E39 doesn't like the cold - BMW Forum

ck1995 · 01-21-2009, 08:47 AM

Hello all,

New to E39's, my wife had an awesome e34 that was used to cushion two SUV's. Shortly thereafter the insurance co. decided it wasn't worth fixing. Anyway, we ended up finding and buying a beautiful 2001 525i that looked and ran great. The only problem it had and we knew was a stuck open tstat. Living in FL. we weren't too concerned as it seemed fine and I figured I would correct at some point in the future.

Fast forward a couple weeks and we are having some cold weather,(for us) and suddenly the e39 isn't happy at all. Can't run it on the interstate as it drops the operating temp down in to the blue zone. So we figured until I get it fixed we'd just use for local driving but now with it being colder the car stalls right out. Only way to keep it running is to hold the throttle at about 1000rpm's until it warms up a little and then it runs fine.

Does this sound like just a tstat problem or maybe a VANOS issue as well? Doesn't have all the VANOS symptoms I have seen but I am concerned it is more than the tstat. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Chuck
E39 2001 525i
E36 1998 323is
E34 1990 525i (deceased)

marti5 · 01-21-2009, 09:05 AM

Thermostat,its probably the electronic version,so will be playing havoc if its not working correctly, I wouldnt say its the vanos.

Teh Prof · 01-21-2009, 09:27 AM

My guess is also that the thermostat could do all of that.

My suggestion is to do more than the thermostat if you can afford it. Thermostat, water pump, radiator, and fan clutch all together would be the best combo. Those are listed in order of priority. Remember also that when you do the thermostat you should also do the thermostat housing.

johnnyBgood · 01-21-2009, 04:00 PM

Teh Prof is a very smart man.......^^^ agreed, if you are in there replacing the t-stat....everything else he mentioned would be a wise choice.

johnny,

Teh Prof · 01-21-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnybayonne

Teh Prof is a very smart man.......^^^

This is what happens when you've had the pain and suffering of being on your second E39.

ck1995 · 01-22-2009, 05:21 PM

Replaced the thermostat and a broken hose leading to the CCV. Now she runs smooth as silk and isn't at all bothered by the cold.

rashid · 01-25-2009, 01:42 AM

A new joiner to the Forum ... an owner of 530i 2002 ....

Looking for the best OEM brakes & springs ... for my 530 - e39

Any help here?

ck1995 · 01-25-2009, 05:32 PM

I'm not sure if you are aware but OEM is Original Equipment Manufacturer, in other words you are getting stock parts. On the other hand if you are looking for cheaper and/or better parts............ Personally, I am a fan of PBR metal master brake pads. They seem to stop better and dust less than factory. As far as springs, I have only used OEM so I can't tell you if there is a better cost effective alternative.

BimmerE39 · 01-25-2009, 07:37 PM

100% agreed with Teh Prof. I also have an E39, although with a M52TU, and my car HATES the cold. I have to replace the faulty crankcase vent valve as it opens too much in the cold and causes a vacuum leak. First thing first is to replace the thermostat and then the water pump.

rashid · 01-27-2009, 03:27 AM

ck1995, thanks ... how I can order the brake pads & what is the price?

Acually, I have replaced all my brake pads & brakediscs recently by a cost effective ones but after that I had a noise problem "squeaking" when braking .. I guess front side only ... Therefore I am thinking to replace the brake pads by better ones & to keep the brakediscs.

Any advise on this

Teh Prof · 01-27-2009, 10:15 AM

Usually "cost effective" brakes aren't as good as OEM.

Brembo discs and Pagid pads, however, I remember as a great combo on my E39's (Before I upgraded to a BBK). Zimmerman also makes very good discs.