MZ3 S52 Radiator in a Ti?

[stevenwrichards]

Hi all - Wondering if anybody is running the MZ3 S52 radiator in their base or swapped Ti? Radiator has a 42mm core versus a stock straight six at 34mm and looks like a worthwhile factory-ish upgrade if you're not interested in an aftermarket Mishimoto / Fluidyne / PWR unit. Available from Turner Motorsport (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-52...r-for-e36.aspx) and is listed as fitting 1992-1998 E36 BMW (323is, 323ic, 325i, 325is, 325ic, 328i, 328is, 328ic, M3 with Manual Trans) and 2001-2002 Z3, Z3M Roadster and Coupe.

I'd be worried about fan / shroud / engine clearance with the thicker radiator but haven't seen one of these back to back with a stock radiator. Any ideas?

[Marv17]

If it fits I think the z4m or the z3m is the better radiator. Has more cooling capacity. Just forgot which one it was. Not sure if needed for the m4x motor tho.

[spidertri]

Z3 S54 radiator is the upgrade. Should fit, E36 M3 guys run them all the time.

Edit - that would just be for a swapped car though, M44 radiator has the expansion tank integrated, you'd have to figure out the correct lines for the Z3 rad.

[stevenwrichards]

Thanks for the info. I'm settled on the MZ3 radiator. Getting ready to swap the S52 into the Ti and thinking now might be the time to remove the mechanical fan and go electric ...

Seems like the way to go to: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...-S54-fit-a-S52

[M-technik-3]

Z3M mishimoto's have some redesign issues, do some online searching before your purchase.

[stevenwrichards]

Thanks for the tip. Think I'm going with the factory Behr replacement so I should be good.

[Monkfish]

Is there such a thing as overcooling? Perhaps more cold start wear? I'm just wondering if there are downsides to this, because otherwise it seems like a solid upgrade with little extra cost.

AutohausAZ has the s54 z3m rad (behr) for $153, which is $5 cheaper than the OEM M3 behr unit, but more than the $137 nissens M3 rad.

For reference: OEM- 17111469179
Z3M- 17112227281

[spidertri]

The thermostat regulates the temperature of the engine. If you keep the same t stat there should be no change in engine temps.

The z3 s54 radiator just gives extra coolant capacity and exchanges the heat more effectively. So the cooling system has a greater thermal reserve if you decide to push the car harder.

I run the S54 rad in my m54 coupe and I deleted the mechanical fan, I did not replace the mech fan with an electric unit.

[stevenwrichards]

Is there an advantage to running without a fan? I can understand wanting to avoid the mech fan clutch seizing but isn't it best to replace with something?

If it were me I'd wire the fan to run 24/7 ...