E39 528i cooling system parts, where to buy what?

[Riaan 528i]

Hi Everybody.
I recently bought a '97 E39 528i Auto with 207k km's on. I was planning on replacing the water pump, thermostat and radiator as a precautionary measure. On Friday morning my plans were sped up a bit by the failure of the water pump bearing. The water pump pulley was damaged in the process and will need replacing.

I am planning on keeping the vehicle for a while, so I would like to replace the following parts with the better quality stuff. What suggestions do you have as to what make and where to get them? I am based in Bellville, Cape Town.

1. Water Pump
2. Thermostat
3. Radiator
4. Water pump pulley
5. Main fan belt
6. Aircon belt
7. Fan clutch
8. Radiator expansion tank

I will be using the Genuine BMW Antifreeze, only due to the fact that if I buy anything related to the cooling system from the agents, the parts warranty will not be affected. It is about R5 more than the other better quality antifreeze on the market.

Cheers,
Riaan.

 

[Yuben]

Goldwagen?

 

[Maljan]

This is probably what you want:

• High Efficiency Fin Design
• Better Heat Dissipating Materials
• Repairable All Alloy Construction
• Greatly Increased Life-Span
• Hand Welded, No Epoxy
• Impact Resistant
• Aluminum Core
• Accepts All Original Equipment
• Improved Serviceability with Petcock
• Tested at 4X Operating Pressure
• Broad Application
• Made in USA

Your Price: $690.00 :skit:

https://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/bmw-e39-e38-aluminum-radiator-1995-98/

Kinda pricey, but that fantastic plastic POS that the local scheissters flog is not going to last. I paid the school fees to be able to say that.
:thumbdo:

 

[msm]

As a benchmark, go to a BMW dealer and get prices first on all the parts. Contrary to belief, they are actually well priced for some parts, especially common service items.

Then go to other places to get comparative pricing on alternative brands.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Send moranor a pm he will get everything for you
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/member.php?action=profile&uid=2559

 

[Maljan]

Is something like this offered locally, I wonder?

This is a compete cooling system overhaul kit, which includes all the common cooling system failure parts bundled into a complete package. This cooling system package is for the 1999-2000 528i with the M52TU engine and the 2001-2003 525i and 530i with the M54 engine. This package applies to cars equipped with either the manual or automatic transmission.

Much of the later E39 cooling system is strong and reliable and doesn't suffer the same types of problems associated with earlier E39 and E36 systems. But there is still the potential for serious cooling system and engine-related failures. Several of the primary cooling components are prone to failure within 80k miles (or less in many cases). A failure in the cooling system can lead to overheating and catastrophic engine failure. Don't gamble your engine! By replacing these core items preventatively, such as the thermostat housing, radiator, and waterpump, you are defusing what could be a ticking cooling system time bomb. And if you've had a failure of one of these parts, now is the time to refresh your entire cooling system. Our kit includes an OEM Behr radiator, an Original BMW water pump (with updated composite impeller), thermostat with housing, radiator cap, and new radiator hoses

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-...verhaul-package-1999-2003-e39-525i-528i-530i/

OEM waterpump? Yeah right, that is just peachy.

This one, on the other hand, is highly regarded by the interwebs:

The BMW High Performance Water Pump is a direct replacement pump designed to fit a wide range of BMW engines with no modifications. That includes accepting the Factory Fan Clutch. The front of the BMW High Performance Water Pump is stock appearing giving it that classic BMW look while the back is all business.

Up to 20% increase of water flow over stock pump
Twice as efficient as factory pump
Much less parasitic drag than other pumps
Racing or Stock Factory Replacement applications
Stainless steel impeller
Heavy duty bearing
High quality water seal

https://www.stewartcomponents.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=65&product_id=145

 

[Yuben]

Even check G drive automotive :chef:

 

[ChefDJ]

You can also try MD House in Wynburg to see if they have any new parts you're looking for. They have used spares as well, but wouldn't recommend used parts on the cooling system.

 

[Straight six]

You nn Bellville

Nasser is a forum member

He's at Joe's Radiators he can sort you out will cooling staff

Address: Unit 5 CBK Motor City Boulevard Park Belville, Cape Town, 7530
Phone: 021 939 8044
Hours: Open today · 8AM–5:30PM

 

[Yuben]

You can also try MD House in Wynburg to see if they have any new parts you're looking for. They have used spares as well, but wouldn't recommend used parts on the cooling system.

OP is in CTN

 

[ChefDJ]

:sorry:

 

[Riaan 528i]

Thank you for all the great advice. I phoned around and it is shocking how prices differ between shops.....:thumbdo:

I will pop in to Joe's radiators and speak to Nasser tomorrow morning as it is on my way. Joe's Radiators was recommended by 3 people today, guess they are doing something right:coolShake:

Not sure, but it sounds like BEHR or NISSEN radiators are the better parts to go for. Any feedback on these would be great.

Cheers,
Riaan.

 

[Solo Man]

Correct, Behr or Nissen is fine. Bought radiator from Silverton Radiators and it was about R1k, so yours should be around there. Must say, was last year some time so could be slightly more. Was Behr iirc.