BMW 3-Series E30/E36 X-Line Radiator 1988-1999

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