A question we get a lot is "can I replace the side tanks for my E36 radiator?" We'll you could but, with the type of brazed aluminum core and plastic tanks used in modern radiators, it would be more difficult and more expensive than buying a new complete unit.

To reuse the tanks you would have to replace the tanks and header gaskets with same exact ones as on the old radiator and these sometimes vary. Careful attention would have to be placed on opening the crimps and closing them back-up  and the correct positioning of the hearder gasket.  Even if these steps are accomplished sucessfully, the radiator could fail with the combination of heat and pressure.

Can I replace the side tanks for my E36 bimmer? Given the price and availability of new radiators for the E36 (318i, 323i, 325i and 328i) there is more pitfalls than benefit.