E39 Engine Temp - Running Cool

[dogpilot]

Hi,

I've just bought an E39 523i 99. I picked it up Saturday and noticed on my way home that the engine temperature is just over the blue chaplet. It moves up to normal running temperature in traffic. The viscus fan seems to spin freely when cold and I've tried stopping the fan to see if it makes any difference when running which it didn't. Any other suggestions. I'm thinking that it could be the thermostat, is it electronically controlled or a good old fashioned manual type?

Thanks for any help.

[chrisr29]

Thermostat. My e36 328 did the same thing. Stuck a new on in, good as gold now.

[trickywoo]

Wot he said. Classic thermostat 'failed safe' symptoms.

[dogpilot]

Thanks guys, just been to GSF to buy one. Doesn't look too difficult to fit either. Hopefully this should sort this issue out.