1999 bmw 323 overheating

[Tsadkins105]

Took this car for a test spin today. Temp gauge got up I the red. Shut the car down and checked the top coolant hose. It was hot to the touch. Bottom hose, not hot at all. Maybe radiator stuck up? Well anyways. I turned the car back on and the cooling fan is not switching on. They should cut on when the car reaches a certain temp. And I’m certain it was at the correct temp lol. But even if the fans didn’t come on does that explain why the bottom hose was cold? Didn’t see any smoke and there wasn’t any water in the oil.

Any tips? Is this common?

[bmwdirtracer]

There are a dozen reasons for an E46 M52TU or M54 to overheat. Some are fatal.

You're considering buying this car?

A single trip to the red can kill this engine dead.

Run away, unless you want to replace the engine and the entire cooling system.

[Tsadkins105]

When I said test drive I meant that I tested it after I fixed the driveshaft in it. I paid $400 for it. If the motor is toast then oh well. I’ve got connections for other engines. I would just like to salvage this one if at all possible.

[dworthy]

It could be radiator, waterpump, or even the thermostat not opening properly, at the age of that car, these should both be replaced without a second thought.