Engine Coolant Return Pipe

[TG-2002-320i-328ci]

Having started the Starter remove and replace project (after months of procrastination), I've noticed the coolant has quite a bit of rust in it. I planned on doing a flush, as well as replacing the water pump and thermostat during this process.

However, I have noticed that the coolant return pipe (P/N 11531261156) had quite a bit of flaky rust. As is typical, now that I am there - I am tempted to replace what is likely a 50-year old part. It's not that expensive - but am I opening up another can of worms - or is it pretty straightforward? It seems like I have most of the surrounding parts off, anyway.

Thanks

Tom

 

[HB Chris]

The newer replacement is a rubber hose and plastic T for the e28, someone makes a stainless one Too.

 

[TG-2002-320i-328ci]

I'll always go the stainless option when possible. I'll do some searching... thanks.

 

[TG-2002-320i-328ci]

I'll always go the stainless option when possible. I'll do some searching... thanks.

That didn't take long.

Water Return Pipe Stainless Steel (11531261156) BMW M30 (E3, E9, E12, E23, E24) | eBay

Condition is New. BMW M30 Engine (E3, E9, E12, E23, E24) Inyection. E23   (10/1976 — 06/1987) 7 Series. E24 (10/1975 — 04/1989) 6 Series. E12   (07/1974 — 07/1981) 5 Series. E3   (09/1971 — 02/1977) 2500 - 3.3Li.

www.ebay.com

 

[rsporsche]

the Stainless pipe is available from Mario at VSR1.

E9 CS Coupe Products | VSR1, LLC

We manufacture in house many E9 CS BMW performance parts.

www.vsr1.com

 

[JMinPDX]

WN has them too.

Search results for: '11531261156' | Wallothesch

www.wallothnesch.com

 

[TG-2002-320i-328ci]

WN has them too.

Search results for: '11531261156' | Wallothesch

www.wallothnesch.com

That's the best price I have seen so far.

 

[rsporsche]

yes, but is W+N's piece stainless? i would ask before ordering ... don't forget the inexpensive freight charge from w+n, but maybe you can save 20 euro with one of their discounts.

 

[JMinPDX]

yes, but is W+N's piece stainless? i would ask before ordering ... don't forget the inexpensive freight charge from w+n, but maybe you can save 20 euro with one of their discounts.

I don’t think the WN pipe is stainless, I’m guessing they would mention it if it was.
I should have pointed that out in my post above.

 

[TG-2002-320i-328ci]

I ended up ordering a stainless pipe from Vintage Sports & Restoration (www.VSR1.com). The quality is great. A little more pricey than WN's, but definitely stainless.

I pulled the OEM pipe last week and believe my decision to replace was the correct one.

 

[adawil2002]

You chose wisely. The VSR stainless return is a must, have had one since my original disintegrated.