1997 523i overheating
Discussion
I'd suggest that unless you're very clued up on these engines, you pop it along to a trusted mechanic.
Cook the lump on this, and you could very easily write the car off, and they are quite easily damage by overheating.
From what little knowledge I have, I'd suggest it is more common for a thermostat to stick open, causing you to run cooler, than it is to stick closed.
I can't remember the exact years, but there was a period where BMW used a waterpump with a plastic impellar, which was prone to break off, this would result in the coolant not circulating properly, but without seeing the car etc, we're all guessing.
Cook the lump on this, and you could very easily write the car off, and they are quite easily damage by overheating.
From what little knowledge I have, I'd suggest it is more common for a thermostat to stick open, causing you to run cooler, than it is to stick closed.
I can't remember the exact years, but there was a period where BMW used a waterpump with a plastic impellar, which was prone to break off, this would result in the coolant not circulating properly, but without seeing the car etc, we're all guessing.
Check your viscous fan is working correctly, well known for failing with age.
As mentioned, plastic impeller water pumps are renowned for grenading themselves internally and were eventually replaced with metal impeller versions.
Added to this, the expansion tanks are known to split, as are the radiators.
The problem with the M52 engine (in all variations), is that normally when it overheats, just as the temperature gauge needle hits the red zone the cylinder head warps and then you're into headgasket issues with water in the oil and vica versa.
When everything is running fine with the coolant system, the needle should be pretty much slap bang in the middle, pointing vertical.
Failing to get up to the half way point or getting there and then dropping back when on the move (as happens with a faulty thermostat normally), is not so much of a problem.
But if you notice the temperature gauge climbing above the mid way point towards the red zone, shut the engine off immediately! (or as near to immediately as you can) and get the car checked over straight away.
As mentioned, plastic impeller water pumps are renowned for grenading themselves internally and were eventually replaced with metal impeller versions.
Added to this, the expansion tanks are known to split, as are the radiators.
The problem with the M52 engine (in all variations), is that normally when it overheats, just as the temperature gauge needle hits the red zone the cylinder head warps and then you're into headgasket issues with water in the oil and vica versa.
When everything is running fine with the coolant system, the needle should be pretty much slap bang in the middle, pointing vertical.
Failing to get up to the half way point or getting there and then dropping back when on the move (as happens with a faulty thermostat normally), is not so much of a problem.
But if you notice the temperature gauge climbing above the mid way point towards the red zone, shut the engine off immediately! (or as near to immediately as you can) and get the car checked over straight away.
With the information you have provided it could be a number of things. Has the car been fine and only just started doing this? My last two beemers both needed new thermostats. One stuck shut, one stuck open! My temp gauge would start rising past half way after 5-10 minutes and climb towards the red. I pulled over, let the car cool down a bit and then it very quickly did the same thing. There are plenty of DIY guides for replacing it yourself for around £50-100. Might be the cheapest diagnostic for you. If you are driving around in the car for much longer periods and the gauge is in the red, then that isn't a good sign. Get someone to look at it ASAP.
I had a 528i do this. My wife was driving it and it got into the red. the engine was scrap. Only had the car three weeks. Nice car stupid engine. If you have the cash get the motor stripped and the crank, conrods and pistons put into an M50B25 engine from a 525i. That way you will a very strong engine made of iron.
In the end I have bought a E34 with an M30 -relaible and sound bloody fantastic. I will never have an M52 powered car again. They are trouble.
In the end I have bought a E34 with an M30 -relaible and sound bloody fantastic. I will never have an M52 powered car again. They are trouble.
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