2007 E92 M3 Overheating Issue
Discussion
Happy New Year all.
The M3 has been parked up on the drive for 4-5 weeks during the recent bad weather but when initially de-thawing the car an overheating warning popped up on the i-drive screen. Obviously was a little concerned initially but being as the oil temp was still only 110 degC there wasn't much cause for alarm. I'd been hoping it was just a frozen radiator hose or similar.
Now I've been using the car again over the last few days it overheated again whilst siting stationary for perhaps 10-15 mins tops. There doesn't appear to be any permenant damage but before approaching the dealer (car now out of warranty) I wanted to see if anyone has experienced a similar issue?
I've only had a brief look under the bonnet, fluids OK but the fan not running at all, even when up to temp, stationary and warning lamp illuminated. Perhaps a faulty fan motor (fuse OK) or thermostat (not sure if fan is driven by it's own thermostat)?
Many thanks in advance.
The M3 has been parked up on the drive for 4-5 weeks during the recent bad weather but when initially de-thawing the car an overheating warning popped up on the i-drive screen. Obviously was a little concerned initially but being as the oil temp was still only 110 degC there wasn't much cause for alarm. I'd been hoping it was just a frozen radiator hose or similar.
Now I've been using the car again over the last few days it overheated again whilst siting stationary for perhaps 10-15 mins tops. There doesn't appear to be any permenant damage but before approaching the dealer (car now out of warranty) I wanted to see if anyone has experienced a similar issue?
I've only had a brief look under the bonnet, fluids OK but the fan not running at all, even when up to temp, stationary and warning lamp illuminated. Perhaps a faulty fan motor (fuse OK) or thermostat (not sure if fan is driven by it's own thermostat)?
Many thanks in advance.
First time I heard about an E92 M3 overheating - I would take it seriously, and get a specialist or BMW to have a look. It could be anything from a faulty sensor (is the coolant pipe from the thermostat to the radiator actually hot), to sticking thermostat, to failed viscous coupling on the engine fan (assuming it is not electric?) but only a proper inspection would reveal the cause.
Thanks Guys. Car will be traded in 3 months for a replacement in March so hence not taking up the option of the extended warranty. Hose to the radiator is getting hot and the collant circulating OK. Fan is electric and does not appear to run when left idling (i.e. it's letting itself overheat without trying to run the fan which doesn't make sense).
Hopefully it's that the electric fan has it's own stand-alone thermostat and that's what sticking. A replacement thermostat should be a cheap and easy fix but if the fan is goosed I can see that being an expensive part.
Hopefully it's that the electric fan has it's own stand-alone thermostat and that's what sticking. A replacement thermostat should be a cheap and easy fix but if the fan is goosed I can see that being an expensive part.
With the engine off try rotating the fan by hand. It may have corroded and got stuck when stood for a long period especially with all the snow and damp atmosphere, sometimes it can blow a fuse but not always.
The fan should be running all the time with the air con on unless there is a separate fan for air con on the E92.
If it's not running it's a fan or fan control issue.
The fan should be running all the time with the air con on unless there is a separate fan for air con on the E92.
If it's not running it's a fan or fan control issue.
I took the monthly premium to take extended warranty as I was mid-way negotiating a move to the US as the car turned three: last month washer jet pump died, all replaced (inc filters) under warranty and well worth the 80 odd quid a month for that alone. Hopefully your issue is just a simple and cheap fix.
At 3 years old I can't see there being any real issues with the Anti-freeze, (or much else to be honest!!) unless you know there has been a leak or loss and no sufficient replacement??
Is it overheating proper?? Like boiling up and spewing out the expansion bottle, or are you just going by the warning on the dash?? If it's just the warning on the dash I would say it is most likely a sensor?? If it's boiling up I would change the thermostat and see how that goes.
I jumped into mine the other day to start it and it gave me all sorts of funny indications!! It had lost the clock and date setting and was telling me the battery was discharged??? Also that it needed a service!! I took it a run round the block as it had been lying for 3 weeks and it's back to normal. And it is kept in a garage too, so not exposed to the harsh weather!! It certainly doesn't need a service and I haven't a clue why it lost the time and date! I'll be getting my mate to plug it in when his garage opens on Wednesday to see if anything is logged.
I'd get a diagnostic ran on it, but wouldn't be all that worried just yet.
Modern cars my friend, can be a nightmare with electronics, so hopefully it's just a sensor or something silly!
Is it overheating proper?? Like boiling up and spewing out the expansion bottle, or are you just going by the warning on the dash?? If it's just the warning on the dash I would say it is most likely a sensor?? If it's boiling up I would change the thermostat and see how that goes.
I jumped into mine the other day to start it and it gave me all sorts of funny indications!! It had lost the clock and date setting and was telling me the battery was discharged??? Also that it needed a service!! I took it a run round the block as it had been lying for 3 weeks and it's back to normal. And it is kept in a garage too, so not exposed to the harsh weather!! It certainly doesn't need a service and I haven't a clue why it lost the time and date! I'll be getting my mate to plug it in when his garage opens on Wednesday to see if anything is logged.
I'd get a diagnostic ran on it, but wouldn't be all that worried just yet.
Modern cars my friend, can be a nightmare with electronics, so hopefully it's just a sensor or something silly!
Edited by rash_decision on Monday 3rd January 22:54
Morning all
Overheating is limited I think as the oil temp is staying within circa 90-110 degC and there is no over-flowing coolant etc.
Checked the fan fuse last night and all OK but fan will definatly not run. Applied 12 volts straight to the fan and it runs fine, so must be a controls related issue. Hopefully get the garage emptied tonight so I can get it in and have a good rumage around.
Regards reliability the car has been rock solid until now (from new and 65k miles) but at it's first MOT in November it failed on exhaust emissions due to a cracked exhaust manifold (interestingly right beside a bracket which was cut as part of an early BMW recall), a blowing exhaust section and worn rear suspension bushes. Car is stock and has only done 3/4 track days in it's short life.
Overheating is limited I think as the oil temp is staying within circa 90-110 degC and there is no over-flowing coolant etc.
Checked the fan fuse last night and all OK but fan will definatly not run. Applied 12 volts straight to the fan and it runs fine, so must be a controls related issue. Hopefully get the garage emptied tonight so I can get it in and have a good rumage around.
Regards reliability the car has been rock solid until now (from new and 65k miles) but at it's first MOT in November it failed on exhaust emissions due to a cracked exhaust manifold (interestingly right beside a bracket which was cut as part of an early BMW recall), a blowing exhaust section and worn rear suspension bushes. Car is stock and has only done 3/4 track days in it's short life.
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