Anyone seen this on their car?? A second Thermostat

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 12:24 am

As above, just a Q

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 1:27 am

Part number lists for M10, M42, M20 and S14, but only USA market E30s.

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 9:03 am

AFAIK, it's the anti litigation 'stat fitted to US models to limit the heater core temp, as part of the coolant system recall.

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 3:36 pm

That's what I read Brian, as a precation to stop the heater matrix bowing due to high pressures.
WOuldn't be a bad idea over here, as some have had the matrix blow over here too.

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 3:47 pm

vw retrofitted an almost identical valve on mk2 golfs as they had a habit of popping the heater matrix.

modern matrix' are better designed so you can remove the valve and have a heater which actually blows proper hot air.

the valve is a bit of a bodge, with the correct pressure cap and a cooling system in good condition then there's not really any need for it. I suppose if you only use your car in summer you could fit one, but for an all year round driver the standard e30 heater is awesome!

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 7:50 pm

harry_p wrote:
the valve is a bit of a bodge, with the correct pressure cap and a cooling system in good condition then there's not really any need for it.

That's why in the UK we only got a more reliable replacement pressure cap, although there are still loads around that haven't been changed.
It's the electric valve on the left hand side of the heater that blows much more often than the matrix, and in the super litigious US, if the super heated coolant spewing from the valve caused the driver to lose control, BMW could easily be facing a multi million $ lawsuit - hence the extra protection.

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 8:34 pm

i wouldnt imagine that to be a comfy feeling while driving along

Post Tue Jun 11, 2013 10:09 pm

Not in a LHD car

Post Thu Jun 13, 2013 3:11 am

harry_p wrote:vw retrofitted an almost identical valve on mk2 golfs as they had a habit of popping the heater matrix.

modern matrix' are better designed so you can remove the valve and have a heater which actually blows proper hot air.

I had a mk2 which obviously didn't get recalled, matrix let go on Hyde park roundabout. Steam blew through the screen vents, instantly fogging so I was pretty much blind. I Shat myself! Maybe that's the purpose of the valve rather than preventing scolds.