97 328 Thermostat

[Gkamysz]

I'll be getting around to replacing the thermostat soon. I got the parts but there is no paper gasket recommended, just an O-ring for the thermostat and a molded seal to the head. Some manuals show a paper gasket, some don't.

Anyone know for sure? It seems late models might not use the paper gasket.

Thanks.

[Larry Horne]

I just changed mine. For the 4th time due to housing leaks. The past 3 times the work was performed by dealer and Bimmer shop. This time I decided to do it. Once you get past the plastic its easy. I've even changed from the OEM plastic housing to aluminum.

As for the O-rings..........thats all there is. No paper, cork, neopreme etc. gasket.

I made sure everything was clean and dry. Used the OEM O-ring and molded O-ring then torqued to spec. I opted not to use any additional RTV sealant because I do not know the compatability with the OEM materials.......I would assume it to be ok, but none was recommended not there.

Lar

[Gkamysz]

Thanks. That's what I needed to know. I didn't want to have to run to the dealer in the middle of the job.