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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Arnold, Md
Posts: 2
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Cold engine - no heat
I'm new to the BMW world and have just purchased a 1993 325ic. The temperature gauge hovers around the cold position even on long trips and hasn't gone into the normal operating range.
I tried to run the heater full blast and got cool air. An open thermostat? Some other problem. Help! |
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10-08-2004, 02:16 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Columbus, Oh
Posts: 57
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Thermostat is bad - stuck open. Might as well change water pump while you're in there.
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1998 323is, stock, auto, Sport pkg, Hellrot/314, 88k miles |
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10-10-2004, 03:49 AM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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It could very well be a stuck thermostat. Does the heater work once the car has been warmed up?
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10-12-2004, 06:18 AM
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Moderator
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Why is it recommended to change the water pump when changing the thermostat? How long does the water pump last?
I'm about to replace my thermostat housing with an aluminum one, but I wasn't planning to change the thermostat or the pump. 1997 M3 88k
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HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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10-12-2004, 08:19 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Suburbs of Illinois
Posts: 68
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The water pump is recomended because in the E36 the stock OEM water pumps came with plastic impelers turning the water. In many cases they have been known to melt or not function in some way. The new Water pumps come with a metal impeler to prevent such problems.
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10-13-2004, 08:57 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Arnold, Md
Posts: 2
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Ref Jared's response ... no, the heat never gets above lukewarm even if the car's been on a long trip. I'll replace the thermostat. Many thanks for the help everyone.
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10-14-2004, 08:08 AM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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It's probably the thermostat.
Once, my car started overheating, I knew the pump was good and i had no leaks, so I grabbed my tools annd correctly diagnosed a thermostat that was stuck closed. I took some dykes and cut away enough of the frame that i could pop out the valve, put it back in the housing and keep going. Unfortunatley, my heater didnt work very well until i put the new thermostat in... |
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10-14-2004, 08:11 AM
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1997 BMW M3 3.2L I6
