Running Temp of a M52

[andyborris]

Anyone know the normal running temp of a M52 engine?

Thanks

Andy

[DanThe]

An E36 328i thermostat is 92 degrees

[andyborris]

Thanks Dan.

[Brianmoooore]

I would advise running the system at 2 bar in an E30, with a 92 degree 'stat in a M52.
It's very possible that local boiling could occur in the head at 1.4 bar.

[DanThe]

80 degree stat is what I use

[SteSE]

Where should an M52 engine / coolant temp register on an e30 temp gauage?

[DanThe]

Depends what temp your running it at, 80 degree sits at 1/4 and 88 degree centre

[e30-EVN]

mine sits on half with 88 degree stat, gets up toward 3/4 before fan comes in when in traffic.!

im getting an 80 tomoro so she runs cooler in this hot weather

[SteSE]

Cool. Thats what mine does. They run hotter than the M20s, I don't remember that moving on the temp gauge at all.

If these get into the red is that it?

[DanThe]

Viscous fan is the difference.

[e30-EVN]

mine has never got to the red, fan comes in and stops that happening. i wouldnt want my m52 to reach the red.!!

[SteSE]

But she doesn't fit! I've been reading horror stories of m52s getting hot and I'm paranoid!

[e30-EVN]

best way to go is 80 degree stat and 80-88 degree thermo switch with a decent electric fan.... you wont have no worries then mate

[DanThe]

This /\

[slim91]

What stat would I order do they do different one for e36 or do I get a different one? Cheers

[DanThe]

80 or 88, just ask them to check the temp at wherever you buy it from

[AndyZippy]

Mine is running an 88 deg stat, and is fine, though i think i might grab an 80 instead.. not totally convinced she'd be super happy if in traffic for a longer time

[rich318i]

80 degree stat is what I use

What cap Dan. 2 Bar or 1.4 Bar ?

Running a 2 bar and 80 stat

[DanThe]

If the engine is in an E30 with an E30 heater valve then you should be using a 1.4 Bar cap

[rich318i]

If the engine is in an E30 with an E30 heater valve then you should be using a 1.4 Bar cap

cheers

Opps been using the 2 bar.
matrix or heater pipes or both have gone . 30 months on from the conversion

dropping to my local dealers tomorrow and see if i can get my free cap from them if the cars not already had one

[Brianmoooore]

If the engine is in an E30 with an E30 heater valve then you should be using a 1.4 Bar cap

Same valve in an E30 iS, and that works happily at 2 bar.

[rich318i]

think mine is just due to old age then. It was a 318i before the m52 conversion

That or the 2 bar cap is not working and blown the matrix still have to find out but will be getting a new cap once the work has been done any way just to be safe

Is their away to test the cap if its fooked??

[craigieeb]

Is their away to test the cap if its fooked??

squeezing the top pipe and listening for air around the cap normally works

[rich318i]

cool cheers

[Brianmoooore]

think mine is just due to old age then. It was a 318i before the m52 conversion

That or the 2 bar cap is not working and blown the matrix still have to find out but will be getting a new cap once the work has been done any way just to be safe

Is their away to test the cap if its fooked??

AFAIK, the 2 bar cap isn't involved in the recall; just the 1.4 version.
No way to test the cap. The problem is that the pressure release valve very occasionally sticks shut in old age, over pressurising the system and exceeding the pressure limits of the weakest part, the electric heater valve.

[Quaser]

has anyone got the part number for the 80/88 temp switch pls?

[DanThe]

61 31 8 361 787

[DanThe]

If the engine is in an E30 with an E30 heater valve then you should be using a 1.4 Bar cap

Same valve in an E30 iS, and that works happily at 2 bar.

Ahh ok, I thought they changed them all to 1.4 with the recall, thanks Brian

[Quaser]

And a part number for 80 degree thermostat pls

[Motorhole]

So should I be running using a 1.4 or 2 bar cap in my m52? Any probs with running a 1.4 bar cap, using the 80-deg stat? I'm using 2 bar at the mo.

[Brianmoooore]

Running the engine way below its design temperature at 80 degrees will reduce its efficiency, but will allow you to run a 1.4 bar cap. The idea is to run an engine as hot as possible without any local boiling in hot spots occurring.