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Is this a record?

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 8:05 am
by MalcolmSu
yet another coolant leak, which turns out to be hole in radiator. Just over two years since last one so no warranty claim. That makes four radiators in my lifetime with car. :-( Gone are the days when i'd get out my soldering iron.

Wife says it's my fault "you drive too close to cars in front"!

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 8:21 am
by sweegie
Ouch. If it's any consolation, my "F" radiator has spring a small leak and looks like it needs replaced.

TPS want close on £900 for it and there's not enough lube in the world for that degree of shafting. Does your car use the the earlier, cheaper radiator at least?

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 8:32 am
by MalcolmSu
Don't know. I'm 800 quid down either way

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2016 9:39 am
by sweegie
Rediculous as it sounds, I'd probably take that bill :drink:

A guy I know from Queensferry recons he can get a custom radiator made cheaper than the TPS one, but in true RS6 fashion, cheaper is always relative.....

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 3:02 pm
by Gripper1
I'm sure I have read somewhere on here of someone who changed out the radiator for one that is 99% the same that doesn't carry the RS premium. Was around £200 from what I remember.

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 3:14 pm
by MalcolmSu
Gripper1 wrote:I'm sure I have read somewhere on here of someone who changed out the radiator for one that is 99% the same that doesn't carry the RS premium. Was around £200 from what I remember.

wish I'd read this two days ago! :-)

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Sat Apr 16, 2016 6:00 pm
by Gripper1
Found it: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=118743&p=782247&hil ... or#p782247

Basically 2 numbers for the radiators but 4B3121251 D appears to fit and is considerably cheaper than the 'E' designated number.

Would be interested to know what the differences are between the 2 part numbers but if it fits and works that is good enough for me. Shame it wasn't early enough for yourself but may help other searching for the future!

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Mon Apr 18, 2016 6:38 pm
by mega1879
Hi there I've just fitted the nissens radiator on my 2003 rs 6 c5 and everything is fine!! £135 bargain :thumbs:

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 10:43 am
by Dave McB
I have a radiator in my office matching the part number 4B3121251D (i'm a parts advisor)

Does anyone have a picture of a radiator ending in 'E' so that I can compare fitment?

My car uses the later expensive radiator, id like to explore the cheaper option before I buy the more expensive one (I grudge the 800 quid for a radiator - id rather have a custom one made for that money)

@MalcolmSu - if someone can confirm or deny that thay are a suitable match I can acquire you the earlier type for a very decent price.

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 10:56 am
by sweegie
The later, and exorbitantly priced, "F" radiator has an extra outlet that's used for driving a modified coolant circuit. I see 3 choices for me at the moment

1. Get pumped by TPS for the original rad. This is *not* going to happen
2. Get a custom made radiator made up. This is more likely...
3. Modify the coolant circuit to use the earlier radiator. Probably not tricky, but I guess the extra plumbing is there for a reason.

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 11:02 am
by Dave McB
I completely agree. I refuse to be horsed for a radiator that probably costs about 20 quid to make. The earlier type one I can have for a decent price.

Has anyone had a custom radiator made?
I have a local radiator guy round the corner who might be able to make something up - just wondered if anyone has had any success previously or theres one available off the shelf

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 11:57 am
by MalcolmSu
My car is back on the road with a 4B3121251F which cost £828.53 and 3 hours of labour at £60 an hour (plus VAT)...

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 6:59 pm
by Shoppinit
So one standard RS6 monetary unit. What's the beef?

Re: Is this a record?

Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2016 7:08 pm
by MalcolmSu
Absolutely. Every job starts at a grand.

Or in my case add another half unit to fix the abs pump control unit...