Can you drive with a broken radiator?


Sharing is Caring


It is very unsafe to drive with a broken radiator. Your radiator plays an important role in circulating and regulating the temperature of your engine coolant which, as its name implies, helps keep your engine cool. With a busted radiator, you run the risk of overheating your engine.

How much does it cost to replace a BMW radiator?

The average cost for a BMW 325i radiator replacement is between $937 and $1,129. Labor costs are estimated between $197 and $248 while parts are priced between $740 and $880.

How much is a BMW 328i radiator?

The average cost for a BMW 328i radiator replacement is between $921 and $1,128. Labor costs are estimated between $205 and $258 while parts are priced between $716 and $870.

What are common problems with 2011 BMW 328i?

  • Oil Leaks From Lower Engine Area.
  • Blower Final Stage Fan Resistor May Fail.
  • Outside Mirror May Fold Out to Far.
  • Noise and/or Vibration Due to AC System Low on Refrigerant.
  • Noise From Top of Front/Rear Doors When Windows Are Fully Up.
  • Coolant Loss Due to Leak from Expansion Tank.

How long does it take to replace a radiator in a BMW?

If you have it professionally done, changing a radiator shouldn’t take longer than two or three hours.

Is it worth fixing a radiator?

Because the cooling system is vital to the health of your automobile, it is advisable to repair it yourself or get an auto mechanic to repair it for you as soon as possible when there are problems.

How do you know your radiator is bad?

  1. Your vehicle is overheating. If your vehicle constantly overheats, especially under normal driving conditions, this is one of the most common signs that your radiator is bad or failing.
  2. Your vehicle is leaking coolant.
  3. Sludge build up in your radiator.
  4. Low coolant levels.

How much does it cost to fix a BMW coolant leak?

There are a number of factors that affect the cost of BMW coolant repairs, but the average costs are anywhere from $750 to $1,000. The parts themselves don’t cost much but do require more labor from mechanics, so they may charge more for this type of repair.

Why is my BMW leaking coolant?

One issue that may arise in your BMW. Coolant leaks can stem from a handful of problems: damaged radiator, a bad head gasket, or a weak radiator cap. As soon as you notice a coolant leak, you will want to seek professional help right away, as this can lead to very serious problems for your engine.

How much does it cost to replace BMW water pump?

Taking all these points into consideration, you can expect to pay anywhere from $375 to $787 (including parts and labor).

How many miles will a BMW 328i last?

But how many miles can a BMW 3 Series last? You can expect your 3 Series to last anywhere from 200,000 to 250,000 miles when properly maintained.

Are BMW 328i expensive to maintain?

Yes, it’s expensive to maintain a 3-Series BMW once it’s outside of the factory or CPO warranty. It’s not uncommon to pay $1,000 to $1,700 per year for maintenance and repairs on a used BMW 3-Series.

Are there any recalls on a 2011 BMW 328i?

Summary: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.

Is replacing a radiator hard?

Replacing a radiator can take most of a day, but, with care and patience, it is is doable. In order to replace a radiator, you’ll need to drain the old radiator, detach any the parts keeping it in place, remove it, install a new radiator, re-install any parts that were removed, and add coolant.

How much does it cost to replace a radiator?

According to Fixr.com, the average cost nationally for a radiator replacement ranges from about $1,000 to $3,500, though some replacements can be accomplished for as little as $500 on the low end and as much as $8,600 on the high end.

What happens when your radiator leaks?

A radiator leak will stop your cooling system from working properly, meaning the engine will soon start to overheat. If the temperature warning light appears or steam is coming from the under the bonnet, a leak or malfunctioning part is likely to be the culprit.

When replacing radiator what else should be replaced?

When one component fails to work properly, other parts throughout the cooling system also run the risk of failure. The three parts that commonly cease working after the radiator goes bad are the thermostat, water pump, and heater core.

What causes a radiator to crack?

A faulty Thermostat or a Leaking Head Gasket can cause Overheating or High Coolant Pressure inside the Radiator which can lead to a crack. Summer heat makes it more difficult for the Radiator to be cooled by outside air. Not maintaining the Radiator Fluid can lead to Overheating and a Cracked Radiator.

How can I test my radiator?

YouTube video

How long can you drive with a bad radiator?

The furthest you can drive an overheating car is about a ยผ mile before you risk irreversible engine damage. While some vehicles could still make it as far as 20 miles, we would never recommend driving very far with an overheating engine.

What are the three main causes of radiator failure?

Stray electrical current can cause excessive corrosion of metal components. A minor collision or a failed water pump can result in radiator damage. A loss of solder bond between fins and tubes. Fins are loose in core causing loss of heat transfer and reducing radiator strength.

Can I drive my BMW with a coolant leak?

Depending on how much coolant is lost, as long as it’s not dripping on the ground, you should be okay. Just make sure you monitor your engine temperature to make sure it isn’t overheating. If you feel think it getting too hot, shut if off right away.

Is it normal for BMW to lose coolant?

All cars lose coolant, it’s normal. Open the hood and see if your Oil Filter Housing is leaking. The OFH gasket is notorious for disintegrating over time.

How do I know if my BMW is leaking coolant?

  1. Leaked coolant under your vehicle.
  2. Coolant can leak into the engine oil, comprising its quality and effectiveness.
  3. Your vehicle starts to get poor gas mileage.
  4. There’s a sweet aroma coming from under the hood.
  5. Your engine has started to overheat.

Why is my car losing coolant but not overheating?

Chances are you have either a radiator cap leak, internal coolant leak or an external coolant leak. The longer you wait the higher the coolant leak repair cost will be.

Craving More Content?

Carolina's BMW