Cooling System Refresh Supplies

[Sarreguin85]

Hello everyone! I've got an '03 Z4 with the 3ltr M54 engine, and I'm looking at refreshing and upgrading the cooling system in it. Nothing wrong with the car really, it's more preventative than anything. Does anybody have recommendations for aluminum radiators and silicone hoses? I know the hoses won't do anything but I figure if I have to do them anyways I might as well do silicone for the bling factor.

[Yapakanichi]

I have a CSF Radiator, BMW radiator hoses, and a Stewart/EMS High flow water pump. If you're looking to track the car or want to upgrade the car down the road that would potentially cause the engine to create more heat, do this. When I was at the track I didn't see temps over 200F.

[3GFX]

Originally Posted by Yapakanichi

I have a CSF Radiator, BMW radiator hoses, and a Stewart/EMS High flow water pump. If you're looking to track the car or want to upgrade the car down the road that would potentially cause the engine to create more heat, do this. When I was at the track I didn't see temps over 200F.

Can vouche for the exact same setup with a supercharged motor (more heat generation) and lots of track time.


Stewart pump flows more, but is also less likely to implode vs stock because the stock is plastic that can breakdown over time.

[Adam_F30]

Don't forget the expansion tank in that list. I also have an 03 and recently replaced my water pump (GEHA) and engine thermostat (wahler), performed a radiator chemical cleaning with Liquimoly, and flushed the radiator and refilled with BMW coolant. I regret not replacing the expansion tank as part of this job after seeing how easy it would have been to swap. There are a number of good DIY step-by-steps on this forum. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.

[XMetal]

Originally Posted by Adam_F30

Don't forget the expansion tank in that list. I also have an 03 and recently replaced my water pump (GEHA) and engine thermostat (wahler), performed a radiator chemical cleaning with Liquimoly, and flushed the radiator and refilled with BMW coolant. I regret not replacing the expansion tank as part of this job after seeing how easy it would have been to swap. There are a number of good DIY step-by-steps on this forum. Good luck and let us know if you have any questions.

Expansion tank is a ticking time bomb the the M54. On my M54 X5, I always replace both hoses, and expansion tank (with new cap) every time I do water pump/t-stat.

[3GFX]

Originally Posted by XMetal

Expansion tank is a ticking time bomb the the M54. On my M54 X5, I always replace both hoses, and expansion tank (with new cap) every time I do water pump/t-stat.

I now have a spare expansion tank added to my list of parts on hand at all times. Sneaky bugger tank last 15 years and then cracked