Mishimoto BMW E30/E36 X-Line Radiator, Part 3: Prototype Test Fit and Performance Testing Process
Interested in purchasing this BMW E30/E36 aluminum radiator? Check out the product page for more information!
Mishimoto BMW E30/E36 X-Line Performance Aluminum Radiator
Being pleased with our design in comparison to the stock unit, it was time to put this radiator to the test and see how the improvements would impact cooling efficiency. The first true test for this radiator would be fitment. Although this product was designed based off of dimensions from the stock radiator and the engine bay of an E36 M, we still had yet to drop this unit into a vehicle to ensure that all components bolted into position properly. We snagged the keys to our test vehicle from our videographer and easily dropped our prototype into place. Check out a few shots of this radiator installed!
Mishimoto X-line radiator installed
Mishimoto X-line radiator installed
As you can see, everything fit perfectly with this radiator. This vehicle is still utilizing the stock mechanical fan and everything clears as it should with plenty of room for engine movement. You will also notice that all factory shrouding and ducts also function with this radiator. Following a successful install, we then placed our temperature sensors on both the inlet and outlet radiator hose so we could collect road data. Check out the data collection equipment!
Mishimoto X-line radiator installed with temperature sensors
Data collection equipment in E36 M3
Now we could begin our testing! Check out the conditions we followed to ensure accuracy.
Testing Conditions
Ambient Temperature: 74°F-78°F
Testing Hardware: PLX Devices, sensors and modules
Sensor Location: One sensor on the radiator inlet hose and one sensor on the radiator outlet hose
Speed: 65 mph
Length of Travel: 6 miles
Fluid: 100% distilled water
Thermostat: OEM
We first tested the Mishimoto X-line radiator in the conditions described above. Following this test we installed the factory radiator and repeated the test in the exact same fashion. Check back next time for a recap of the results from testing!
Thanks for reading!
