My x5 3.0i doesn't get hot
 

I recently purchased a 06 3.0i and took a little road trip (100 miles round trip) and I noticed that the temp gauge was in the blue area almost the whole time and never passed the quarter mark. It was low on antifreeze when I took it for PPI. I'm hoping that its just air in the system but I doubt it

maybe thermostat needs to be replaced? common maintenance item

Was the PPI done before or after the 100 mile trip? It's not clear as it's written. If the PPI was done before the trip & the coolant was low...then the needle being in the blue makes sense and a top up should correct this (if there isn't a leak).

If the PPI occurred after the trip and you're still in the blue, then air in the system is probably the culprit. If the problem persists...then ditto RB...the thermostat may be stuck open.

It was before, they noticed it was low and topped off. They recommended a long drive so I took a trip to see some family in ct and I noticed the heat wasn't very hot then I noticed the temp gauge was in the blue area and even idling for 20mins it never passes the 1/4 mark

Thermo stuck open.

most people do the T-stat replacement with the expansion tank at the same time if i recall correctly you can get both parts for under 100 bucks and its an easy repair.

- how many miles on x?
-ppi done at BMW or indy?
-are you certain they used BMW coolant w/ 50-50 mix distilled water?
-when they 'topped' off coolant was the key on and heater on low? did they follow proper procedure

if all are true, I agree with ed & rb probably a stuck open thermo... depending on mileage, you may as well replace it

105k miles and I had it done at a indy shop in brooklyn. not sure if they used bmw coolant but I know its green and I'm not sure if they bleed the system

BMW Coolant is not green brother, it is blue. I think you need do this T-Stat repair and while there check cooling system hoses, expansion tank and water pump. If you say you did a PPI at a local indie in BK, I suggest not going back to this local indie because he clearly missed this cooling system possible failure.

IN for a writeup! mine rarely gets to the center. but does pass the blue after 30. prob a new thermostat is needed.