Re: Cooling Problems in E38's (archive)

I also very much agree with Chris, there is certainly a problem with cooling system RELIABILITY. The most common problems are failed water pump impellers and poorly sealed tanks on the cross flow Behr radiator. Not only do the radiator seal points fail, the upper neck becomes brittle over time, and the failure mode is for the neck to snap off with the radiaotr hose still attached. This is on systems that are operating at normal temperatures and pressures. I have not heard of thermostat failures.

I am looking soon to buy an E38 750iL, probably 1998 or 1999. I have seen some comments to the effect of "don't get caught in traffic," implying that the 740's and (I assume) the 750's are undercooled. I am concerned about this because I have that problem with my current daily driver (not a BMW, please don't shoot me).

It is most annoying to sit in traffic and watch the temperature guage climb to "melt-down" level, while running the heater on full blast in the middle of August to buy as much time as possible.

Any comments? Anyone have direct experience running a 1998 or 1999 750iL in summer heat, with the air conditioner running, in gridlock traffic? How did it do?

- Swordsman
750iL Wannabe

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