Radiator longevity warning

[Flatsix]

Greetings,
Great forum and I feel I should share my recent experience. 2001 QX4 has 148k and its been very reliable, original owner.

I was on a road trip a couple of months ago and at a gas stop noticed coolant on top of the radiator. It had just been serviced. Bought some antifreeze, it took a half gallon, checked for leaks, none apparent

Stopped again shortly thereafter and noticed a small leak at the upper hose. Purchased a new hose/clamps and began the repair with tools I brought.

When I pulled the hose I noticed a piece of the radiator missing, and found it in the hose, in pieces. The intact peices broke easily with moderate finger pressure. Essentially the original plastic radiator was disentegrating.

I replaced the radiatior as soon as I could. Granted it was 15 years old - but knowing what I know now I would have replaced it 5 years ago. A new plastic radiator is under $100.

A BMW mechanic told me their plastic radiators last about 8 years.. good luck to all -

F6

[MisterH]

That seems pretty normal of a service life. Plastic radiators are impervious to corrosion but the downside is that they cannot endure as many years of the constant heating/cooling (expansion/contraction) cycles as aluminum and will develop cracks earlier.