[N-123-PR]

Hi all,

I took my BMW X3 to a shop here (I had to get it towed because coolant level was low and didn't want to risk engine damage). They are saying that they have diagnosed the root leak location, and it is from the radiator, and told me I need to replace the radiator.

Some background info:
-I bought this used in early 2019, so have owned it for about 2.5 years now.
-Year: 2015
-Miles: ~40-50K (at shop now and can't remember off top of my head)

Quote for this is $1.6K, for parts + labor.

Does this price sound about right to you all? And do you think the radiator is common issue for coolant leaks?

Thank you!

[Bdavi011]

What model X3?

My 35i hit 94k and I have not had any radiator issues since I have owned it for 3 years and 55k miles. Not that it would be impossible for a radiator to leak with less miles than mine.


If I had to give any alternatives I would guess maybe the coolant hose flange can possibly be leaking and it leak onto the coolant hose and make it seem like the radiator is leaking? Or possibly the reservoir return coolant hose that goes from the top of the reservoir to the radiator.

[Wgosma]

Radiator is NOT a common failure, your mileage is quite low also.

Price for work looks $300 to $400 on high side....but not sure all components being replaced.

[tracer bullet]

I'd ask for a breakdown of the cost - what parts are going in, what the hours are, and how much per hour. And shop supplies if it's an add-on.

It mgiht be a valid quote but that's the way to check and be sure. Get an idea ahead of time from posts here about what is needed and involved so that when you do see a breakdown you can ask intelligent questions (I'm not saying you aren't intelligent just be sure when you go in you have a basic understanding of radiator replacements so you know what they are talking about).

[N-123-PR]

Originally Posted by Bdavi011

What model X3?

My 35i hit 94k and I have not had any radiator issues since I have owned it for 3 years and 55k miles. Not that it would be impossible for a radiator to leak with less miles than mine.


If I had to give any alternatives I would guess maybe the coolant hose flange can possibly be leaking and it leak onto the coolant hose and make it seem like the radiator is leaking? Or possibly the reservoir return coolant hose that goes from the top of the reservoir to the radiator.

X3 sDrive 28i. Thank you for info, much appreciated!

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

I'd ask for a breakdown of the cost - what parts are going in, what the hours are, and how much per hour. And shop supplies if it's an add-on.

It mgiht be a valid quote but that's the way to check and be sure. Get an idea ahead of time from posts here about what is needed and involved so that when you do see a breakdown you can ask intelligent questions (I'm not saying you aren't intelligent just be sure when you go in you have a basic understanding of radiator replacements so you know what they are talking about).

Well, I can admit I'm not intelligent when it comes to more detailed car parts and replacements/repair! Great advice, I will get a breakdown.

I got a quote from another independent shop here, $650 parts + labor (still waiting to here what exact part/brand radiator it is). Called Autogermana/BMW dealership back (who gave me the $1.6K quote), they budged from $1,600 with an original part down to $800 with a Nissen radiator. I am not familiar with radiator brand quality but I looked on CarParts.com and saw ProForm for $750 and a cheaper one for like $200.

Just need to find if Nissen radiator is worth the $800 they are charging, and what brand the independent shop is using. Then I'll get a breakdown of the other details you suggested.

[383vett]

I replaced the radiator on my X3 35i over two years ago with this radiator from Pelican Parts. Fit perfectly and no issues. Remember, when you get a quote from a shop, you are paying for a markup. They don't give you anything at cost.

ackage
Expected Ship Date: Thu 1/31/2019

Expected Delivery: Mon 2/4/2019

Shipping Method: FedEx Ground


Item Name
Item Price

Quantity

Item Total

Radiator,
Brand: Behr Hella Service Note:
Part #: 17-11-8-623-369-M6
$258.25

1

$258.25

Subtotal:

$258.25

Shipping:

FREE

Tax:

$18.72

Total:

$276.97

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by 383vett

I replaced the radiator on my X3 35i over two years ago with this radiator from Pelican Parts. Fit perfectly and no issues. Remember, when you get a quote from a shop, you are paying for a markup. They don't give you anything at cost.

ackage
Expected Ship Date: Thu 1/31/2019

Expected Delivery: Mon 2/4/2019

Shipping Method: FedEx Ground


Item Name
Item Price

Quantity

Item Total

Radiator,
Brand: Behr Hella Service Note:
Part #: 17-11-8-623-369-M6
$258.25

1

$258.25

Subtotal:

$258.25

Shipping:

FREE

Tax:

$18.72

Total:

$276.97

Yes one pays a marked up price from a shop but that is because reputable shops provide a warranty on their work; if the part fails they may likely be reimbursed part replacement costs from their supplier or parts manufacturer, but labor to remove/replace the part is the shops expense; part price markup offsets some of the labor costs.

[383vett]

Originally Posted by Wgosma

Yes one pays a marked up price from a shop but that is because reputable shops provide a warranty on their work; if the part fails they may likely be reimbursed part replacement costs from their supplier or parts manufacturer, but labor to remove/replace the part is the shops expense; part price markup offsets some of the labor costs.

Correct, and the $1300 labor charge covers the cost of possibly having to do it twice in the next 90 days (which rarely occurs). It's called profit which makes the world go around.

[Wgosma]

Yeah, $1300 for labor is awfully steep, yikes!

[pungo]

Not sure how accurate it is for people here stateside to provide costs for parts and labor in Puerto Rico unless they're knowledgeable about the costs on the island

[N-123-PR]

Originally Posted by pungo

Not sure how accurate it is for people here stateside to provide costs for parts and labor in Puerto Rico unless they're knowledgeable about the costs on the island

Good point. Safe to assume a good 10-20% markup on things due to import costs/expenses for most things.

[Bdavi011]

Not going to lie, replacing the radiator on these cars seems pretty straightforward. Maybe you can diy and save on the labor costs?