Cooling system issue

[airborneSGT]

My 97 Ti is having some issues. I think I have a slow leak from my radiator. My mechanic suggests only replacing the parts that are broken and not everything as suggested (water pump and so forth).

Living in Germany you would think parts are cheaper but they are actually not. The alternative is mailing myself parts from the states.

My mechanic is quite good and I do trust him as he has done work for me in the past to pass my German annual inspection.

I recently drove from Bamberg to Schweinfurt and back doing around 100mph average with no issues or overheating. A check of my expansion tanks shows only minimal loss of coolant.

I would appreciate any suggestions. I don't want to sink too much money into my Ti as I think I will purchase an newer BMW here in Germany before I return.

[BlackBMWs]

Originally Posted by airborneSGT

My 97 Ti is having some issues. I think I have a slow leak from my radiator. My mechanic suggests only replacing the parts that are broken and not everything as suggested (water pump and so forth).

Living in Germany you would think parts are cheaper but they are actually not. The alternative is mailing myself parts from the states.

My mechanic is quite good and I do trust him as he has done work for me in the past to pass my German annual inspection.

I recently drove from Bamberg to Schweinfurt and back doing around 100mph average with no issues or overheating. A check of my expansion tanks shows only minimal loss of coolant.

I would appreciate any suggestions. I don't want to sink too much money into my Ti as I think I will purchase an newer BMW here in Germany before I return.

As you're looking to trade off possibly for another car, do minimal to pass inspection and be safe. You can convey the condition when you pass the car on to the next lucky person.

[airborneSGT]

That is what I am doing! BTW American BMW Ti's are limited to a speed of around 120-125 mph ;-( Last time on the way to Munich I pushed it to the limit and once I reached that speed it just cut off until I was back down to around 120-125 mph.

It was the radiator so yup 159 Euro later.....plus labor. Still out the door at 220 Euro is not bad. The cost of the radiator (minus shipping and any core) is about $50 more here. Factor in shipping and the difference is not so far off.