jeffandjane

I`ve had a coolant warning light on my car and traced it to being a snapped plastic coolant pipe that runs along the top of the radiator. This pipe connects to rubber hoses either end of the radiator via crimped clips. I assume it is made this way as there would not be enough clearance to run a rubber pipe?
Anyway I have contacted my local BMW dealer by phone to order the part, but they do know know the part I refer to or cannot see it on their system. Does anyone know if this part is aailable seperately and what it is called, or do I have to buy the entire run, including the rubber hoses?
Thanks
Jeff
The car is a 2005 545i E61

jeffandjane

Just an update to the above post.

I`ve fixed the problem by removing the two end crimp clips and replacing the poor quality plastic pipe with a length of 8mm microbore copper pipe. Secured this pipe to the rubber hoses with two new jubilee clips.
Replacement pipe is far more robust that the one its replaces and clips neatly into the original housing on top of the radiator as its exactly the same diameter!
Result, and cost me nothing as I had the pipe already!

Howitzer

You need to replace your expansion tank, thermostat, water pump, and all that hosing NOW NOW NOW!

Do NOT drive the car. If that thing blows the radiator usually goes next and you'll have some serious $$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to shell out to fix it.

phelix

Seems a little extreme to replace what isn't broken. Expansion tank perhaps as they seem to be a weak point but a thermostat that's working properly? Take the drive belt off - if the water pump is smooth and quiet it's got a bunch more miles left in it. Hoses maybe after 10 years and then perhaps only if they swell hot as compared to cold. All IMO.

jeffandjane

Dont see why I need to replace all these parts that are fine. I`ve replaced the faulty part so back to normal. Are BMWs this fragile that if every part is not "As new" a failure is likely. For £50k I expect this car to do 100,000 miles without putting a spanner anywhere near it, unfortunately the BMW isnt that good!

hyl768s

My broke at 33K and I replace the whole set. The factory one looks like plastic, but it's not. It has rubbrized coating. the pipe still made of thin metal. I cut open the old pipe and see.

jeffandjane

maybe American spec cars have a metal walled pipe but the UK one is definately plastic. There are inserts either end for about an inch to re enforce the pipe wall where the clip exerts pressure on the pipe, I have cut the pipe in several palces to have a look.