My BMW runs cool with temp guage never reaching normal. Any clues as to what's wrong?

Question

'95 320i 2.0 6cyl

Answer 1

You are describing the exact symptoms of thermostat failure. The additional symptoms would be that the temp gauge would only seem to go back to normal in slow traffic or traffic jams, but once you run it on the highway, the temperature would fall again.

If these symptoms are correct, you can order the thermostat online at a pretty reasonable price, and have your local garage to fit it in for you (since the dealer will make a killing on this job). I paid 2 hours of labor at my local garage for this job just 2 months ago on my BMW, I supplied my own thermostat from bavauto.com.

With your car being 12 years old, it's probably about time for the thermostat to fail anyway.

You should also look into getting your cooling system flushed at the same time, since you will be losing quite a bit of coolant for this job. And make sure to flush your coolant once every 2-3 years.

Here's what it looks like and where it's located:
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CB13&mospid=47495&btnr=11_1503&hg=11&fg=35&hl=21

Note: A malfuntioning viscous fan that keeps on blowing should not "overcool" your engine, neither should "driving fast" - if your thermostat is working properly.

It's the job of the thermostat to separate the warmer coolant in your engine from the cooler coolant in your radiator until needed (when temperature rises over normal), then the thermostat will open to allow cool coolant to flow around the engine block.

Answer 2

if your fan isn't beginning whilst the temperature reaches the purple it maximum definately isn't working remarkable. i could examine the thermostat to confirm no count if it is at fault. The thermostat is a sensor which switches the fan on whilst the engine is working warm and switches it off whilst it is working on the wonderful temperature. you could additionally examine the wiring around the place the fan is placed to examine if it is corroded. As you have relatively an previous vehicle this may be the reason. it ought to alos be a the fan itself is jammed, no longer likely besides the undeniable fact that it is a concept. On an extremely final word attempt looking in the fuse field and spot if the fuse has blown which controls the fan. If it has you will ought to interchange it. sturdy success.

Answer 3

It either the thermostat or your temp gauge is not properly grounded. Pay close attention (but keep your eyes on teh road) and see if the needle dances around. If it does, then the grounding on the back of the gauge has come loose. Remove the instrument cluster carefully and tighten the little nut behind the gauge.

Answer 4

Your viscous fan clutch could be frozen causing your fan to be fully engaged at all times and over cooling the radiator. When the car is cold (has not been run in several hours or overnight) start the engine and take a rolled up newspaper and try to stop the fan from turning. If it won't stop, the clutch needs replacing.

Cheers.....

Answer 5

sounds like a temp gauge problem, take the wire off the sender and short it to ground and see if gauge pegs to the right, with key on

if so, the sender is going bad

Answer 6

the Thermostat which is between your radiator and the water pump probably has the wrong setting. You can replace it if you want, but it actually wont hurt much

Answer 7

Let the engine warm up then feel the top raditor hose. it should be warm. If not the therm. is out or not working.

Answer 8

thermostats probably broke

Answer 9

that mean you drive fast