Temp gauge still in red after Rad install???
 

My temp gauge is still in the red zone. I replaced the rad and filled with coolant and there is no leaks and system is ok and coolant is at the appropriate level. The check message still says "Check Coolant Level" Anyone have any ideas?? Can this be reset?

You need to bleed the system.

did you check the thermostat?

I have heat so the thermostat is ok. As for the bleeding goes, I have about 12 liters or even a bit more in the system and their is no air bubbles comming out of the resivoir. Does it take a long time to bleed?

is the air hot or just warm? you can get warm air even if the thermostat doesn't open all the way. I use to take it out and boil it in a metal can to see if it opens. now, if it doesn't open properly then you can overheat the engine. just an idea

Ya I know that trick. But I am Gettin hot air...

does the fan starts and stops after it cools the engine? if yes then the thermostat should work ok.
I have never touched the radiator on my x5 so I don't know to much, but for my previous cars I used to "take the air out from the system". It was some kind of a valve on top of the radiator used to let the air out letting just the antifreeze in the system.

+1

yes there is a little bleeder valve ontop of the resivoir tank and I left it undone until bubble free coolant came out. I am noticing now when I get into the Vehicle I turn the key to position 2 but don't start it and the temp gauge goes up a bit like it is slowly warming up and then shoots into the red?

How long does it take to bleed it???

Sometimes it takes a while. But the fact that it suddenly is going into the red zone sounds like you're severely short of coolant and/or have a lot of air in the system.

I was going to say that perhaps your water temp sensor is off, but the fact that you're also getting a Check Coolant Level message must mean that you are short on coolant. When you turn the car on, does the coolant level drop at all?

Also, the overfill hose must be submerged in coolant in resevoir between the min and max lines.

no more check coolant message. where is the water temp sensor located

When you refilled the system, did you just refill the radiator and go, or did you fill it as the coolant circulated through the engine after you started the car?

Here's the water temp sensor: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...55&hg=11&fg=35

Sender/wiring fault?

I have a tough time believing it's the sensor. If that was the case, wouldn't it malfunction right from start-up?

I started the engine first then added coolant slowly until it reached the full mark and I watched the bleeder screw until bubble free coolant came out. The only logical thing it could be is the sensor.... Even if the engine is stone cold I turn the key to position 2 without starting it and It still goes to the red.

It is the next thing to eliminate. If it still does it then you have a wiring or computer fault. The gauge it not a simple gauge but has readings as supplied by computer.

Analog instruments are controlled by the IKE from signals it receives over separate inputs. The needle of the coolant temperature gauge is centered if coolant temperature is between 75°C and 110°C.
FYI
75° C = 167° F
80° C = 176° F
85° C = 185° F
90° C = 194° F
95° C = 203° F
100°C = 212° F
105°C = 221° F
110°C = 230° F
115°C = 239° F
120°C = 248° F

The staus of my system now is.

No more Check coolant message and everything works great other than the fact that the gauge goes to the red even if the vehicle is cold. I figure its the water temp sensor. any other ideas? How do I test the sensor?

Disconnect the sending unit and isolate the terminal end. Switch on and see what happens to the needle.

Could you expalin that a little more? What I gather is you want me to Disconnect the box at the top of the fan shroud? and what do you mean isolate the terminal end?

Disconnect the temp sender unit for the gauge and make sure the wire does not touch anything then check the gauge reading.

The temp sensor unit attached to the lower rad hose?

#16 in this Diagram?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/i/m/239.png

Yes.

I will check it tonight

I disconnected the sensor and then turned the key to position 2 and the temp gauge still went to Red? Have anymore ideas?

Did it do it the same way as before? If so, that's your problem.

Did you only drain the radiator or did you also drain the block before changing it?

I drained the block aswell. Did I do what the same as before? I am wondering if It is the thermostat now because it may be stuck closed? If it was stuck closed would I get hot heat? Because I do get hot heat.

Temperature Gauge goes red when engine is cold
 

Hi Klnteg,

I know this is quite a ways back (2007 post) but I'm having the same problem and ran into your post. Did you ever found a solution to this? Any input will be greatly appreciated.

thanks.