325i Cab With Some Problems

[l33dwc]

Hi,
Now that i had my 320d writtern off i am now using the 325i cab for the 38 mile daily commute until i get a replacement. We have had for 7 months and has seen limited use. Now it is driven daily a few problems have raisen.
1. The temp gauge doesn't rise above the 1/4 mark. I have heat out the vents and the levels are topped. Is it likely dashboard or sender at fault
2. How easy is it to replace the bulb that lights up the selector on a auto box. Any useful tips would needed.
3. When in D and pulling away from standstill, the revs will drop and almost stall, then pick up. Any ideas or easy fix on this one.

Hope to have some ideas as it will make the car more pleasurable.

Thanks

[BenHar]

Hi,

1. The temp gauge doesn't rise above the 1/4 mark. I have heat out the vents and the levels are topped. Is it likely dashboard or sender at fault

325Is generally run somewhere between a quarter and half. Just above a quarter is fine.

Ben

[Brianmoooore]

For number 2 you should be able to access the bulb by carefully pulling up the section with the brushes on it, not sure if you have to undo the screws on the part below it to get at the bulb.

Don't be surprised if the bulb is fine. It's common for the wire to the bulb to break, as a result of being flexed every time the selector is moved. Easy enough repair.
3. The usual combination/permutations of faulty throttle position switch, incorrectly adjusted TPS, air leaks on the inlet manifold side and injectors overdue for a service.

[l33dwc]

Thanks guys, Some things for me to look at the weekend and hopefully solve something.

[stew72]

Hi,

1. The temp gauge doesn't rise above the 1/4 mark. I have heat out the vents and the levels are topped. Is it likely dashboard or sender at fault

325Is generally run somewhere between a quarter and half. Just above a quarter is fine.

Ben

Not necessarily, this could also point to the thermostat beong stuck open which isn't good for economy or the engines long term health.

If you start the car cold and let it idle does the gauge rise fairly quickly to where it normally sit and then go further upward? This should be combined with the top hose and radiator staying cold for the first few minutes and then fairly quickly warming up as the thermostat opens and temp gauge gets to around normal. If this happens it would suggest all is well with your thermostat.

However if when started from cold the gauge rises slowly and this is accompanied by the radiator and top hose also warming gradually you've probably got a stuck thermostat.

A new thrmostat, o-ring and gasket etc won't be expensive.

[l33dwc]

Quick update.
Replaced the selector bulb. that was a nice and easy job. Have also replaced the thermostat and it now warms up nicely. The old one was not struck open but bent
Thanks for the help

[BMW_E30vert]

seems like i also need to change my thermostat my car does the same only warms up to the quarter line and does so very slowly.
is it best to get a thermostat from main dealer? as the one in my car is not so old (bought from ecp) and its already failed