Heater valve

[pifane]

My car is a 318i 4DRS 1991 built in april 1991. (Last month of the E30 built!)

It have 212 000 miles!

I will change the thermostat this week-end. But im pretty sure its about sensor or the fan who not working in the front of the car (AC FAN) because somedays, the car is okay, it not overheat at all!

Others day, at same temp of the previous day, the temp needle is crazy and it told me my car is overheat.....

ITS WEIRD!

[nicknikolovski]

Ok, I have got some part numbers for your vehicle from Pelican Parts.

The temp sensor for the temperature gauge -12-62-1-710-512-M323
The fuel injection coolant temp sensor (the main one) - 13-62-1-709-966-M323
And the auxillary fan thermoswitch - 61-31-1-378-073-M85

Good luck with the thermostat, hopefully that solves the problem although, I think it is one of the sensors mentioned above. Keep us informed.

[pifane]

The thread is bookmarked.

I will change the thermostat probably this sunday. If it not solve my probs, i will change the 2 sensor and the switch. Thanks for the help, its very appreciated:o

I think the sensor will help me because my temp needle become crazy when im rolling. The gauge told me that my car is cold, and one second later the needle moving from left to right a couple of time and finaly it told me that my car is hot...but...I stop the car, waiting 1-2 minute, restarting it and, miracle, the temp is back to the middle...

So, now, I know what part I need, this will be very helpful, but I have to find where the 2 sensor:D

[nicknikolovski]

The 2 sensors are on the cylinder head under the intake manifold.

[pifane]

The 2 sensors are on the cylinder head under the intake manifold.

Are they easy to change or I need to lift up the intake?.....:eek: You probably know that this intake is pretty hard to replug with all wire and hose...

[nicknikolovski]

Check out this picture: http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/inletcylhead.jpg

You can see the two sensors right below the inlet manifold ports for cylinder 1 & 2.

So I would say you will have to take off the manifold. Have a look if there is any room, cause I have a E36 318is M42. They have different manifolds.

[pifane]

Hi!

With my M42 (in fact, you have a M44) the sensor is easy to take off. I have to remove one vaccum and other little thing and that it. Im happy to know that.....

So, the left sensor is the ECU sensor and the right one is the temp sensor (For everyone want to know)

When my problems will be fixed, I will reply describing all my story..(If i solve it....)...

[nicknikolovski]

I have a M42 as well but E36. It's a 93 model. The M44 took over in 1996. Did you end up changing the thermostat?

[pifane]

I have checked with a laser temp gun. I dont know what is the normal operating temperature for this engine, but this morning when the gauge told me that my engine was overheating the temp gun told me 75 Celcius (167 fahreinheit).

The gauge become crazy and im just hitting the needle over the lense and she return to normal position.

So, I think its the sensor. Im ordering new one tomorrow! (If its just sensor, I will be really happy!)

PS: I got the original BMW  88C thermostat from dealer but i dont want to replace the actually 92C one until I will have gasket for it. I will order at the same time of sensor.

[nicknikolovski]

Ok cool, keep us posted

[pifane]

Hi all!

Guess what, sensor have been replaced and the temperature is okay! (The temperature was great at the start, but now the gaude indicate the right temp).

So, this overheating problem is fixed! I will do some more other test for see if everything is alright but THIS problem is fixed.

Just dont forget if you replace this sensor, you have to remove the air filter and all the stuff around, a couple of wire and vacuum and you have to release the cooling system pressure if the engine is not cold. (Do not forget to not let open the radiator when unplug the sensor, if not, you will have a lot of cooling to replace, a driveway and all around the engine to clean)


Once the sensor is replaced, turn on the ignition switch and test if your needle is not crazy or something else. (If yes, your new sensor is bad...)

After that, do not forget that you have changed 300$ of part before thinking to a 6$ sensor.........Keep smile!

Thanks for your precious help nicknikolovski, you're very cool!

[nicknikolovski]

Hey pifane, good to see your car has been fixed. Well done. And as far as the help - no worries.

[SnPaC]

Ok, I have got some part numbers for your vehicle from Pelican Parts.

The temp sensor for the temperature gauge -12-62-1-710-512-M323
The fuel injection coolant temp sensor (the main one) - 13-62-1-709-966-M323
And the auxillary fan thermoswitch - 61-31-1-378-073-M85

Good luck with the thermostat, hopefully that solves the problem although, I think it is one of the sensors mentioned above. Keep us informed.

Would those same P/N's apply to my 1991 318i manufactured 09-04-1990?

Thanks

[nicknikolovski]

Yes the part numbers are the same. And the auxillary fan switch is for cars with A/C which RealOEM indicates it does.