Advice replacing E46 expansion tank

[jhbhc]

Hi Guys
Just wanted some advice replacing an 46 expansion tank.
I suspect mine is still the original from 2004, though it's not leaking and still seems ok. I've heard that this is an item that should be replaced as a precaution.
The original part from BMW is quite a lot more expensive than the aftermarket from Goldwagen. Was wondering if anyone has used the "Febi" brand expansion tank from Goldwagen and has there been any issues or is it safer to rather pay extra for the original?
Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[zippy320]

For this part I would personally buy the original BMW part . its just safer . Unless you find the goldwagen part with the BMW logo and part number removed then thats fine . I dont have much trust in Febi parts , apart from the brake disks the rest like the suspension components , water pipes etc were really not up to standard imo.

For an important part like this , I would buy the original . Also if your cars an automatic , buy the plastic thermostat that goes inside at the bottom of the expansion tank , ( I got the Beur one from Goldwagen , Still had the BMW part number on it ) . And maybe replace the coolant cap If yours is original the rubber o-ring gasket might be weak . The thermostat always breaks when you remove the tank as the plastic gets brittle over time.

Also replace the coolant with BMW coolant ( The blue color from the dealer) Its not that pricey and I found it to be the best for our cars .

 

[Ashiel]

I bought mine from Goldwagen about 3 months ago - after replacing it i still had a leak on the cap. Had to buy an original cap from BMW.

Not sure how great it will work.

Depending on the mileage on your car i highly doubt that it is the original expansion tank. I am on my 5th one i think - my car is also a 2004 model

 

[Blue Shirt]

My local GW sells two types of E46 expansion tank, one cheaper than the other. The more expensive one is indistinguishable from the OEM type, even comes in the same box complete with cap.

 

[KPM3_30]

My local GW sells two types of E46 expansion tank, one cheaper than the other. The more expensive one is indistinguishable from the OEM type, even comes in the same box complete with cap.

What brand is the more expensive one? Perhaps even a part number if the brand isn't visible?

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I dont have much trust in Febi parts , apart from the brake disks the rest like the suspension components , water pipes etc were really not up to standard imo.

Agree with this statement completely. Bad experiences with the exact same items mentioned, rather just avoid the brand completely.

 

[osiris]

My local GW sells two types of E46 expansion tank, one cheaper than the other. The more expensive one is indistinguishable from the OEM type, even comes in the same box complete with cap.

This!

 

[Kurt Adv]

I replaced my 330i expansion tank with a Goldwagen unit, no drama, been fine now for over a year...

 

[ZaynM]

My local GW sells two types of E46 expansion tank, one cheaper than the other. The more expensive one is indistinguishable from the OEM type, even comes in the same box complete with cap.

I replaced my 330i expansion tank with a Goldwagen unit, no drama, been fine now for over a year...

So which one did you get?