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Thread: Engine running cold?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Jersey Shore
    Posts
    10

    Default Engine running cold?

    94 e34 525 temp issues. Noticed last week when it was freezing out that the temp guage would not make it to dead center and thought it was weather related. For the past two days, the guage gets barely above the blue mark, except at idle when it moves closer to center. At idle it actually jumps around a bit. Could my thermostat be stuck open or failed? Is it ok to drive it like this for a few days until I can get it to a mechanic? Other contributing factors could be type of driving: outside sales so stop and go every 5 miles so oil never gets warm, overdue for oil change, constantly running on fumes.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Dubai
    Posts
    834

    Default

    well it's ok to drive it this way ( would go change the thermostat as it seems stuck open ) but don't drive it hardly cuz the engine pistons will be warn out faster than usual.
    oil will perform better in cold but as I said before don't drive it hard. by the way make sure the engin is warm when u start driving gauge is just pointing above the zero means that its getting warmer.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Eastern Tennessee USi
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    14,839

    Default

    It shouldnt kill the engine for a couple days however it will cause harm in the long run as the pistons dont expand enough and it will chatter a bit in the cylinders obviously leading to accelerated wear. You probably have a thermostat that doesnt close completely.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  4. #4
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    Aug 2004
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    Dubai
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    834

    Default

    True ... But what would be your comment if the car performs extremly better in cold, I mean something like 30% better than normal? would you say that the engine compression is very low in normal conditions? or any other ideas ( talking about the 6Cyl-535i engine )

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    Nashville, TN
    Posts
    982

    Default

    Get a new thermostat. M50's run very rich when cold. You are burning a ton of extra fuel by not having the car at least get up to temperature. When you have the thermostat repalced get an aluminum thermostat housing. The plastic ones crack and fail all the time. As long as its in - get your oil changed !
    Derek A.
    90 535i 5 Speed - Style 5 17"

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Jersey Shore
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    Default

    thanks for the input. I am just nervous abt it bec the thermostat blew on my e28 and toasted the motor.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Jersey Shore
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    Default

    I am curious about something you guys said about driving the car. I HAVE to get to work tomorrow morning so I need to drive the car. I have not turned it on since I got home from work on Friday because I cannot afford any more major mechanical problems. I know long term I could damage the cat amongst other things, but will driving her for the next few days with the temp needle at abt 10 o'clock cause me to damage the motor? I had a reverse problem with a thermostat on my beloved Helga (e28) that resulted in a blown motor so I have the willies when it comes to temp guages. Driving the car involves about 15 miles of non-highway driving to the office and then stop and go traffic on rt 9 to see clients. Please share your thoughts.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Eastern Tennessee USi
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    you wil be OK just do not rev it up, drive slower than my grandma.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2004
    Location
    Jersey Shore
    Posts
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    Default

    THANKS for getting back to me. Just curious (or perhaps annoying u with questions) but your comment abt driving slow....is that just so I do not put undue load on the motor? Also how slow does your grandmom drive.....I mean I live in NJ.....the road rage capital of the USA

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    235

    Default Don't worry!!

    Sounds pretty typical for short distance, stop and go cold weather driving....these motors run pretty cool. However, that said, if you haven't replaced your water pump/thermostat/thermostat housing by now, this is a good time to do it!

    Don't forget to use BMW anti-freeze and you can order all the parts from BMW. If you aren't handy with a wrench, this isn't a difficult job for most amateur wrenches or most shops.. shouldn't cost more than a couple hours work.
    "Uncle" Phil C
    2011 Kia Optima EX-P.
    Former owner of a 95 525i 5spd. "The GQ" aka A Shark in sheeps clothing
    03 R1150RT 6spd. "DaRTth"
    00 R1100R 5spd. "LeRoy"

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