X5 3.0 temperature gauge fluctuation?

[bylin2000]

Hey everyone,

I have a 2001 X5 3.0i and I recently realized that the temperature gauge fluctuates between 1/3 and 1/2 while driving. It would go up to the 1/2 mark which was normal, but sometimes it would go down and maybe back up. Is there something I should look into, because it didn't used to do that, not even in 30F weather in the mtns during winter. I'm driving in the bay area which sees 60-70F temperatures while encountering this problem recently.

Thanks for any input.

[bylin2000]

anyone have any ideas? should i be checking the thermometer or something? the temperature seems to go down from the middle point as i cruise down a hill and not accelerating and comes back when i start accelerating again. any suggestions would be appreciated.

[motordavid]

Here are two threads that might give you some ideas...
could be sender, could be thermostat, could be...?

The Ol' Search Tab, upper right of page, 3 drop down
buttons from right margin, can be your friend.
There are other threads on this topic, too; I just pulled
these two off the first page of threads, in Search.
GL,mD

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...-hot-help.html

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...dle-piont.html

[bylin2000]

thanks for the info. however i previously looked at those threads and they have the opposite symptom that i have.

do you know where the temperature thermostat is located? perhaps i can have a mechanically-inclined friend help me look into it further. i'd only want to bring it to the dealer as a last resort.

thanks!

[mikeywilz]

Hello,
I currently am having the same problem. 2006 x5 3.0..While driving on the highway under heavier load my temp gauge sits at 12oclock but if I let off the gas for a hill or just cruise for a little it drops to the 1/3 temp mark and fluctuates between. Can you please let me know what your diagnosis and fix were for your problem. Thanks [email protected]

[DTMdan]

Sounds like the thermostat's going bad.

[AutoShine]

Try bleeding the cooling system. You might have some air bubbles in there.

[X5SND]

If you're having trouble maintaining operating temp, the thermostat needs to be changed.