1992-1999 (E36)

Interested in picking up this aluminum E36 expansion tank? Check out our product page linked below!

BMW E36 Aluminum Coolant Expansion Tank!

The time has come and the anticipation is over. Our final prototype unit has been constructed, and we are ready to check fitment! On to the pictures!

Final Expansion Tank Images

Mishimoto expansion tank prototype

Mishimoto expansion tank prototype

Mishimoto expansion tank prototype

Check out a closer look at the lower coolant hose fitting and our threaded fluid level sensor bung on the base of the tank.

Mishimoto expansion tank prototype fittings

We also stamped our Mishimoto "M" logo into the side of the tank. Although not super visible once installed, this is a nice subtle inclusion to identify this tank as another awesome Mishimoto component.

Mishimoto expansion tank logo

Now the cool part! Check out the fill neck and dipstick we have designed for this tank.

Mishimoto expansion tank top

This part of the tank deserves some extra conversation. The

Interested in picking up this aluminum E36 expansion tank? Check out our product page linked below!

BMW E36 Aluminum Coolant Expansion Tank!

Time to break open the stock tank and see what lies within. If you follow some of our other development projects, you would know that we recently split an E46 3-series expansion tank and found quite a complex system including both internal and external features. Although this added some complexity and difficulty to the project, it seemed like our engineers enjoyed the challenge.

Stock Expansion Tank Internals

First, before we slice this guy in half, a look inside the tank from the cap.

Stock expansion tank, internal design

We can see from this shot that the tank does indeed feature a unique internal chamber. A tube appears to run the full length of the tank. Let's get to the band saw so we can split this component for evaluation.

Stock expansion tank, internal design

Stock expansion tank, internal design

Stock expansion tank, internal design

The internal

Interested in picking up our E36 fan shroud? Check out the full details on this kit on our product page!

Mishimoto BMW E36 Performance Fan Shroud Kit!

Our final prototype is complete and looks fantastic. The fan mount is constructed from 1/8" steel that has been cut to a specific shape allowing for additional airflow through the radiator core at speed. Additionally, the mount is powder coated black to provide a durable finish. As noted in our last post, we tested this unit extensively with our 16" fan to ensure that coolant temperatures were properly regulated during both idle and all driving conditions.

Check out a few shots of the mount!

Final prototype of fan mount

Final prototype of fan mount

This shroud has been designed to function with the stock expansion tank as well as the aluminum expansion tank we have been working to develop. Check out the mounting system our engineering team designed to secure the tank properly in the stock location.

Final prototype of expansion tank mount

Interested in picking up this aluminum E36 expansion tank? Check out our product page linked below!

BMW E36 Aluminum Coolant Expansion Tank!

Historically, BMW vehicles have been plagued with rather frequent cooling system failures. A majority of these failures are a result of the use of plastic components in a high-temperature application. Although failure isn't immediate, over time the frequent heat cycling of these plastic components results in increased fragility, fatigue, and eventual failure.

A few components we see failing on E36 models include the radiator end tanks, radiator expansion tank, and the mechanical fan. We already offer two aluminum radiator options, and we have an electric-fan conversion kit in the works. An expansion tank is our last stop for product development on the E36 (for now). We have had numerous requests for this component on both the 36 and 46 chassis, because folks are not pleased about having to replace this unit over and over again. They would prefer an

Interested in picking up our E36 fan shroud? Check out the full details on this kit on our product page!

Mishimoto BMW E36 Performance Fan Shroud Kit!

E36 M3 test vehicle

Cooling systems on older BMW models have been recognized as a frequent failure point requiring regular replacement to avoid catastrophic failure. This includes anything made of plastic within the system. So far we have a few remedies - an aluminum radiator and a silicone coolant hose kit. The mechanical fan is next on our list to be addressed.

The stock fan setup is certainly efficient in keeping your straight six cool. That said, a fan failure can get quite ugly with shrapnel tossed around the engine bay, often damaging other components. To reduce vehicle downtime and expense, it would be wise to replace this component before failure occurs.

Swapping your antiquated mechanical setup for an efficient electric system is a great way to improve reliability, and even free up some power on your vehicle. Check out the 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

The testing results are in! First, a quick comparison of the fluid capacity improvements the Mishimoto X-line radiator provides.

Stock Radiator Capacity: 0.6 gal (2.27L)

Mishimoto X-Line Radiator Capacity: 1.15 gal (4.35L)

This is an increase in capacity of 91%! This additional fluid, combined with our highly efficient core design, should easily produce great gains in cooling efficiency. Let's evaluate our charts obtained from the testing data. First up, our raw temperature data from both rounds of testing.

Stock radiator testing data

The stock radiator is reasonably efficient, being more than adequate for normal street use and occasional track use. Extended track use, however, could present some issues. Our stock testing showed average inlet temperatures around 212°F (100˚C) and average outlet temperatures around 160°F

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

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

Alright, the prototype is in and ready for comparison against the stock unit. To show how much different this radiator is compared to our current offering, we would also be bringing in one of these radiators to observe the differences. First, let's take a look at the stock radiator we have. This unit was used to pull critical fitment dimensions.

Stock E36 radiator

Stock E36 radiator

Now a couple shots of the end tank features including the temperature sensor port and one of the hose connection. These plastic tanks are the culprit for many coolant leaks and overheated engines.

Stock E36 radiator temperature sensor port

Stock E36 radiator coolant inlet

And finally, a shot of the fin composition of the stock radiator is shown below. As you can see, the factory radiator is actually pretty well setup. The fin height is reasonably

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

Mishimoto is well known for providing innovative products for vehicles new and old. Our last few months have been dedicated to product development for the new 2015 Subaru WRX, which features a vast amount of changes from the previous generation. Along with these projects, we decided to go back to an older chassis and develop a brand new product for the E30/E36 BMW. We are huge BMW enthusiasts here, myself included, and we have found a gap in the radiator options for the late model E30 and E36 models. We have had great success with our current performance aluminum radiator for the E36. Our current offering is a perfect option for those who need an upgrade in the reliability department. The factory radiator is extremely prone to failure, specifically cracking end tanks and separation between the core and tank seal. By developing