I have a radiator leak in my 06 530i (I didn't expect a car like this to have a problem like this so early. Dealer said this is the first time they seen this problem on this model...lucky me). I took it into the dealership and they want $1000 for the repair, warranty just ran out 4 months ago, but I have a third party warranty, but the third party warranty will only cover $550 of the dealer's $1000 cost.

Should I let the dealership take care of this and eat the $450 different?
Or take it to my mechanic who claims he can do the repair for under $550, w/ aftermarket radiator?

Also, does anyone know what the part # is for a 06 530i radiator? where can I get an OEM one for cheap?

Please help...I'm currently unemployed, short on cash, and these prices are giving me a headache

 

Search realeom.com for the correct part number...try a breaker / used parts dealer for a used / refurbished radiator and have an indy shop bolt the thing on...

 

I just had my radiator replaced for a leak also. I did an oil change, and had my brake sensors changed also. The total cost for all that was $1200. My aftermarket warranty covered $700 of it. Im guessing that was all for the radiator portion of the bill. I tihnk you can get a much better price somewhere else. I didnt go to the dealership, but I went to the most expensive private BMW shop in town...

 

Radiators and cooling systems in general are indeed problematic in BMWs ... have been for a decade or more. BMWNA knows about it and any dealer who says otherwise has a memory problem. The list price for your radiator is about $400.
http://www.realoem.c...276&hg=17&fg=05

You can probably find a good independent mechanic who will inspect your entire cooling system as hoses and other parts are easiest to replace when its being done. For openers - I would lean on BMWNA for financial consideration - unless your car has 100K miles no way in heck would I be satisfied with a major cooling system failure in 4 years and 4 months. TOTAL CRAP!!