80 Degree Thermostat - I searched

[ESMcBlurM3]

Well, I've decided to tackle the cooling system later on in August, so I ordered all the parts today.

I got the 7 Blade Euro Fan (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=11-52-2-243-303&I1.x=0&I1.y=0&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON&FILTER_ABMW=ON&FILTER_BE21=ON&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_BE36=ON&FILTER_BE46=ON&FILTER_BE12=ON&FILTER_BE28=ON&FILTER_BE34=ON&FILTER_BE39=ON&FILTER_BE7S=ON&FILTER_BEZ3=ON&FILTER_BE68=ON&FILTER_BE02=ON&FILTER_BEMI=ON&FILTER_BEX5=ON&FILTER_BMWM=ON)(so my old fan doesn't clash into my new radiator under aggressive driving), new expansion tank, and the Bimmerworld e36 Cooling Kit (http://store.nexternal.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=bimmerworl&BusType=BtoC&Count1=653286159&Count2=570426583&CategoryID=7&Target=products.asp).

With the kit from bimmerworld, I had them replace the OE 88 (or is it 92?) degree celsius t-stat with a 'high performance' 80 degree t-stat. I've been reading through some threads, and there have been mixed reviews about the 80 degree tstat.

So, what say's the experts at bf.c!? I'll call them tomorrow and get the OE t-stat if need be.

TIA!

[CRYPTiC]

I think the ETK says 88C through 12/95, 92C after that. In any case, 80C is for the FDM, so I wouldn't use it if I were you.

[ESMcBlurM3]

I think the ETK says 88C through 12/95, 92C after that. In any case, 80C is for the FDM, so I wouldn't use it if I were you.

I was under the impression that a lower thermostat really wouldn't hurt anything, even if I am running a fan. Albeit, a smaller fan.

I could be dead ass wrong though.

[RRSperry]

The only reason a fan hits a radiator is bad motor mounts.

[ESMcBlurM3]

The only reason a fan hits a radiator is bad motor mounts.

Thanks, this I was aware of. I see it has an inexpensive insurance...I suppose. The clearance between the fan and the radiator and even the t-stat housing really makes me weary.

[bjl4776]

The only problem with running a lower temp t-stat is that your car will run a bit richer. The reason why the temp t-stats went up with OBD-2 is because a hotter running engine is more efficient and has better CO and HC emissions. Your not necessarily going to hurt anything except maybe a tad less fuel economy and a little more carbon on your pistons.

[ESMcBlurM3]

I think I'll go with the OE 88 degree. I was just worried about running a smaller fan, thinking it might hurt my cooling a bit. I am in warmer climates practically year round, as well.

If anyone has anymore input, I'm not going to call bimmerworld until the AM (obviously).

Thanks guys...

[CRYPTiC]

I was under the impression that a lower thermostat really wouldn't hurt anything, even if I am running a fan. Albeit, a smaller fan.

I could be dead ass wrong though.

My understanding is that engine operation is regulated by the thermostat to operate in a "good" temperature range, which is why you shouldn't beat on the car when the engine is cold, and why the thermostat+fan kick in when it gets too hot.

It is also my understanding that the 80C thermostat is required with the FDM because airflow through the radiator is diminished, so the thermostat needs to be open longer to keep the engine within the "good" temperature range.

At idle, anyway. I've been told that the fan and thermostat don't matter when you're on the highway.

I currently have the FDM, but I'm considering a 7-blade Euro diesel fan + UDP, so I'm kind of in the same boat as you. Basically, you need to match the thermostat to the amount of cooling you have, so I was going to pick the 88C thermostat instead of the 92C because of the reduced airflow compared to the 11-blade fan.

[ESMcBlurM3]

Yea, I mean - I could stick with the stock 11-blade fan, even though I just bought the euro diesel fan (non returnable). But I really like the design better on the small fan.

I am also not sold on the FDM...but we don't need to go down that road.

Just want to make sure I have the right t-stat for the job, while being able to mount the euro fan in replacement of the stocky.

:help

[ESMcBlurM3]

Link to thread on euro diesel fan for those who missed it: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=728348