If you really want to know the coolant temp as well as a number of other parameters, there is a way to find out, although it's rather awkward. There is a "hidden menu" that tells this stuff, as outlined briefly in the "Displays, Indicators and Controls" pdf. The following pic is from there. There's also a discussion of using this menu on the e60 forum: http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=21759&st=15

Great info but I still think a BMW should have a temp gauge.

Its a automatic but it still has a tack.

Actually, that's a buffered oil temp gauge.

Why couldn't BMW just stuck with the previous traditional gauges? They've worked well for decades and provided the information needed. I want the speedo, tach, instant fuel consumption, water temp, and fuel gauges. A variable redline is nice but not necessary.

I agree with you 100%. The only car I ever had with an overheating problem was a 530i, a long time ago (I think the auxillary fan switch failed.) It's useful to know if your engine is STARTING to overheat, rather than be told with a warning message that it's overheated NOW.

So...is anyone up for trying the hidden menu? Apparently menu item 7 has the coolant and oil temps.

sorry but my "lines", "springs" whatever they are do not move. They are fixed at 4 lines (see attached photo) regardless of engine temp.

Hmm, mine aren't. On my 545 the lines start at just under 4,000 on the tach and a cold motor...they slowly go down to the area you have them.

Yea...I just noticed that too...The dealer said they moved....but I never paid attention until just now....and they aren't moving....weird...

Well, are the "lines" any lower on the rpm scale when the engine is cold? When the engine is just started up for the first time (cold start), usually if there's a variable redline, it'll be down around 4k rpm. If there's nothing there, then congratulations! You have NO way of telling what's going on with engine temp whatsoever!

Perhaps this feature is exclusive for the 5-series and not the X5. I think neither the 3-series has this feature.:dunno: