2000 323i engine very hot after turning off car

[veDette]

Ok, so I just got this car (BMW 323i) and I drove it around for around 15-20 minutes. After I turned off the car, I went into my house and came back 2 hours later to get something out of the car, but the hood was still very hot. I popped open the hood and felt the engine and it was still very hot... is this usual?

[witeshark]

If you turn on the key, where is the temp gage reading?

[veDette]

When I was driving, the meter was right in the middle (neither too cold or too hot). When I start up the car, the meter is just around the cold blue part.

[witeshark]

If the gage is working rightly, I'd say there's nothing wrong.

[darkhorse737]

^ yup! nothing wrong.... u prolly just parked under the hot sun ;-)

[veDette]

I parked it inside the garage, so maybe that's why.

Also, is the steering wheel supposed to be somewhat difficult to handle, like turn? I previously owned a Pontiac and it was very easy to turn whereas this steering wheel is a lot harder; it requires more effort.

[zibby]

Do not worry about it.All BMW keep engines warm long time after switching off, no matter winter or summer.They are designed that way.Regarding steering issue,european cars have stiffer power steering, do not compare american or japanese cars to it.you drive a Bimmer!

[witeshark]

Engines that stay warm longer after shut down most likely have iron blocks (the other option being aluminum alloy). They will consequently take similarly longer to warm up when started from cold.

[veDette]

Thanks for the helpful tips guys, appreciate it.