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Subject: Pics of cracked radiator expansion tank Author: davidc (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 10552 posts Posted on: 2005-01-02 03:38:30

I've often heard about the expansion tanks cracking in our beloved 8-cylinder e38's, but I don't recall seeing an actual unit showing the location of the crack. It's common for the tanks to fail at the point on the top where the overflow hose connects with a hose clamp. However, in my case (see 'Check Coolant' warning and overheating today on the highway.), the crack was on the vertical surface closest to the radiator, completely hidden from view without separating the tank from the radiator.


The photo above shows the crack leaking coolant. Its located on the front side of the tank, the side closest to the radiator. At first, before removing the tank, the leak appeared to be coming from the coolant level sensor hole at the bottom of the tank.


Here's a clearer view of the expansion tank with the crack in the plastic clearly visible (it looks almost like a horizontal scratch).

David Cecil, KI4GZR
'97 740iL, 127k miles
'92 750iL, 77k miles
'86 735i, 95k miles

www.e38.org has links for everything about your BMW 7-series automobile

• Pics of cracked radiator expansion tank (pic) (url) - davidc 2005-01-02 03:38:30 (707 views)
  • Never seen one go there. Had two that went at seam between - ChicagoE38 2005-01-02 13:28:58 (170 views)