Temperature guage

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:01 pm

Hi the temp guage on my X5 sits roughly around the 3/8. Is this normal? Once heated it always sits in this postion and never moves.

My reason for asking is I read somewhere it should sit half way.

Thanks

Sanj · Post by **Sanj** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:05 pm

Mine sits half way...

BL02WAS · Post by **BL02WAS** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 10:49 pm

Halfway too, my wifes e46 has crack in expansion tank and didn't realize until yellow coolant light came on, even then it didn't go over half way. So lucky!! Getting new header tomorrow.

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 11:13 pm

Does this indicate I might have a problem as I am running slightly colder? If so what is likely to be wrong?

Thanks

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 11:18 pm

+1 Half way.

Could just be the temp sensor. Might be worth getting a scanner on it as this should be able to give you a definative water temp.

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Mon Dec 06, 2010 11:21 pm

[quote=""rusty nail""]+1 Half way.

Could just be the temp sensor. Might be worth getting a scanner on it as this should be able to give you a definative water temp.[/quote]

Does anyone know how to do this with BMW scanner 1.4.0

Thanks

paulbryson75 · Post by **paulbryson75** » Tue Dec 07, 2010 1:21 pm

90%of the time mine is half way but have noticed, particularly if very cold that the gauge settles at about 3/8 level. As I say only noticed this a couple of times when air temp around -2 or -3 so put it down to the cold air

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Tue Dec 21, 2010 11:36 pm

Got the hold of a coolant tester this evening. My X is safe only to -15C which as we all know isnt good enough in current suitation.

To drain some coolant and top up, is it a diy job (limitied knowledge) or a indy job, If going to the hassle of getting this done, is there anything else I should replace at the same time as I am currently running at 3/8 ths instead of halfway (temperature guage)

thanks

fenj66 · Post by **fenj66** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 12:00 am

this sounds like a sticky thermostat to me. stuck open wont let pressure and temp rise to full potential. quite common i think on any car.
cant advise on changing though as not yet done one on a bmw but they shouldnt cost much to replace.
to empty a bit of water from cooling system just slacken a jubilee clip and slowly pull off a bottom hose from around the radiator..

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 9:39 am

Can't comment re X, but on the E46 you can unscrew a plastic plug from the bottom corner of the radiator to drain off some coolant. Just make sure you remove the expansion tank cap first to minimise air getting into the system, which can be a PITA to sort.

Hope this is of some help.

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Thu Dec 30, 2010 11:45 am

Thanks all for the reply's. I was thinking of buying a new thermostat (Â£60) are these a diy to replace and is there any how to guides?

Thanks

gareth82 · Post by **gareth82** » Wed May 25, 2011 1:00 pm

Hi I got a new thermostat fitted today and the temp guage is still sitting at 3/8. The mechanic told me either its been remapped to run at a lower temp to allow more fuel or its a faulty guage, has anyone any ideas?

Many thanks

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