[NocheDeZippeh]

My radiator has developed a slow leak, so I ordered a replacement (Mahle) from FCP Euro. The original radiator has what BMW calls a "control sleeve" that snaps into place in the drain hole, with a smaller drain plug contained within the sleeve. Apparently, BMW used this radiator on both automatic and manual transmission cars, but AT cars and MT cars used different control sleeves (I guess to route coolant to the AT heat exchanger?).

Anyway, the replacement radiator came with a generic screw in plug in the drain hole, and the appropriate AT control sleeve does not fit in the hole. I checked with FCP Euro and the Mahle website, and they both say that the radiator with the generic screw in plug is the right radiator. Has anyone else encountered this?

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

If Mahle has separate auto/manual radiators and both FCPEuro and Mahle say they don't use a control sleeve, then I'd say that's how it supposed to be. Those control sleeves are a PITA anyway.

[NocheDeZippeh]

Near as I can tell after watching this:

the AT cooler will maybe just get a little more coolant flow than it would with the control sleeve scheme.

I guess if FCP Euro and Mahle agree on this, then I'll just roll with it.

[Wolf 335]

Originally Posted by NocheDeZippeh

My radiator has developed a slow leak, so I ordered a replacement (Mahle) from FCP Euro. The original radiator has what BMW calls a "control sleeve" that snaps into place in the drain hole, with a smaller drain plug contained within the sleeve. Apparently, BMW used this radiator on both automatic and manual transmission cars, but AT cars and MT cars used different control sleeves (I guess to route coolant to the AT heat exchanger?).

Anyway, the replacement radiator came with a generic screw in plug in the drain hole, and the appropriate AT control sleeve does not fit in the hole. I checked with FCP Euro and the Mahle website, and they both say that the radiator with the generic screw in plug is the right radiator. Has anyone else encountered this?

I installed this Mahle rad this year (February 2021) and now it's leaking at the drain plug. Need to figure out what to do.

Anyone know where to source Mahle radiator drain plug?

[maximoline]

Originally Posted by NocheDeZippeh

My radiator has developed a slow leak, so I ordered a replacement (Mahle) from FCP Euro. The original radiator has what BMW calls a "control sleeve" that snaps into place in the drain hole, with a smaller drain plug contained within the sleeve. Apparently, BMW used this radiator on both automatic and manual transmission cars, but AT cars and MT cars used different control sleeves (I guess to route coolant to the AT heat exchanger?).

Anyway, the replacement radiator came with a generic screw in plug in the drain hole, and the appropriate AT control sleeve does not fit in the hole. I checked with FCP Euro and the Mahle website, and they both say that the radiator with the generic screw in plug is the right radiator. Has anyone else encountered this?

Did you figure it out? I have the same issue and I want to be sure

[NocheDeZippeh]

Funny thing - my Mahle radiator eventually developed a leak along the metal/plastic junction on the driver's side, so I replaced it with a CSF radiator that happens to use the control sleeve. The drain plug on the Mahle radiator seemed to work fine.