More thermostat problems

[MiBmr]

Hey guys, I posted a while ago about putting a new thermostat in the 325I becuase it felt like it was stuck open.

Finally after breaking my arm countless times getting into the small opening I managed to get the old one out and install the new one. I haven't bled the system yet, but the car is now overheating. There is no heat coming through the vents, the car blows ice cold even while it is overheating.

This tells me one of two things - either the thermostat isn't opening up, or there is an air bubble in the lines somewhere. I checked the hoses - when facing the car the one to the right (towards drivers side) is warm, and the one to the left (towards passenger side) is cold.

Do you think that this would be a thermostat or air in the lines problem?

Please advise, time sensitive!! Thank you!

[Brewtech]

So bleed the system.

[MiBmr]

Is it possible that the thermostat isn't installed correctly? I noticed an arrow at the top of it, tried to put it in the right way. Just curious if they are really touchy when it comes to going in perfectly straight.

[de45t]

it could be in backwards.

[foz]

it could be in backwards.
If filling and bleeding it don't solve the problem, I would question if it was facing the right way...

[MiBmr]

Backwards like upside down or really backwards? It only fits in there snug one way, and it was the same way that the old one was in there, so I know it's not completely backwards. Just wondering if with all the shaking of getting the cover on correctly it may have turned - would that cause a big problem?

[EA325i]

just went through the same thing on my 92 325i,

Didn't work until I blead the system and ran it down the hiway with the heater on full.

[MiBmr]

I think I will have to bleed it. Reasons like this I hate living in WI in December. Freezing in my driveway.

By the way, reasons you know you are an enthusiast - Working the cold, in the driveway,while it's snowing on you because your E46 is comfortable in the garage.

[bandit177]

I think I will have to bleed it. Reasons like this I hate living in WI in December. Freezing in my driveway.

By the way, reasons you know you are an enthusiast - Working the cold, in the driveway,while it's snowing on you because your E46 is comfortable in the garage.

I feel your pain. After screwing with it for an hour, I realized what a PITA it would be to change my t-stat and took it in to the shop. $188.00 and 1 day later I have new coolant, a new thermostat, a flushed system and a heater that will burn you out. Ahhhhh.

[SimonSingh]

My thermostat's playing up aswell, I've replaced my viscous fan, and now the thermostat and waterpump next.

Should be easier on a 4 cylinder though.

[MiBmr]

It is just so crowded for space in front of the fan shroud - I was nervous about getting the two bolts out from below the thermostat housing because I had a feeling I would never get them back in.

All worked out fine though, after wrestling with the cover to get it back on that is. Oh well, as soon as this overheating mess is figured out I will be happy. I figure it's $188 towards the snow tires I just bought :)

[strad]

I'm getting too old to be bashing my fingers unnecessarily -- I always remove the radiator and fan when I'm working on the front of the motor, even on a four cylinder. Yes, I know it's "possible" to do it the other way; I just don't feel like going through extra pain, and the radiator's going to need filling anyway.

As for the overheating, your next step is to bleed properly (assuming you installed the thermostat the right way up); if it overheats after that test your thermostat in a pot on the stove.

[MiBmr]

Update -

I bled the system finally today and after a little while... the heat kicked on! Good sign. Filled it up with coolant a couple times, took it for a test drive and it feels pretty good. Just have to put the fan back on now, probably do that tomorrow, but the car is very driveable. Thanks for all the input guys!