[BlownN54Turbos]

I'm in the midst of 6speed swapping my touring and I'm having an issue finding the correct drain plug for my radiator. Anytime I search part numbers it sends me to parts like:

https://a.co/d/8G3XJLY

I've ordered this, however it won't work. My radiator has a threaded drain plug.
Like so:

But, while this one works, because of the deletion of the automatic transmission cooler there is now a giant hole in the manual expansion tank bracket.
Pictured here:

Can someone steer me in the right way towards the correct part number ?
Radiator is a OE Mahle unit.
I'm finding contracting posts on the forums, and can't find a correct part number, and really don't want to just keep throwing parts at it until that's my last option.

Thanks !

 

[RayPooley]

I'm in the midst of 6speed swapping my touring and I'm having an issue finding the correct drain plug for my radiator. Anytime I search part numbers it sends me to parts like:

https://a.co/d/8G3XJLY

I've ordered this, however it won't work. My radiator has a threaded drain plug.
Like so:

But, while this one works, because of the deletion of the automatic transmission cooler there is now a giant hole in the manual expansion tank bracket.
Pictured here:

Can someone steer me in the right way towards the correct part number ?
Radiator is a OE Mahle unit.
I'm finding contracting posts on the forums, and can't find a correct part number, and really don't want to just keep throwing parts at it until that's my last option.

Thanks !

The drain plug depends on your transmission type.
The short one you have there is for auto because the coolant has to go through the transmission cooler.
The longer one is for the manual transmission that doesn't have the cooler.

 

[tharber]

If you changed the radiator you will need the shorter version. If not, then you need to loop the transmission cooler lines together and retain the original long plug.

 

[RayPooley]

If you changed the radiator you will need the shorter version. If not, then you need to loop the transmission cooler lines together and retain the original long plug.

That doesn't make sense. The long plug is for manual transmission.
If you remove the auto trans you remove the cooler as well. You no longer need it.

 

[tharber]

I just went thru this. The pic above is not exactely correct. Here are the 2 types, as you can see one is long and the other shorter. The long one is absolutely for an automatic trans and the shorter manual trans.:

 

[RayPooley]

I just went thru this. The pic above is not exactely correct. Here are the 2 types, as you can see one is long and the other shorter. The long one is absolutely for an automatic trans and the shorter manual trans.:

What?? Can you not see the OP's existing drain plug?
It's clearly not one of those. It's one of these.
Yes. There are different radiators with different plugs.
They OP has the one he has posted.
The one for the auto trans.
He now needs its manual counterpart.
The long one in this picture.

 

[BlownN54Turbos]

The drain plug depends on your transmission type.
The short one you have there is for auto because the coolant has to go through the transmission cooler.
The longer one is for the manual transmission that doesn't have the cooler.

Those look like the correct ones, do you know where I can source the one for MT pictured? Can't find it anywhere.

 

[BlownN54Turbos]

I just went thru this. The pic above is not exactely correct. Here are the 2 types, as you can see one is long and the other shorter. The long one is absolutely for an automatic trans and the shorter manual trans.: View attachment 1085702
View attachment 1085701

These are for OEM BMW radiators. I have an OE Mahle radiator. I bought one like this and it would not fit into my radiator. As my radiator has threads, instead of the locking tabs like those pictured.

 

[RayPooley]

Those look like the correct ones, do you know where I can source the one for MT pictured? Can't find it anywhere.

Part number 17111437359

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[BimmurBrothor]

At any rate...Sounds like a boneyard run to me! At least until you have a satisfied fit.
Good luck!
Cheers...

 

[BlownN54Turbos]

Part number 17111437359

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BMW Genuine Radiator Adjusting Screw E46/E83/E85/E86 Manual 17111437359 5056162836754 | eBay

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These just send me to the OEM style plug. I emailed Mahle customer support in hopes to get a plug from them. In the mean time I will just run the auto bracket with the trans cooler looped.

 

[RayPooley]

These just send me to the OEM style plug. I emailed Mahle customer support in hopes to get a plug from them. In the mean time I will just run the auto bracket with the trans cooler looped.

Are you saying you bought a new radiator and it came without drain plugs?
I've changed mine twice and both new rads came with two plugs. The MT and the AT one.
I can't imagine why they would not include the plug.
Not much use without it.
It's a pity you're not closer.
I got two spares.

 

[BlownN54Turbos]

Are you saying you bought a new radiator and it came without drain plugs?
I've changed mine twice and both new rads came with two plugs. The MT and the AT one.
I can't imagine why they would not include the plug.
Not much use without it.
It's a pity you're not closer.
I got two spares.

No, I replaced the radiator years ago. I just misplaced the MT drain plug. As the car was originally equipped with an auto. Yea I think importing into the states would cost more than the part is worth to be honest. I appreciate it, like I said I'm just gonna run the auto bracket and loop the auto trans cooler in the mean time until Mahle gets back to me next week. I'll post my findings with them for future reference.