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captainkarl
12-04-2004, 11:38 AM
I have a 318 M42 and I was wondering if you guys out there with this engine notice that it takes a long time to warm up when it is cold out. It also never seems to reach the middle of the temperature gauge, but usually gets to the first tick mark and stays around that. I have a k&n filter on it maybe that is affecting things?
Anyhow, thoughts? Maybe it is the thermostat?

Thanks
beatniks325
12-04-2004, 12:16 PM
stuck open thermostat
ponderosa
12-04-2004, 12:48 PM
I replaced my thermostat when I got the car because of the same condition you describe. Use BMW coolant or be sure its compatable. My gauge now reads a little right of center. Sure had lots of water in my exhaust system before it really got warm. Scary white smoke came out for a while. No problem!
I had to replace the heater control valve to get my heater to work. The coil measured open with an ohm meter. The heat works great now. Climate control is sure nice.
captainkarl
12-04-2004, 01:29 PM
How much does a thermostat cost and can i fix it myself? And if so anybody know of a good diy on it?

Thanks again
p3rsian
12-04-2004, 01:37 PM
How much does a thermostat cost and can i fix it myself? And if so anybody know of a good diy on it?

Thanks again
i have sorta the same issue .. my car gets really cold when im driving in the freeway at night ... the gauge goes down .. does this damage the engine ?
93bmw325is
12-04-2004, 01:42 PM
you might even have no thermostat or its stuck open
beatniks325
12-04-2004, 02:22 PM
How much does a thermostat cost and can i fix it myself? And if so anybody know of a good diy on it?

Thanks again

I got my from the dealer here for like $25. you can get it cheaper online. think about getting a metal thermostat housing at the same time. then you never have to worry about the plastic one breaking.

there some awesome DIY guides on this, but I'll leave it up to you to find them. hint: E36 DIY thread stuck to the top of this E36 sub-forum.

Can u do this yourself? Good question. Trust in the force......
captainkarl
12-07-2004, 01:38 PM
The metal thermostat housing? Is it worth the 35 bucks? Never had a problem with it before, would I in the future? I would guess not.

Also, I have found housings for m50/m52 but not m42 which i need, are they the same?
beatniks325
12-07-2004, 01:41 PM
The metal thermostat housing? Is it worth the 35 bucks? Never had a problem with it before, would I in the future? I would guess not.

all the places, I've seen selling the metal thermostat housing actually has it priced less than a new plastic one go figure. But this is something I would purchase just to be safe. then you never have to worry about the plastic breaking if you put on the radiator hoses too tight.