Lots of work...

[Hollywood]

Got all the plastic off doing lots of work to the 03 LTC, as follows:

1. HID Lights.
2. Garmin hardwire install.
3. XM Radio.
4. Oil/filter change.
5. Coolant change.

My question is in regards to the radiator hoses; has anyone used automotive hoses as as replacement, if so which ones?

Also, when I was able to get a full view of all the hoses they all looked "collapsed". Kind of like having a half full bottle of water on a airplane, as you come down the bottle collapses then, when you open the cap, it comes back in shape. Well, thats what happened to my hoses, when I opened the radiator cap, all the hoses opened up again.

Any ideas about the hoses?

Thanks so much to all who us the site, it has been a great help to a new BMW owner!

:bmw:

[munson]

Got all the plastic off doing lots of work to the 03 LTC, as follows:

1. HID Lights.
2. Garmin hardwire install.
3. XM Radio.
4. Oil/filter change.
5. Coolant change.

My question is in regards to the radiator hoses; has anyone used automotive hoses as as replacement, if so which ones?

Also, when I was able to get a full view of all the hoses they all looked "collapsed". Kind of like having a half full bottle of water on a airplane, as you come down the bottle collapses then, when you open the cap, it comes back in shape. Well, thats what happened to my hoses, when I opened the radiator cap, all the hoses opened up again.

Any ideas about the hoses?

Thanks so much to all who us the site, it has been a great help to a new BMW owner!

:bmw:
I would not know about any hoses other than the OEM. As for the collapsing, the radiator cap is supposed to allow coolant to flow in from the reservoir as needed. It sounds like there is an obstruction somewhere, or the cap's valve is stuck.

[Hollywood]

I thought the same about the cap and will be putting a new one on in hopes this corrects the slight overflow spit I get out of the bottle at times. I'm also using Engine Ice coolant since I have read good things about it.
Thanks!

[SilverBuffalo]

I've never heard of collapsed hoses,
between that and the overflowing issue you were talking about at the RTE it sure sounds like you've got an obstruction or a venting issue,

the radiator cap is a good start, replacing the thermostat couldn't hurt.
Before spending any $$$ I'd suggest looking for a pinched vent hose also.

If you get into it any deeper than that, keep in mind I've got both radiators, fans, overflow reservoir and even hoses of my 2002 (30 thousand miles) laying in the shed.

If you're installing an XM Roady,
I've also got a couple of other pieces of my 02 you could save a couple of bucks on.

[Hollywood]

I've never heard of collapsed hoses,
between that and the overflowing issue you were talking about at the RTE it sure sounds like you've got an obstruction or a venting issue,

the radiator cap is a good start, replacing the thermostat couldn't hurt.
Before spending any $$$ I'd suggest looking for a pinched vent hose also.

If you get into it any deeper than that, keep in mind I've got both radiators, fans, overflow reservoir and even hoses of my 2002 (30 thousand miles) laying in the shed.

If you're installing an XM Roady,
I've also got a couple of other pieces of my 02 you could save a couple of bucks on.
Thank you my friend! I am taking a lunch break, just got the coolant system done and filled with Engine Ice and put a new cap on it. So far so good, I had to cover the radiators to get the fans to come on (both working).
Got all the wires in place for the Garmin, XM and the HID headlight and now just have to make it all look pretty and nice!
Oil and filter change all done as well, went with a K&N filter and synthetic 20/50.
After lunch I got to run to the parts store and get some more zip ties, just when you think you have everything you need... YOU DON'T!

Talk to you all latter after I got here back together.

[Hollywood]

Got all the plastic off doing lots of work to the 03 LTC, as follows:

1. HID Lights.
2. Garmin hardwire install.
3. XM Radio.
4. Oil/filter change.
5. Coolant change.

My question is in regards to the radiator hoses; has anyone used automotive hoses as as replacement, if so which ones?

Also, when I was able to get a full view of all the hoses they all looked "collapsed". Kind of like having a half full bottle of water on a airplane, as you come down the bottle collapses then, when you open the cap, it comes back in shape. Well, thats what happened to my hoses, when I opened the radiator cap, all the hoses opened up again.

Any ideas about the hoses?

Thanks so much to all who us the site, it has been a great help to a new BMW owner!

:bmw:
Good Days work!
Just finished a test ride and no left over parts!
Here is what took me from 10am till 6pm:
1. Coolant flush and cap change to fix a overheating problem - so far, so good!
2. Oil and filter change.
3. XM and Garmin 450 hardwire install on a BMR Copilot set-up. Nice! Got it all hooked-up with my Autocom so I can here the turn by turn directions.
4. Front and rear brake pads.
5. HID headlight install. Great improvement over the stock!!!
6. Smoked headlight protection by Xpel, much better than the ones held on via velcro.
7. Smoked front turn signals. Looks great with the smoked headlight on a black bike!

All cleaned and ready for a ride on Sunday!

have a great weekend guys!