N55 335i e90 Radiator replaced 3 times in one year

[niamaster]

I have a e90 facelift 335i 2010, which had a coolant leak in December 2016. I decided keep the service history and take it to the agents in Claremont (Auric Auto), who replaced the radiator. By March 2017 the problem returned and so I went back to Auric who replaced the radiator once again. By July 2017 the problem again returns and so Auric does lots of tests to verify the problem and once again replaced the radiator. Now at this point I'm just frustrated because the problem is back since yesterday and my coolant level warning appeared. Any ideas to solve this problem will be appreciated. A few guys I have spoken to seem to think it could be a blown gasket or water pump.

 

[Gizmo]

Something not right with your car. Have a compression test done. Coolant system is being overpressurised.

 

[niamaster]

That's the funny part, Auric auto did a compression test last time they replaced the radiator. They also said they tested the head and a few other tests, to be honest I feel like these guys don't know what they doing. I just don't intend to spend money again for the same issue because last time they had also replaced one of the hoses and charged me another R4k for all the tests and the hose.

 

[M135i]

Take your car elsewhere bud

 

[momo1]

is there not a Silverton near you?
I was actually referred to Silverton by Sandton Auto when my car went in for service and had a small radiator leak, they were 12k cheaper and apparently use BEHR which is equivalent to OEM.

almost everyone I know with an N55 had to change water pump and thermostat but never a radiator.

 

[//M SPORT]

I had to change my radiator.

Didn't have any issues for a while since but now but noticed my car needed some coolant after a long trip. Was not happy with that but checked that there were no signs of Head gasket issues.

Remember the N55 also has a weak point at the oil filter housing. That gasket could also go bad and leak slowly, so worth checking out.

 

[Naruto]

Not sure if this will help. I had a problem with my car, and it turned out to be the expansion tank. The car was losing water on the cap.

 

[niamaster]

is there not a Silverton near you?
I was actually referred to Silverton by Sandton Auto when my car went in for service and had a small radiator leak, they were 12k cheaper and apparently use BEHR which is equivalent to OEM.

almost everyone I know with an N55 had to change water pump and thermostat but never a radiator.

I went to Silverton today they supplied the Behr radiator as you said, I am going to take your advice about the water pump/termostat.

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Not sure if this will help. I had a problem with my car, and it turned out to be the expansion tank. The car was losing water on the cap.

Thanks, for the info on the expansion cap but I'm certain it's not this, because this was also replaced during the last radiator replacement.

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I had to change my radiator.

Didn't have any issues for a while since but now but noticed my car needed some coolant after a long trip. Was not happy with that but checked that there were no signs of Head gasket issues.

Remember the N55 also has a weak point at the oil filter housing. That gasket could also go bad and leak slowly, so worth checking out.

Hmm, this is an interesting point and worth having a look at however the radiator popped again so I will need to replace it again. My money is on the water pump/thermostat. I just pray that it isn't the cylinder head gasket which is blown and forcing pressure into the cooling system. Thanks for all the tips everyone, I will keep you posted regarding the outcome.

 

[Sirus_The_Virus]

Don't take your car to Auric. Read a couple of threads on here and you'll understand why.

Sent from my VKY-L29 using Tapatalk

 

[Shuaib1]

hope you come right with your car, good luck

 

[D_CPT]

My dad has had endless problems with Auric Auto, they weren't always this bad though.

Have you tried inspecting the various water pipes for small cracks, particularly at the ends where water vapor can pass through once the car has warmed up. Also have a look at the condition of the clamps themselves.

Good luck with the fault finding, I hope it's nothing too serious.