BMW E28 M5 / E24 M6 High-Performance All-Aluminum Radiator

7232

Classic cars continue to be a huge market for the enthusiast community. Countless enthusiasts appreciate the beauty and visceral feeling of older vehicles. However, sometimes it is just older gearheads looking to hold onto a part of their youth. That nostalgic feeling we get from owning or seeing something from our past is a huge serotonin spike. There is just something about newer cars that doesn’t hit the same way. There are many BMW models that are deemed classics at this point. However, the BMW E28 M5 and E24 M6 are extra special because they were two of the first M cars BMW ever produced.

Given the age of the E28 M5 and E24 M6, it is definitely worthwhile to upgrade the cooling system. The factory systems from the 80’s were fine at the time, but cooling technology has come a long way since then. So if you’re looking for the best possible cooling system, then look now further than the new CSF BMW E28 M5 / E24 M6 High-Performance All-Aluminum Radiator.

Design & Engineering

CSF teamed up with A/C Solutions to develop this new radiator. Their founder, Austin Caccavo, is a long time E28 enthusiast. He started the company after updating the A/C system on his own E28. The relationship began with CSF manufacturing A/C condensers for their upgrade and conversion kits which eventually led to Austin asking if CSF would make a High-Performance radiator for the E28 M5. Austin and his team worked closely with CSF’s engineering team to develop this radiator for perfect fitment, optimal performance, and all the features E28/E24 owners could hope for.

CSF vs OEM

The original OE radiator from BMW is an aluminum core with plastic tank design. While this is very common for OE radiators, heat exchanger technology has progressed significantly over the decades since these cars were released. Older high-performance vehicles require the best possible cooling systems and can greatly benefit from improved cooling efficiency. Anyone who has restored/updated a classic car knows the value of having updated parts that are as efficient as possible.

The CSF radiator features a 1-Row 31mm aluminum core that improves heat dissipation. CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology increases the heat transfer by approximately 15% over regular oval welded tubes. With nearly double the number of cooling fins and tubes, the CSF Radiator will outperform the OEM unit by a significant margin. In addition, the super-efficient multi-louvered fins maximize airflow through the core for the best possible performance. The radiator mounts in the factory location and requires no modifications or cutting.

The TIG-Welded 100% All Aluminum construction increases the overall strength of the radiator. This improves durability and longevity so you can be confident it will hold up to hard driving conditions.

It has a Drain Plug

Those familiar with the radiator on the E28 M5 and E24 M6 know that the factory radiator does not come with a drain plug. While this isn’t the end of the world, it’s definitely a nice thing to have if you’re going to do a coolant flush, pull the engine out, etc.

BMW E28 M5 / E24 M6 High-Performance All-Aluminum Radiator Features (CSF #7232)

• 1-Row – 31mm Ultra-High-Performance Core
• Cooling Tubes with CSF’s Exclusive B-Tube Technology
• 6.5mm Tall Ultra Efficient Fins with a Multi-Louvered Design for Maximum Surface Area Contact
• CNC Machined Mounting Brackets and OEM Style Inlet/Outlet
• 100% All Aluminum TIG-Welded Construction
• Satin Black Finish for an OEM+ Look and Feel
• True Plug-and-Play “Drop-in Fit” Installation Requires Absolutely No Modifications
• Two M14x1.5 Temperature Sensor Ports on left side tank (Plugs Included)
• Individually Leak and Pressure Tested
• 2-Year Limited Warranty

• Applications:
  • 1984-1988 BMW E28 M5 (US and Euro)
  • 1984-1989 BMW E24 M635CSi
  • 1987-1989 BMW E24 M6

• OEM Part Numbers:
  • BMW: 17-11-2-226-082
  • BMW: 17-11-2-225-061
  • BMW: 17-11-2-226-018