Possible problem with temp needle help

[Gazzi c]

Hi I noticed today that my temp needle was going half way between cold and hot when the engine was under load yet when cruising say 50mph ish on a level road the needle was dropping to almost cold even though the car was warm is this normal? Thanks in advance for any help Gareth

[X5Sport]

Sounds suspiciously like a thermostat problem.  Also check your viscous fan rotates freely with the engine off - in case the coupling is sticking.  That will cause the fan to spin all the time rather than only when hot.  It's the one on the engine side of the rad.

A few others here have had similar and had to replace the stat.  There's a copy of the BMW Tech Instructions detailed in a 'sticky' in the General Discussion area that will help you decide whether to DIY or dealer fix it.  Just look up your model and there should be something on the what and how etc needed to replace it.

[Gazzi c]

Thanks for the speedy reply i will have a looks when I've finished work tomorrow I've only had the car a few weeks so still a little bit nervous  of it

[shadrack]

if you need a stat there only £31 from euro car parts using the 25% discount code

[kkodal78]

on the good side the needle is staying on the left side of the mid line. it wouldn't be a pretty picture if the needle went over the right side of mid point.good luck with your repair.