# 2001 BMW 530 expansion tank **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** bmw, 530\ **Created:** [May 16, 2018, 1:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-bmw-530-expansion-tank/117499 "2018-05-16T13:55:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![BadMotorWorks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/76d3ee/32.png) [@BadMotorWorks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BadMotorWorks)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2018, 1:55pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-bmw-530-expansion-tank/117499/1 "2018-05-16T13:55:41Z")
2001 BMW 530, 146,000 miles, Well Maintained, Original owner. Coolant flushed every 4 years as per manual. Pinhole leak near top of expansion tank, can see it bubbling when hot, no overheating problems but need to occasionally top of coolant. should I replace just the expansion tank or should I include the radiator since all is plastic? ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2018, 4:20pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-bmw-530-expansion-tank/117499/2 "2018-05-16T16:20:32Z")
> [@borona](#): > > should I replace just the expansion tank or should I include the radiator since all is plastic? Yes, both. And maybe the water pump as well because I think it has a plastic impeller. While you are there, replace the hoses and the thermostat as well. After all, it is 17 years old. These cars will run a long time if you stay on top of cooling leak/failure issues. Any good independent BMW mechanic will know ALL the things that are likely to bite you on these cars. ---
**Author:** ![BadMotorWorks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/76d3ee/32.png) [@BadMotorWorks](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BadMotorWorks)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2018, 4:51pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2001-bmw-530-expansion-tank/117499/3 "2018-05-16T16:51:17Z")
Thanks for confirming my trusted independent BMW mechanic’s assessment. It is still a great car and was pristine until a couple of weeks age when someone tried to break into my trunk and failed so they carved an X into the paint on the deck lid.