So..One thing to note on all v8 models of BMW X5, 540i, 740i, made between years 1998-2003, they all used the same 4.4L m62tu (*the x5 is m62tub44) aluminum v8 engine. BMW ingeniously decided to use a ton of composite plastic parts in their cooling system. The radiator pipes all have these specially designed composite plastic ends which has a built in snap ring, and the joints snap onto the receiving end of the radiator and waterpump (kind of how you would snap on your seat belt concept). Its a breeze to swap out the hoses, just lift up the snap ring and yank the hose right out no need for tightening or screwing any wobbly clamps.
The MAJOR downfall like I said is these parts are made of PLASTIC. Composite or not, plastic will become heat fatigue over time. Mine were so crispy that after the joint completely split into half evaporating ALL of my coolant and severely overheating and warping my head gaskets, I was able to literally crumble the remaining portions of the broken joint by using just the pressure of my hand.
If you are going to buy ANY BMW, Mercedes, Audi, SAAB, Mini, expect to pay UP. My advice for the do-it-yourselvers, stay away from European and go foreign or American. But to avoid this catastrophe on the BMW's, immediately change all cooling parts that have plastic in them. It's a good $300 parts investment rather than a quoted $5,000 head gasket change!
So..One thing to note on all v8 models of BMW X5, 540i, 740i, made between years 1998-2003, they all used the same 4.4L m62tu (*the x5 is m62tub44) aluminum v8 engine. BMW ingeniously decided to use a ton of composite plastic parts in their cooling system. The radiator pipes all have these specially designed composite plastic ends which has a built in snap ring, and the joints snap onto the receiving end of the radiator and waterpump (kind of how you would snap on your seat belt concept). Its a breeze to swap out the hoses, just lift up the snap ring and yank the hose right out no need for tightening or screwing any wobbly clamps.
The MAJOR downfall like I said is these parts are made of PLASTIC. Composite or not, plastic will become heat fatigue over time. Mine were so crispy that after the joint completely split into half evaporating ALL of my coolant and severely overheating and warping my head gaskets, I was able to literally crumble the remaining portions of the broken joint by using just the pressure of my hand.
If you are going to buy ANY BMW, Mercedes, Audi, SAAB, Mini, expect to pay UP. My advice for the do-it-yourselvers, stay away from European and go foreign or American. But to avoid this catastrophe on the BMW's, immediately change all cooling parts that have plastic in them. It's a good $300 parts investment rather than a quoted $5,000 head gasket change!
- M M., Oakland, CA, US