2006 BMW 325 CRACKED RADIATOR CAP

APRILDAWN

MEMBER
2006 BMW 325
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
70,000 MILES

So, I purchased this car used in August of 2009. I checked carfax. The car was regularly maintained and had clean records. A few days ago I was on my may to work and the thermostat light came on yellow. At the same time I could hear a soft whining noise from the hood. About 30 seconds later the light turned red and the car lost some power going up a small hill. Once I was on the other side, I pulled the car over and turned it off. At that moment steam began pouring from under the hood. I had it towed and the mechanic says the radiator tank cap and broken and also ruined the radiator. The repairs are being done now. He also says there was no other damage to any other components. What would have caused this? What questions should I ask the mechanic when I pick up my car. Is this a common problem with this car model?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

It isn't any different than another car. Today, the radiator tanks are made of plastic. As a result, they crack. As far as a cause for the problem, my guess is that there was a coolant leak causing the level to get low resulting in it overheating. Also, that radiator cap is pressurized. It is designed to release pressure at a certain point. If it doesn't, it could allow too much pressure to build up in the system. That could have caused the radiator to crack too.

Regardless, this is a common type on all cars today. When you get it back, make sure the engine temp stays in the safe range. If it starts heating up, you may have a stuck thermostat. Just shut it down before it gets too hot.

Let me know if you have other questions, and thanks for using 2carpros. Com.

Joe