temperature gauge

[johnnybbad]

Hi all

Just wondering where everyone's temp gauge sits in normal driving

Drove my 3.0i today and it doesn't seem to get much above the blue band

is this normal

[themoog]

No.

[johnnybbad]

Doing a search, ( which i should of done first ), it looks like it could be a dodgy thermostat

Oh well another job on the list 

[henrym3]

Mine sits slap bang in the middle or 12 o'clock position.

[gchristofi]

e53 temp gauges are not analogue as they appear, they hit dead centre at 75 C and stay there until at least 110 C from my observation of the hidden menu.

[henrym3]

I find that slightly worrying, at 110C you must be at the point of overheating. So you could be running way to hot and the gauge is still reading normal, then suddenly your in the RED, virtually no gradual movement?? Not sure if everyone monitors their gauges that closely. Am I reading your comment correctly. 

[gchristofi]

Yes, you are reading my comment correctly.  I was surprised too but the car does seem to settle around 100-105 during normal operation.  That's why its always a good idea to let the coolant cool a little before opening the header tank otherwise the release of pressure can cause instant boil and trapped air.

[johnnybbad]

i have an aftermarket android headunit in the vehicle with the torque app connected to a bluetooth obd

In normal running the car is only showing 58 -60 degrees

Not sure how accurate the torque app is though

[Horizon]

Normal running temp should be between 90 and 110 degs C. That's why coolant should be used instead of water as it's got a higher boiling point.
Sticking thermostats don't allow the engine to get up to temperature. If your engine gets up to the correct temperature in stationary / slow moving traffic, and then drop down too low once on the move. Signals a dodgy thermostat, or doesn't ever seem to get above 1/4 on the gauge.
There's a how to on the forum I think.
Your app is probably correct as that's taking info from the cars modules.

[Davrosbimmer]

Just as an aside on this...could be different...but my wifes Audi A4 TDI temp gauge hardly moved either....not a problem, diesels run cold anyway...however....when I drove it I drove it harder, and found it would splutter at higher revs under load....diagnosis...dodgy thermostat, which sends the ECU incorrect info, incorrect fueling and terrible running.
Replaced the thermostat and not only do we get 100 miles more out of a tank, it runs as it should...simple things eh?!

[johnnybbad]

Just an update to this thread

Changed my thermostat today, took about an hour after i had got that damn viscous fan coupling off 

The difference is unreal, car now sits at approx 92 - 93 degrees, and seems to run much much smoother

I think the original problem was causing it to stay in some kind cold start mode, like keeping your choke on on old cars

[Horizon]

[quote="johnnybbad"]
Just an update to this thread

Changed my thermostat today, took about an hour after i had got that damn viscous fan coupling off 

The difference is unreal, car now sits at approx 92 - 93 degrees, and seems to run much much smoother

I think the original problem was causing it to stay in some kind cold start mode, like keeping your choke on on old cars
[/quote]

Good result

[Beamer]

2006 3.0 D Sport. dead centre.