quick temperature question
 

just wondering...
for those of us X owners who monitor their engine temp..
when the arrow gets to the middle point.. is it supposed to stay there?

mine seems to get there and than 5 minutes after drop lower again..?
it never went passed the center line either...

I believe it needs to stay at the center point. Who can verify that?

replace now or in the summer? :dunno:

Replace what?
Sound like you might need a new thermostat. Remember the gauge position is actually determined by the computer. It is not a direct reading gauge.

the gauge spot is buffered - it stays in the center from 75 to 105 degrees, and does NOT move when temperature is going up and down while engine is running... i do not remember exact numbers, and have no access to my files on vacation, but the needle is buffered, the actual temp is constantly moving as thermostat opens, closes, opens again... yours seems to be running a bit cooler, and while it is not overheating, which is good, it may have its own issues of a under-warmed engine...

however, if the needle is within the black and is NOT in BLUE or RED, you are ok, the engine is designed to run in those numbers...

check your VIN, see if you have a cold or hot climate version (not cold package, cold climate), maybe that could be related to your needle to be slightly cooler...

^agree. Sounds like your thermostat might be on its way out.

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.

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

Do you have the cluster like i do with the long display? Do this: BMW E38 Hidden OBC Functions

Theres one option that Shows Kengine temp: Mine is usually around 98C

Thanks everyone.

I shall run the hidden obd heat temp setting..

i dont have the cold package but do have heated upgraded ccv system...
it just gets to the center and than bounces down and bit than up again than back... plays around from the center to quarter to center....

I am looking at replacing it in the summer since I believe the german bmw engine must perform at the center point..

if your thermostat isnt working right those might be symptoms, have you ever replaced it? most all of us have replaced ours once at least.

Maybe you have too much coolant in the 50/50 mix and its allowing the engine to run cooler?

Your thermostat is faulty and is sticking in an open position allowing coolant to keep circulating when it should close up and stop the flow.

This is how it keeps the engine temperature fairly constant and means that the needle never moves once the car is up to temp.

I've had this on 3 previous BMW's in the past.

If your engine never stays at the optimum temp then you will run slightly rich and this will affect fuel economy. Change it now - if you're going to do it anyway why wait. Its not a massive difference but its not optimum for the engine either.

I got this same problem my temp gauge barely get out of the blue area unless in traffic or idling unless its like 60 degrees or more I notice it acts normal