Coolant thermostat

[Smeeagain]

Ok, got it now, i think and will check and post results tomorrow of the temp that it actually opens at. So are you saying, in theory at least, that the stat could be opening at 88 but if the sensor isnt near to that point, then it may be that Zi'll never see 88 on the data on the hidden menu?

[Alan Gunn]

[quote="Smeeagain"]
Ok, got it now, i think and will check and post results tomorrow of the temp that it actually opens at. So are you saying, in theory at least, that the stat could be opening at 88 but if the sensor isnt near to that point, then it may be that Zi'll never see 88 on the data on the hidden menu?
[/quote]
But i see the magic 88 now.
Out in it over the weekend and up to 89/91 in the hidden menu.
Does the hidden menu stay unlocked for ever as i don't have to unlock mine now just the first time i used it.

[Smeeagain]

yes you only have to unlock once (although Im not sure if you'd need to redo if you disconnect the battery)

Smee

[Smeeagain]

ok, so here is the update. Looking closer at the two thermostats I have in my hand they are in different positions i.e. one stuck open, potentially, and one stuck closed. Both have been on the car fro less than 48 hours each.

I placed them in a pan and brought the water up to temperature, firstly to 70c (measuring with a probe that I know to be accurate) and then slowly increasing temp up to 85c, then the magic 88c and then beyond that up to 96c and ....... nothing. neither re-acted. But what is strange is both had recorded a temp of around 68c on the car, yet both are in a different positions when they came off ......

I can only assume that my next course of action is to buy a thermostat and bench test it like this before fitting to the car. once I have one that opens at 88c then I know that it should be good to go

Is there a particular brand of thermostat that is known to be better than others that I should look to source?

Smee

[X5Sport]

How odd!  The fact that both are in different positions indicates an issue anyway.  They should be open or closed. Period.

I believe the BMW ones are made by BEHR.

[henrym3]

In answer to the OBC question, I've just (yesterday) had my battery disconnected and will need to unlock it again. As for the thermostats, are you able to return them for a refund. Clearly they are faulty, am amazed that you have been so unlucky. I've always just bought a thermostat and fitted it without issue but in your case and with the luck your having I'd get the pan out again and check before fitting ::)

[Smeeagain]

yes the garage that fitted them charged me once, and then have not charged for either of the two replacement parts or fitting (the third one being on the car currently and also appears to be faulty) so Im not put of pocket, just a PITA tis it is sorted nd running properly

Everyone, this forum, my garage, bmw tells me that there is no other thermostat or ear thermostat, but this link (unless Im totally misreading it), suggests that this ear thermostat is for my car (2004 E53 3.0 D) - could it be that I need to fit this too? Leaving aside the two faulty stats, I had the problem before and still have it and I find it hard to believe I have had four defective thermostats

Do i need this part?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EGR-AGR-THER ... Sw03lY7cAN

[Alan Gunn]

If you had that EGR stat i am sure your garage would have said something by now.
It's easy enough to see with just the first/front cover off.
BEHR and MAHLE are the same company now.

[Smeeagain]

The garage didnt check, they simply said that the E53 didnt have it. Bmw also said the e53 doesnt have it. But looking at the link E53 engines do have it. So does it or doesnt it, as im not able to check it at the moment. Which first/front cover are you referring to?

[Alan Gunn]

My 2002 doesn't have one.
The garage would know if yours had one as it is on a steel pipe that has t come off to change the main one (well it came off on my car to make the job easier).
I think the 3.0d in the e46 has one but none on our cars.

[Smeeagain]

Thank you Alan Gunn. I watched them change it, no steel pipe removed. Engine cover off, cover to rear of radiator off, fan off, undo for bolts on stat disconnect pipes and remove. No steel pipe removal as I recall

[X5Sport]

The kit being talked about here looks like this lot from Realoem...Pollution Reduction Cooling

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=11_3597

There are other slides with the water pump arrangement and hoses but they come back with “No parts fitted to this car” when I used my old VIN (and I am sad enough to remember it  :-[  ).

If it was there it would be very obvious right at the top front of the engine just about under the acoustic cover but clearly visible.

I had the same year E53 as you (Dec ‘04 built) and had none of this fitted, however our E46 does have it.  I think it only applies to EU4 Approved cars which the E53 never was.  I remember comparing the two engines and wondering why they were different despite having the same ‘lump’ engine wise.  But then the E46 also had swirl flaps - which again never appeared on the E53.

[Smeeagain]

Ok...... but if zi did need this part would it have an effect upon my water temp reading or the function of the main thermostat?

[Alan Gunn]

If you had a failed EGR thermostat then yes it would affect the water temp.

[snrbrtsn]

Can I throw a curve ball in, for your consideration, on the premise I honestly don’t know the E53, however knowledge thereafter.
The transmission oil cooler hides the third thermostat, though possibly the second in the case where the Egr thermostat is not present. Often overlooked, though just as temperamental as both engine and Egr thermostats
Check the model specs, though this thermostat was often over looked on the E60 chassis when running temps couldn’t be reached, it would offer a bypass back to the expansion tank
Again, you will have to research as I’m unsure on the E53



https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/00-06-BMW-X5-E ... 7002453403