I have searched and see quite a few threads on radiator options, but the most recent seems to be about 4 years old and I am wondering if there are other options, or if options have changed.
I live in the SF bay area and use my car a DD (15 miles to work, pre-Covid-19) as long as it isn't raining (not because my car is a garage queen, I just prefer a safer car when the weather is bad). I also don't drive too far if it is hotter than about 75 degrees, because the car gets very close to overheating in traffic or when going up hill, even for just one mile.
I do basic wrenching, such as replacing a radiator, but I still asked my mechanic what he thought, and he suggested just starting with an auxiliary fan to see if that solves the problem. I am not sure that will do much. My car is relatively stock, so I am not a fan of the big IE aluminum ones, and I am not inclined to use a 320i radiator, etc. So, I am looking for suggestions:
1. Install an auxiliary fan
2. See if I can find a local shop to rod out the current one (it doesn't seem easy to find people who do this any more)
3. See if I can find someone to recore (looks like the Silicon Garage guys is still MIA or not worth tracking down due to previous posts)
4. Buy a new one
if I do this, i assume I should replace the thermostat at the same time, of is this really necessary?
Regarding buying new one, Pelican doesn't have one, the other best suggestions I have seen (from 2016 posts), are for Wassenkuhler. Is this still the best option, or are there others. If I use Wassen, I see they have a:
Standard one (https://www.wallothnesch.com/wasserkuehler-1502-2002ti-11-31-14.html)
High cooling option (https://www.wallothnesch.com/en/radiator-with-high-cooling-rate-with-original-diamensions-11-31-14.html)
Any thoughts on this company or the difference between the two radiators they offer?
Lastly, are the other non-BMW options that retain the look and fit of the OEM radiator?
Thanks in advance,
Dave