Is this a thermostat? pic inside

[Eurosport]

i'll just put it up on ramps, drop the front shield, and reach it from there, looks pretty accessible from underneath. good thing i'm stocked on coolant.

just find it weird it's called thermostat as well, and like most people when i hear thermostat i think of the "real" thermostat by the water pump first, not this little piece

[JCL]

There is more than one thermostat on a car, it is a generic term like valve. We know that this is a thermostat from the Real OEM site. The engine thermostat is different than the thermostat for the heater core, the thermostat that causes the electric fan to switch on, or the thermostat that causes the ice reminder to come on at 3 degrees above freezing.

Since this is a thermostat connected to the heater lines, it is likely preventing coolant flow through the heater core until there is some heat in the engine to transfer to the heater core.

[Big "J"]

Ah!!
I forget we aren't dealing with your average Ford or Chevy.....my bad.

Thanks.

[T-dotX5]

hey guys, i have a similar problem with my x5 ( 2001, 4.4i). the thermostat for the heater core is chipped from the top and leaking coolant. Can anyone give me tips on how to change it. thanks

[Bimmer360]

check my signature for the DIY. I have 2001 4.4i as well. You can also find it under articles.

[T-dotX5]

correct me if im wrong, the DIY is for the thermostat close to the water pump, i need help replacing part 15 on the posted schematic. which i think is called the thermostat for the heater core.