Author Topic: 318i - overheating - no heat (Read 3071 times)

spalets · « **on:** November 10, 2009, 08:06:15 PM »

I had been hearing this annoying clicking sound by the pedals, like a faint thump. I had my mechanic and BMW look at it and they couldn't figure out what it would be. It only did it when the engine was hot, so it looks like that might have been a dysfunctional or jamming heater valve based off of some discussion in previous threads. Any other ideas? pump? I stopped noticing it about 3 days ago, right before my engine overheated.

I also think the fan clutch or switch is done because the fan doesn't come on when it should.

Yesterday my engine overheats and after red zoning, the heater stopped working. I filled the coolant up because it was virtually empty and took it for a drive today. After a couple minutes of driving it, it went up quickly to the regular temperature level, and stayed level until I got home. It stayed level at idle, but still after all of this, no heat from the vents.

Can anyone advise me as to what they think the issue is?

I'm going to bring it in to BMW soon, but they are booked till next week. Is this safe to drive until then?

spalets · « **Reply #1 on:** November 12, 2009, 07:15:32 PM »

for anyone who cares or is having the same problem, the faint thumping sound by the pedals is the heater valve.

The coolant valve was cracked and leaking, though I'm pretty sure this happened after it overheated because I have never noticed it leak before.

replaced the valve and bled the system and heat is restored and no overheating. However, faint thump still there.

Mechanical fan comes on, but I think my clutch is on the fritz. I'm going to replace the clutch anyway to avoid future problems.

Matthew0720 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2009, 01:08:35 AM »

hi there. my car is doing the same. E36 318i, 1994.
when I added coolant and water to the system, it started leaking at the back of the motor.
the mechanic said that it is probably a hose that is either burst or come off.
he didn't do anything and said i should check it myself as my cashflow is low at the moment and he didnt want to charge me.

does anyone have any idea where i could get a blown up picture of the engine etc. to see all the hoses under the intake?

your help is appreciated.

Matthew

Matthew0720 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2009, 06:17:15 AM »

Just an update. I have sourced the leak to a pipe that leads from the motor to the water valve (this is what the mechanic called it) ... problem now. to get to the clamp of the hose that is fitted to the motor. has anyone any idea how to get into the back of the motor. does the plastic bit at the top of the engine compartment come of in any way or something?

dwtaylorpdx · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2009, 07:10:15 AM »

This is a super common problem with our engines, if you read around the forum its documented extensively. Sorry but you'll have to do some searching...

Overheat might be the keyword....

Dave