Author Topic: cooling advice (Read 3648 times)

nomad · « **on:** March 03, 2007, 02:54:59 AM »

I just picked up a 318is andam going to start sorting some things out to get it up to 100%. Car has 153K and in really good but boring stock condition. routine maintenance probably taken care of but larger items like struts not done. Needs a brake job.

On the drive home it was 50deg out and nighttime. The temp guage was basically in front of 1/2 mark and then while i was cruising at 80 it crept about 2 needle widths to the right of 1/2. It wandered back to 1/2 but under hard driving was slightly above 1/2. On such a cool night I didn't like the way that looked. I'm used ot the needle staying pegged on the cool side of 1/2 on my miata.

Previous owner said the radiator was replaced a little while ago. Aren't there basically two thermostats? Should I just replace them, maybe change the water pump too or is there something simple I should check first, like the guage?

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 03, 2007, 05:50:22 AM »

Welcome.
Get yourself a Bentley repair manual.Actually get two ,one for the body (3 series 84-90) and one for the motor ( 3 series 92-98 ). They will help you throughout your ownership.
It doesn't sound like your car is overheating . Maybe check the fluid level and make sure the coolant system has been bled correctly.Check belt tension .There is only one thermostat for your car . It should be a 88* (celsius) . The temp guage maybe off a little.
Does your heater work well ?
Does the temp go down when you turn the heat on ?
When was the last time the coolant system was flushed out ?
Do some basic maintenance on the cooling system .I wouldn't just start replacing parts unless you have a lot of money .Get the manuals and do some research first .
I know you will enjoy your car ,another brilliantrot into the fold .
Good Luck and welcome again

christophbmw · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2007, 05:25:55 PM »

Quote from: RED IS 91;20454

Welcome.
Get yourself a Bentley repair manual.Actually get two ,one for the body (3 series 84-90) and one for the motor ( 3 series 92-98 ). They will help you throughout your ownership.
It doesn't sound like your car is overheating . Maybe check the fluid level and make sure the coolant system has been bled correctly.Check belt tension .There is only one thermostat for your car . It should be a 88* (celsius) . The temp guage maybe off a little.
Does your heater work well ?
Does the temp go down when you turn the heat on ?
When was the last time the coolant system was flushed out ?
Do some basic maintenance on the cooling system .I wouldn't just start replacing parts unless you have a lot of money .Get the manuals and do some research first .
I know you will enjoy your car ,another brilliantrot into the fold .
Good Luck and welcome again

basically what red is 91 said.
-BUT-
some 318 and 325 did have 2 thermostats. the second one does not effect the car motors temperature, its more of a safety valve for the heater core. its a small, dealer installed, in-line thermostat on one of the heater hoses, with a bypass hose going to the TB. im pretty sure it was a recall because bmw was having issues with their newer style heater cores leaking, but im not sure.

nomad · « **Reply #3 on:** March 04, 2007, 09:21:52 PM »

Thanks. I definitely need to get a manual. I haven't even had it a week. I spent couple hours cleaning the interior and washing it. I found $10.37 in change under the rear seat!

I'll be ordering a good number of maintenance/ tuneup items soon. Full fluids flush and fill, plugs, wires, brakes etc.

It seemed to do fine in town driving this weekend.

FL318is · « **Reply #4 on:** March 04, 2007, 09:27:23 PM »

Mine is pretty consistent. When I run the heater I notice a drop in the radiator level.

From experience this is the place for help. Good luck and enjoy.

D. Clay · « **Reply #5 on:** March 04, 2007, 09:55:26 PM »

Quote from: nomad;20563

I spent couple hours cleaning the interior and washing it. I found $10.37 in change under the rear seat!

You may be the only one on this forum that's ahead of the game money-wise!

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 05, 2007, 03:06:51 PM »

Quote from: D. Clay;20565

You may be the only one on this forum that's ahead of the game money-wise!

That was great

I got a big belly laugh out of that .
Thanks

nomad · « **Reply #7 on:** March 06, 2007, 01:24:24 PM »

I checked the coolant in the white side of the radiator. Coolant supposed to be halway full or up to the top?

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 06, 2007, 02:38:02 PM »

Quote from: nomad;20699

I checked the coolant in the white side of the radiator. Coolant supposed to be halway full or up to the top?

There is a coolant level line about half way up for when the motor is cold.

nomad · « **Reply #9 on:** March 06, 2007, 03:17:22 PM »

I saw that, that's what I figured.
Plenty of coolant in there. Maybe I'll just get a cooler thermostat, hoses and a waterpump to be on the safe side. Previous Owner said the radiator was replaced not too long ago but the hoses look to be vintage.