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Thread: Nissens or Behr radiator?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
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    Default Nissens or Behr radiator?

    I'd go with Nissen. My Nissen is 7 years old. You should consider upgrading your radiator to the 540i type and add external tank... but I think you are tight on space now.

  2. #2
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    Default Nissens or Behr radiator?

    My nissens radiator is leaking - its about 6 years old now. I think I tweaked it when moving/working on the car - it's leaking at the plastic end tank.

    I am going to pick up a new radiator as Zionsville says their kit won't work on my car given the clearances. Hrmph.


    So, Behr or Nissens?

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Default

    Try CRYOMAX from Taiwan, they sell them http://www.radiators.com/

    Someone on Bimmerboard just bought one for a E32 750 for $162 only, life time warranty. Usually the one for the 750 costs :
    Nissens $220-230, Behr close to $300 if you are lucky, as it also has the transmission fluid cooler integrated in the radiator.

    These radiators are made in Taiwan by this company
    http://www.radiator.com.tw/en/branch.html

  4. #4
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    Default

    The nissens and behr are both around $190. I don't really want a taiwan radiator

    Neither have a trans cooler in them as I have a 5 spd


    So, nissens or behr?

  5. #5
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    Default

    You can just replace the plastic tank and or the o-ring gaskets at the top and bottom.

  6. #6
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    Default

    The guys on the M5 board have had good luck using the Nissens rads on their S38's. But the Behr is OE.

    I don't see why you won't be fine using either one.
    Cosmos Black/Black 1995 540iA M-Sport
    BMW Individual Exclusive Edition, 1 of 65 total, 9/25/95 Build

  7. #7
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    Every time we discuss this, the consensus is.........................................

    They're both good.

    My nissens is 4-5 years old, no complaints,

    Dave

    10/90 Build 525im, 630,000+km, Eibach/Sachs, Engine Rebuild
    *RIP Oskar the DOG *

  8. #8
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    Default

    See my leak is happening at the point where the end tank is kinda crimped onto the aluminum part

  9. #9
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    Jul 2006
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    Default

    I replace one piece alum Behr radiators for Rovers with 20-40k quite often...Might be a design flaw, manu defect. So, I wouldnt buy a Behr.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2004
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    Japan
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    Default

    as an alternative: find a small radiator shop which replaces all of the plastic parts of your existing defective radiator by aluminium, my buddy did it, here pics
    http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/showt...t=alu+radiator

    But for the price of this special work you can buy 2 new radiators, of course with plastic which breaks again.

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