Temp gauge
 

2006 X5 3.0 98k miles

Noticed my temp gauge isn't going above 25% under normal driving. I had it on the highway for two hours last week, it did go to 50% on an up hill stretch, but then went back down.

Is it just a gauge problem? I just had it in for service at BMW three weeks ago, what I thought was it's last free service (CPO and extended maint run out on 11/17)

I've had the car since 36k miles, only real repairs to the engine were two oil leaks, all other maintenance done by BMW by their standards... had other things fixed, so I definitely got my money out of the maint and cpo warranties.

Any other problems this could be indictative of? I'm running out of time to get things fixed for free, any comments would be appreciated. It goes in for service next week.

Mark

Maybe the thermostat is not opening and closing.

Thanks valex. I know I'm going to be replacing the gauge, I'm just worried about other issues that may be causing, or may be caused by, the gauge issue. Any thing else I should be worried about? I'm down to the wire with my free maint/cpo warranty and I want to know if I should have them look at anything else while it's in for service.

The gauge is controlled by the computer. It is not direct reading. Have the vehicle checked before your CPO expires.

so, another question, should I be worried about driving with the temp gauge issue? I have a long trip this weekend...about 650 miles round trip...trying to decide if I should just fly and let the x rest

My guess is your thermostat so flying is a lot cheaper than replacing an engine should the worst case happen.
Have your vehicle checked out before you damage something.

You could always check test 07 on the OBD for another opinion. My 4.4 runs at around 98C-103C.

Google "unlock OBD"