'85 325e overheating problems.

[StoneyBlouse]

When driving the car will heat up about 3/4 of the way up the gauge and even past that if you don't turn on the heater which seems to cool it down a lot. This tends to happen a lot while sitting in traffic or driving slow around town. It occasionally happens on the highway as well. Do the '85 325e's have a known over-heating problem that is easily fixable? What should I check first? The clutch fan? Thanks to anyone who can help me figure this out. Peace. ~Stoney

[Starmavin]

Two easy things you should do first, thermostat then a coolant flush.

But try this, after a drive, shut off the motor, then while the car is still warm, try to spin the fan by hand. It should feel something like turning a spoon in honey. If it spins freely, it's shot.

[StoneyBlouse]

Originally Posted by Starmavin

Two easy things you should do first, thermostat then a coolant flush.

But try this, after a drive, shut off the motor, then while the car is still warm, try to spin the fan by hand. It should feel something like turning a spoon in honey. If it spins freely, it's shot.

Will do, thanks a lot. I'm going to drive it again in a couple days when I have time. I'll try it then. Thanks a lot. ~Stoney

[DIRTE30]

Sounds alot like you may just have a clogged up radiator. 22yrs is plenty of time for calcium to build up in there and prevent proper heat exchange. A good back flush wouldn't be a bad idea. Go ahead and replace the thermostat at the same time. Be sure to bleed the system while filling it back up and first time you start it afterwards, with the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing. Also you'll probably need a new housing as they tend to rot over time and will probably have holes in the hose mounting ends or will break off when you try to take them off. Get this for cheap at Auto Parts at AutohausAZ - OEM Auto Parts - Discount Replacement Parts. Very good site for all your OEM part needs, great service and AWESOME prices. Also try what Starmavin said as he is always someone to listen to. I'm a pretty knowledgeable guy but I always look to him for advise!

[StoneyBlouse]

Originally Posted by DIRTE30

Sounds alot like you may just have a clogged up radiator. 22yrs is plenty of time for calcium to build up in there and prevent proper heat exchange. A good back flush wouldn't be a bad idea. Go ahead and replace the thermostat at the same time. Be sure to bleed the system while filling it back up and first time you start it afterwards, with the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing. Also you'll probably need a new housing as they tend to rot over time and will probably have holes in the hose mounting ends or will break off when you try to take them off. Get this for cheap at Auto Parts at AutohausAZ - OEM Auto Parts - Discount Replacement Parts. Very good site for all your OEM part needs, great service and AWESOME prices. Also try what Starmavin said as he is always someone to listen to. I'm a pretty knowledgeable guy but I always look to him for advise!

Thanks a lot! I'm doing all of this tommorrow. Peace. ~Stoney

[BMW325E]

Stonyblouse did have any luck fixing you problem? i have a 325e "87" with simular problem ,wish you luck .