Temperature Gauge

[Barry-C]

Can anyone explain the logic behind the temperature gauge on the instrument panel of myX5  3.0 SE F15.  In case you haven't noticed that temperature gauge is an OIL temperature gauge, not cooling system which I would find more useful.  I appreciate oil mustn't be allowed to overheat, and it does play a part in cooling, but it has never been a problem in the past, whereas keeping an eye on the engine radiator temperature is never a bad thing. 

Or has something been lost in the translation and it IS a water temperature gauge and the gauge has got the wrong symbol on it (oil can) and the handbook has been written incorrectly and really should be talking about the water temperature gauge.  Just a thought...........

[X5Sport]

The E70/71 don't even have a temp or oil temp gauge!  Just a daft 'econometer' which would be more useful as an iDrive option putting a temp gauge back in the main dash.

No logic behind it that I can work out!!

[Horizon]

[quote="Barry-C"]
Can anyone explain the logic behind the temperature gauge on the instrument panel of myX5  3.0 SE F15.  In case you haven't noticed that temperature gauge is an OIL temperature gauge, not cooling system which I would find more useful.  I appreciate oil mustn't be allowed to overheat, and it does play a part in cooling, but it has never been a problem in the past, whereas keeping an eye on the engine radiator temperature is never a bad thing. 

Or has something been lost in the translation and it IS a water temperature gauge and the gauge has got the wrong symbol on it (oil can) and the handbook has been written incorrectly and really should be talking about the water temperature gauge.  Just a thought...........
[/quote] I served my apprentiship on big diesel powered generators, V12 and V16 50+ litre  engines. They used the oil temperature as part of the emergency shutdown system. Oil temperature is a reflection of coolant temperature. Also I now work on Industrial screw compressors which monitor oil temperature and will shutdown at 120 degs C oil temperature.
So as daft as it first seems it's a good wat of monitoring, also shows up oil starvation due to blocked fitters a lot quicker.

[Barry-C]

There is no mention, and I don't suppose there is, any  emergency shut down system in the event of the oil overheating, in the vehicle hand book.  Neither is there any indication of what the overheated oil temperature would be.  It seems to run at 100 degrees C according to the gauge.  I haven't seen it exceed this yet.  I'd still prefer a water temperature gauge.

[535dboy]

Isn't oil temperature more important than water temperature

Particularly on the warm up cycle.

[kenniff]

[quote="535dboy"]
Isn't oil temperature more important than water temperature

Particularly on the warm up cycle.
[/quote]
What's MOST important is Driver temperature, though one or two passengers might disagree.

[Barry-C]

In 50 odd years I have not have to worry about the engine oil temperature, even when oil was not the technical substance it is now:  so why does BMW now think I should be I should aware of it's temperature, more so than the radiator temperature?? ::)  ::)

[The Mechanic]

In the aircraft I fly, we have both oil temp and pressure.  The one that stands out in the "shut down now!" category is oil pressure.  No oil pressure will kill your engine quicker than temp or coolant temp.  In a plane, it is important to keep the engine going.  No hard shoulder at 5000 feet, so no auto shutdown in my aircraft.

[X5Sport]

I have to agree that an oil pressure gauge would be my first choice too.  Big end shells do not like being run without oil!!  Have not had the luxury of that gauge since my 1985 Opel Manta GT/E.

By the time the light comes on it's usually too late - whether air or ground borne 

Richard

[Barry-C]

With the X5 F15 you get available options of such tosh as leather covered dash board tops, ceramic tops on various knobs and buttons.  Wouldn't it be nice the be able to opt also  for an oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, an engine and gearbox oil dipstick, a spare wheel, and maybe a time clock with hands on it and an instrument panel that can be read when the sun shines on it. ::) ::)

[Barry-C]

Disappointing, I must be the only person that wants these things. :noexpression: :noexpression: