Overheating

[yogaji]

After I drive a while, the temperature gauge goes into the red and basically stays there. The hotter the outside temperature, the more it goes into the red. On a very cold day, it is not all the way into the red until I drive a distance. I dont think the radiator fan is coming on. Any ideas?

[BMWDRIFTER]

the fan should come on whenever the a/c is on. If it does not, check power to the fan. If there is power on two of the three wires replace the fan assembly.

[yogaji]

Yes, the fan comes on when the ac is turned on.

[///M318ti]

your thermostat is probably stuck and not letting water go into the motor and water isnt returning to the radiator. the radiator thinks it fine and doesnt turn on the fan but the car keeps over heating. you better change that thermastat its really easy its a do it your self and the part cost about 55 bucks at the dealer comes with gasket and eveything. 4 cylinder engines are know to get the thermastat stuck

[yogaji]

Thanks. Do you have a link that illustrates how to change the thermostat on a 1995 318ti? I would appreciate any information. Thanks.

[gadgetphreak]

Is the process for the 318 that different than for a 325/328?

I couldn't find the 318 process, only 325/328 at the site I usually use for write-ups:

http://www.emotors.ca/Articles/default.aspx

This site has bigger pictures of the 325/328 process:

http://www.smithnet.ca/bmwclub_faqs/...lush/start.htm

also found this one when I googled it...

http://www.logun.org/therm.htm

[motorsport]

the 318 and 325/328 have completely different motors. so yes the location of the thermostat is different. as a rule of thumb, you can usually follow the top radiator hose and it leads you to the thermostat. some cars are different (i.e. honda)

[mickd]

I replaced my thermostat 2 years ago, not that bad of a job except doing it in the middle of winter here in WI. You have to remove the thermostat housing located on the front of the cylinder head, the thing with 2 hoses connected to it, on right and left sides of the housing. The thermostat is behind this housing. You will need to remove those hoses from the housing. As long as you are replacing the thermostat you might as well drain the system by removing the lower radiator hose first. be sure to use Permatex sealant on both sides of the gasket during reassembly,the water/coolant/heat resistant stuff. Make sure all the surfaces are absolutely CLEAN before applying the sealant and allow time to dry once everything is assembled before you start the car. Check the coolant level before you start the car, and watch it once you start it, once the thermostat opens the level will drop, have coolant, 50/50 BMW coolant and preferably distilled water ready to add while the engine is running. NEVER add coolant to a warm engine when it isn't running. From what I remember, the thermostat kit from BMW does not come with the housing gasket, you should replace it. Hope this helps.