Smoke next to radiator, no heat, leaking coolant

[grukes]

I have had one trouble after another with leaks in my '98 ti's coolant system. Now I have one by my expansion tank next to the radiator and it smokes heavily after driving for about 5 minutes. Heat no longer works also.....I have had it in the shop about 3 times for leaking coolant in the last 2 months and now I have no heat. Anyone else have this problem w/ their ti's? Anyone have any advice on what the problem might be? Thanks

[1996 328ti]

Expansion tanks have been known to crack.
My guess air is getting into the system and that is why you have no heat.

[J!m]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Expansion tanks have been known to crack.
My guess air is getting into the system and that is why you have no heat.

I agree. 9 out of 10 times 'no heat' is due to air trapped in the system.

Once repaired, be sure to 'burp' the system and the heat will be as good as new!

[adempster1]

can the expasion tank be replaced with out replacing the radiator? mine just craked

[316i compact]

Yes it can be replaced seperately.

[adempster1]

thanks, today I replced the radiator and thermo, it was so easy!!

[fly2thesun]

I found a leak where the bottom of the expansion tank meets the radiator. I suppose replacing the expansion tank will solve the problem. But is it actually feasible to replace the expansion tank alone? Any difficulties to look out for?

[Mad-Machine]

how about just the O ring that seals the tank to the radiator?