids & filters (air, oil & fuel)
check for & fix all leaks
inspect brakes, lights, belts, tires.
Too many people concentrate on the mods and not the basics and then cop an attitude because the car left you stranded.
Harry, the previous owner probably topped off the coolant prior to sale and according to my buds in BMW NA it only takes an extra quart of water or coolant to blow those radiator necks - even a new radiator. Keeping my fingers crossed for you that it didn't cause my damage.

Kip said the radiator was replaced like 2000 miles ago. I would have forced Harry to revamp the cooling system if he did not say so. I am really starting to lean towards the fan delete being a problem. I just recently replaced my radiator, and if it goes before 50k miles, then I know it has to be the fan delete. I am trying to get Harry to grab an aluminum radiator while it's out there, especially if he plans on turbo'ing it later on.

**c1apton** · 07-17-2006, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob

I am trying to get Harry to grab an aluminum radiator while it's out there, especially if he plans on turbo'ing it later on.

I'd go that route too. Re: fan delete - do you guys notice a temp increase? (I know factory guauges are vague) If I was going to build a track car or heavily mod it (especially w/known sensitive cooling systems) I'd be over engineering that area first. Large radiator, cooler thermostat, higher pressure radiator cap and reinforced hoses.
Rule #1 of "modding" - when you improve 1 area you amplify a weakness in another. - should be "man-law"

**komodo** · 07-17-2006, 08:24 PM

My M3 doesn't have a fan delete.

And I think I've pretty much decided against a turbo. I'm probably going to keep this car for a while longer, then sell it to upgrade to another car completely.

I'm still eyeing an e46 M3 convertible... however with all my problems recently, a 318 might be a better idea (only half joking

). I need to think about what I'm going to do for a few days.

**Numark318i** · 07-17-2006, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

318 might be a better idea (only half joking

). I need to think about what I'm going to do for a few days.

M42 FTW.

**SHAHAB323IS** · 07-17-2006, 08:41 PM

you are cursed, good luck with that bro

**Chris** · 07-17-2006, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by komodo

My M3 doesn't have a fan delete.

And I think I've pretty much decided against a turbo. I'm probably going to keep this car for a while longer, then sell it to upgrade to another car completely.

I'm still eyeing an e46 M3 convertible... however with all my problems recently, a 318 might be a better idea (only half joking

). I need to think about what I'm going to do for a few days.

Harry, you're leaning towards the 318 not because of your problems but for the first time in a couple years, you actually have to pay for gas..... welcome to earth. (just kidding with you man0

**xsperf** · 07-17-2006, 08:54 PM

hey harry, i have an idea, ill buy a 318 then we'll do an even trade.. how about that?

oh, and by the way, the radiator is EXTREMELY easy to replace, its basically 2 clips and the hoses(well, and the engine fan), if you have the fan clutch kit, and remove the fan, its really easy to remove the radiator, had to do it on an engine swap, its no big deal

**Rooz** · 07-17-2006, 09:19 PM

Sorry to hear you'r in a pickle again

nick_318is · 07-17-2006, 10:07 PM

Good luck getting this straightened out.

**komodo** · 07-17-2006, 10:45 PM

Old thread for reference:
http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/e...days-pics.html