Temp problem

[Baurluvva]

I have an e36 2.5tds that doesnt seem to get up to operating temp (half way) it sit at a quarter. Will this be effecting my mpg? What could be the cause?

[MattTheHat325]

How long are your journeys? My e36 2.8 is behaving like this at the moment, only starting to even approach the middle at the end of my 25 mile trip to work. It is just the temperature at the moment, been very cold lately! If you gave it some stick or drove for a long time i'm sure it will warm up.

[capri_rob]

Has it always been like this or just started toi struggle getting up to temp recently ?

I know "running cool" affects economy on newer diesels whether this is the same on an older car I couldnt say for sure. I would expect so though.

Causes most likely to be a stuck/sticking thermostat - or a permanently "on" fan ( viscous on these ?? )

Having said that my Mrs vauxhall astra 1.7 DTi has always taken a long time to warm up, despite changing the stat for a genuine vauxhall part and flushing the system through - they're just known for it.

My mondeo TDCi however gets hot air through the blower within about 2 miles

Change the stat, flush the system and see if that makes a difference.

Either that or blank off part of the rad

[Baurluvva]

It has been doing this for about a month now, my journeys are 60+ miles normally.
if I give it beans up hill the temp rises to half and doesnt go above but if I drive normally it sits just above the blue. Viscous fan on these so must be working when I give it beans, as it doesnt go above half!

[capri_rob]

Maybe the stats stuck partly or fully open then ?

[jaymos]

Maybe the stats stuck partly or fully open then ?

Think you are right, my 316 e36 isnt heating up properly either, I was told it was a sticking thermostat, I really should get it sorted.

[harry_p]

i'd put money on it being a dodgy thermostat.

my e36 316 was the same, the temp would rise if thrashing it, but on a normal cruise in this weather it would drop to less than 1/4

even in sub zero conditions all bmws should get to normal operating temperature (usually bang on half way on the temperature scale, or just a fraction below) within 3-4 miles at the most.

[jaymos]

i'd put money on it being a dodgy thermostat.

my e36 316 was the same, the temp would rise if thrashing it, but on a normal cruise in this weather it would drop to less than 1/4

even in sub zero conditions all bmws should get to normal operating temperature (usually bang on half way on the temperature scale, or just a fraction below) within 3-4 miles at the most.

Yep mine used to get to halfway pretty quick and stay there, recently it takes an age to get there then fluctuates a bit when you adjust the temp settings.

[blingsta]

are you getting hot air through the vents? ive got same problem but i only replaced the stat a month ago ?

[Baurluvva]

Still getting hot air thru vents - thank god!

[powelly]

My 316i e36 has cooling issues at the moment, takes a while to blow hot and even then doesn't get really toastie, despite the guage sitting bang on half way, annoyingly once it is fully up to temperature it overheats at idle after about 10 mins, I obviously have thermostat issue and cooling fan problems.

[pacerpete]

My 316i e36 has cooling issues at the moment, takes a while to blow hot and even then doesn't get really toastie, despite the guage sitting bang on half way, annoyingly once it is fully up to temperature it overheats at idle after about 10 mins, I obviously have thermostat issue and cooling fan problems.

Poor heater and overheating at idle, defiinately = airlock= coolant leak !

[powelly]

It crossed my mind, i've never been 100% sure on this car, it did have a little weep from the bottom hose which I think I have sorted now though, could need bleeding again but you know the agro I had with this turd last time I had to do that. I'm pretty sure the fan isn't cutting in though.

[pacerpete]

Steve, try cracking off the fan switch. For some reason , especially if they have an aftermarket rad, air seems to get trapped in that area. This would also explain your fan issue.

[powelly]

I have a new thermostat and bottom hose in stock ready for fitting, i'll do that and vacum fill it again, that seemed to work last time, i've been putting it off because i'm a girl and don't like working in the cold but I can bring it to work next week and do it a nice warm workshop.

[pacerpete]

New thermostat = £50 !!!


Be sure to keep the old one, I love a part worn

[powelly]

£36 from Euro's recycled coolant FTW!!!!