Sounds like stuck thermostat. Lower hose should be much "cooler" than the upper hose but it shouldn't be "cold" if there is a good flow of coolant passing through. Your radiator should also be hot if working correctly.

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2004 X5 4.4i
2001 E46 M3
1995 E34 525i
2008 Acura MDX
1984 Maserati
2011 997 Turbo