F30 320D Running Hot?

[_Hoppers]

F30 320D ED - I've noticed over the past couple of days that the water temp is indicating 100deg, I'm pretty sure the needle was usually sat at about 90deg?

Any cause for concern?

[BFleming]

_Hoppers said:

F30 320D ED - I've noticed over the past couple of days that the water temp is indicating 100deg, I'm pretty sure the needle was usually sat at about 90deg?

You know that the temperature gauge is an oil temperature gauge? You need to access the hidden menus to find coolant temperature.

[_Hoppers]

I didn't, just had a look at dash, how did I not notice the oil can symbol ! In that case, is there any concern that the oil operating temp seems to be running higher?

[E65Ross]

_Hoppers said:

I didn't, just had a look at dash, how did I not notice the oil can symbol ! In that case, is there any concern that the oil operating temp seems to be running higher?

Oil temp at 100deg is fine. In fact, on my old man's old M3 100deg was the middle, and when driving hard it would go above that.

[_Hoppers]

E65Ross said:

Oil temp at 100deg is fine. In fact, on my old man's old M3 100deg was the middle, and when driving hard it would go above that.

[BFleming]

_Hoppers said:

I didn't, just had a look at dash, how did I not notice the oil can symbol !

You are not alone here!
Anyhow, make sure the radiators & air inlets are free from seasonal detritus (leaves). Be very cautious if you're using a power washer as the aluminium radiator fins are easily damaged.

[_Hoppers]

BFleming said:

You are not alone here!
Anyhow, make sure the radiators & air inlets are free from seasonal detritus (leaves). Be very cautious if you're using a power washer as the aluminium radiator fins are easily damaged.

Cheers, all looks clear. I've got a pressure washer with reduced power setting for cars to hopefully it's not too destructive. Actually it's much more useful to have an oil temperature gauge rather than water, but I guess that's why BMW have done that?!

[sparks_190e]

No cause for concern

[Locknut]

Now that you have found your oil temperature gauge, you are about to make another discovery which is that it takes about 15 miles for the oil to come up to full temperature from a cold start.

Most people think that when the coolant gauge is up to normal after a mile or two, the whole engine is warmed up. Obviously it's not and you should take things easy for another few miles.

One more thing: in most cars I know of, the oil temperature does not begin to read until the the temperature is above 50deg,C. This is not a fault.

[E65Ross]

Locknut said:

Now that you have found your oil temperature gauge, you are about to make another discovery which is that it takes about 15 miles for the oil to come up to full temperature from a cold start.

Most people think that when the coolant gauge is up to normal after a mile or two, the whole engine is warmed up. Obviously it's not and you should take things easy for another few miles.

One more thing: in most cars I know of, the oil temperature does not begin to read until the the temperature is above 50deg,C. This is not a fault.

Shouldn't take 15 miles to get up to temp. Should be nearer half that, if that. Maybe 6 or 7 should be enough, depending on the driving type and, of course, the ambient temperature.

[_Hoppers]

E65Ross said:

Locknut said:

Now that you have found your oil temperature gauge, you are about to make another discovery which is that it takes about 15 miles for the oil to come up to full temperature from a cold start.

Most people think that when the coolant gauge is up to normal after a mile or two, the whole engine is warmed up. Obviously it's not and you should take things easy for another few miles.

One more thing: in most cars I know of, the oil temperature does not begin to read until the the temperature is above 50deg,C. This is not a fault.

Shouldn't take 15 miles to get up to temp. Should be nearer half that, if that. Maybe 6 or 7 should be enough, depending on the driving type and, of course, the ambient temperature.

I was aware that it took much longer for the oil to heat up than the coolant. My main commute is 13 miles and about half way into the journey it's pretty much up to temperature.

EDIT: 9 miles in fact, although the traffic this morning was much lighter meaning it was considerably quicker to get through a couple of sets of traffic lights.

Edited by _Hoppers on Friday 25th October 08:28

[RichardJS]

On my F30 330D the oil temperature needle is always vertical on 100C when warm. Mine can take a long time to fully warm up if driving in slow traffic - 20 minutes through town and then a few miles on the motorway.