I have a BMW 525i, 1995. New radiator installed and 2 weeks later, the plastic tank cracked. Any ideas why?

Question

Is this a problem with the radiator or the mechanic. I was on vacation out of state when this happened and original mechanic wont be able to look at it. I did take a picture of the crack. Took it to a BMW dealer. Any advice would be appreciated. Is there a manufacturer warranty on radiators? Labor? Do you think the mechanic or radiator manufacturer would pay my rental car bill?

Answer 1

Its common for a radiator to get the point of needing replacement but its to late the damage is already done and the engine ran hot or even overheated.  Now you had what I called a super heated moment.  Where the head is likely cracked and some very hot air slipped into the radiator and expanded and cracked the radiator.  

I tell my customers who need cooling system work that the head will likely crack soon.  And so far its not likely it happens every time.  You story is one told over and over again by owners.  Just replaced my radiator/thermostat/whatever in the cooling system and a few weeks later the head is cracked.  

Of you just got a bum radiator..

Answer 2

Most mechanics will guarantee their work if you bring the car back to them to be fixed. Also most parts manufacturers will warrant their parts and replace a defective part with a good one if you turn in the defective part.

It would be hard to get any satisfaction from either one if you are on vacation and cannot take the car to your mechanic or bring the part back and show it to whoever your mechanic bought it from.

However, it is worth a try. I would explain to your mechanic what happened and ask him what he would recommend. You should show him the picture and the receipt from the dealer that fixed the radiator. If you are lucky, the mechanic might be able to get a reimbursement for you from the parts manufacturer. It is also possible he might give you as much as 50 percent of the labor he originally charged you. No one is going to reimburse you for the cost of the rental car.

My answer assumes that the plastic tank that cracked was the radiator replaced by the mechanic. If it was the overflow tank, which is separate from the radiator then all bets are off.