E30 Zone

Hello.

I was wondering why after a full service of my 316i auto (All fluids, all belts) and a tune up my max temp became lower then normal.

It used to be perfectly centered when warm in the dial - but now runs a little colder.

I'm guessing it's not a problem but I'd be nice to know why...


Thanks

Kit

Coolant doing it's job coupled with no crap in the system to slow the flow down.

The only thing that should affect the position of the gauge is the coolant thermostat. Was this replaced as part of the service?

Thanks.

This now makes sense.

Kit

TheRam wrote:Thanks.

This now makes sense.

Kit

Does that mean it was changed?
A M40 engine should have a 88 degree thermostat, which corresponds to the centre of the gauge. A M20 engine has an 80 degree 'stat which corresponds to the needle just past the quarter mark.
If your gauge has dropped to this point, then you probably have the wrong 'stat fitted.

Hello Brian

Is this a big problem? Does it effect how well the car performs (as it can't get to ideal temp)...?

Can you tell me how to check the part to confirm it's the wrong thermostat?

Thanks

Kit

Unless the invoice for the work details the spec. of the thermostat, the only way you will tell for sure is by taking it out and looking at it. Most 'stats have their opening temperature stamped on them somewhere.
The temperature gauge in your car does not have a linear scale. The centre part is expanded, and as long as the needle stays well away from the blue and red sectors, and stays still, except for rising a little in traffic, then everything is fine.