It’s become increasingly common for owners to convert early E30 M20 cars to the later-style radiator setup. However, that conversion requires a long list of additional parts—new hoses, mounting brackets, water pump, coolant crossover, expansion tank, and more. In reality, this conversion is completely unnecessary.

The trend has largely been driven by the assumption that early-style radiators—both OEM and aftermarket—are no longer available (NLA). That assumption is incorrect.

While these parts have become harder to find through simple Google searches, they are very much still obtainable. Below are the currently available options.

OEM Radiators

The original North American part numbers are:

• 17111468074 — Manual transmission

• 17111712484 — Automatic transmission

Both of these North American part numbers are officially NLA.

However, the same radiators are still available under their European part numbers:

• 17111176900 — Manual transmission

• 17111176901 — Automatic transmission

These radiators remain available in Europe and can typically be ordered through most BMW dealers with an approximate two-week lead time.

Aftermarket Options

Several aftermarket replacements are also readily available:

• Murray Heat Transfer Radiator – Part #433253
  https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/murray-heat-transfer/engine-cooling/radiator/radiator/02ac48565f9e/murray-heat-transfer-radiator/rht0/433253/v/a/975/automotive-car-1987-bmw-325i?q=radiator&pos=0

• Carquest Premium Radiator – Part #433253
  https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/carquest-premium-radiator-with-transmission-oil-cooler-433253/3898083-P

• Liland Global Radiator – Part #825AA
  https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=10332548&cc=1011643&pt=2172

• Ebay, under sellers like Winner_racing and Worley Auto Parts WRCR008874

*Always flush out aftermarket radiators before installing to rid of any loose aluminum shavings from the manufacturing process.

Pictured:
17111176900

Pictured Murray Heat Transfer Radiator – Part #433253:

This entry was posted on January 8, 2026 at 9:50 pm and is filed under Interesting Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.