Thermostat Dead - BMW Forum

Gkamysz · 10-08-2005, 11:56 AM

Last night I find my thermostat is dead. While driving to dinner I see the temperature guage much lower than usual. It hasn't been this cold around here since March. Today, I look into it and 50+ MPH with the heat on, the guage drops below the left white tick mark. Turn off the heat, or stop and go traffic and it starts climbing to it's usual spot. So I need to replace the thermostat.

Anything else I should be doing while im in there?
Is the blue antifreeze from BMW really worth it?

BImmerN2B · 10-08-2005, 12:46 PM

Yes, buy the blue antifreeze from BMW. One is all you will need to replace the one that you have now. also mix it with distilled water. There is a good write up at www.pelicanparts.com . go to their technical articles section.

You should also know if your water pump has the plastic or metal impellers. if you don't know and have the dough, then I suggest you change it. And while you doing that, then also upgrade to the aluminum thermostat housing which is prone to breaking. check all of your radiator hoses and radiator for leaks. and if you feel like also remember to change the radiator cap. always remember to bleed the system.

I know it may seem like a total overhaul, but just letting you know of things you may want to watch out for. You don't just want to change one thing and having something else creep up on you.

Gkamysz · 10-08-2005, 06:27 PM

I know I have a metal water pump. I thought about the aluminum housing but I'm not sure I'll do it.

Thanks.

Dudesky_E36 · 10-09-2005, 07:27 AM

^^They're pretty cheap, I got my housing on eBay for 11 bucks. If you're thinking of doing it in the future, you may as well do it now so you don't have to bleed the system all over again.

97alpineM3 · 10-09-2005, 12:10 PM

Hey... got any questions about fluid.... look at the general car FAQ in the DIY forum... I wrote a analysis on the right type of coolant for e36s... and water...

Les