Not joined yet? Register for free and enjoy features such as alerts, private messaging and viewing latest posts and topics.

running hot, not overheating

Discuss problems you have had or are having with your Z4
User avatar
Athos
Member
Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:06 pm

running hot, not overheating

Post by Athos » Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:15 pm

Hello All,

i have been having a strange problem and I am looking for help.

My car has been running hot lately, not overheating but when caught in traffic, the needle will the the middle mark and begin to slowly rise upward but not overheat and then return down to the middle mark.

I replaced the water pump, and thermostat thinking that might have been the problem.I took the car on a long drive (6 hrs) and it ran perfectly all the way there. Then after driving for 40 minutes in traffic, I experienced the same symptoms.

I do not appear to have any leaks, and can find no water in the pan. I have also replaced the coolant sensor and several of the hoses.

All the fans appear to function correctly sooo do I just keep replacing parts i.e. the radiator and expansion tank ? Any other things to check?

Thanks in advance

2006 3.0SI Auto

User avatar
Chris_D
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 6615
Joined: Thu Apr 21, 2016 11:41 pm
Location: Mostly Holland. Sometimes UK.

running hot, not overheating

Post by Chris_D » Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:34 pm

Try and bleed the coolant system, make sure you don't have pockets of air in the system.
I have the opposite problem; mine runs cold (75-85deg C) at motoway speeds, indicating sticking open stat.
E85 3.0i roadie (03) 'Benny'. E93 320d M-Sport Cabrio (11) 'Bob'.
Image
'Always different, always the same.' John Peel on The Fall.

User avatar
Athos
Member
Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:06 pm

running hot, not overheating

Post by Athos » Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:37 pm

I will give that another shot. I have bled the system like 3 times!

Thanks

J
:headbang:

User avatar
skelters
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 2640
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:18 pm
Location: Greenock, Scotland

running hot, not overheating

Post by skelters » Tue Jul 09, 2019 10:02 pm

Have a read at this thread from last month.....

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=115474&p=1664198&hi ... g#p1664198
2007 Z4 3.0si Sport. Silver Grey Metallic, Brembo Brakes, HEL Braided Brake Hoses, Machine Monkey Exhaust Tips, Stubby, Piano Black trim, Black Leather, Bilstein B12-Pro-Kit, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on MV2's. Roof Motor in the Boot!

User avatar
ph001
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3870
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
Location: N. Yorkshire.

running hot, not overheating

Post by ph001 » Wed Jul 10, 2019 8:47 am

What bleed procedure did you use? I’m guessing you are aware there is an automated electronic bleed process on the N52.
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

Image

User avatar
Athos
Member
Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:06 pm

running hot, not overheating

Post by Athos » Wed Jul 10, 2019 1:16 pm

I read that post and followed the bleeding procedure exactly. I an near certain that I have no air in the system but am having a hell of a time trying to figure out what is causing the problem. It only seems to happen in start stop traffic.

I am going to bleed the system again and try that. Then check for leaks again!

J

User avatar
skelters
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 2640
Joined: Thu Jun 14, 2007 11:18 pm
Location: Greenock, Scotland

running hot, not overheating

Post by skelters » Wed Jul 10, 2019 2:05 pm

Any error codes?
2007 Z4 3.0si Sport. Silver Grey Metallic, Brembo Brakes, HEL Braided Brake Hoses, Machine Monkey Exhaust Tips, Stubby, Piano Black trim, Black Leather, Bilstein B12-Pro-Kit, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 on MV2's. Roof Motor in the Boot!

Haro
Member
Member
Posts: 114
Joined: Sun Feb 17, 2019 2:27 am

running hot, not overheating

Post by Haro » Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:10 pm

Usually a sign of a leak or steaming. Run the car up to temp and look under the bonnet whilst running, see if you can smell coolant or see wisps of steam. Plastic reservoir is the common one, also could be that the cap is not sealing properly anymore.

User avatar
ph001
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3870
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
Location: N. Yorkshire.

running hot, not overheating

Post by ph001 » Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:20 pm

Athos wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2019 1:16 pm I read that post and followed the bleeding procedure exactly
‘That post’ is not for an N52.
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

Image

User avatar
Athos
Member
Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:06 pm

running hot, not overheating

Post by Athos » Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:53 pm

Understood that it's a different motor, but is the bleeding procedure different for a n52??

I will check for steam leaks , and report back..

J

User avatar
Ewazix
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4721
Joined: Sun May 02, 2010 5:30 pm
Location: Somerset

running hot, not overheating

Post by Ewazix » Wed Jul 10, 2019 4:16 pm

Athos wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:53 pm Understood that it's a different motor, but is the bleeding procedure different for a n52??

I will check for steam leaks , and report back..

J
The M54 has a traditional mechanical water pump, the N52 facelift motor has an electric water pump that has to be activated with the ignition switched on, but engine OFF to self bleed properly.

Good how-to instructions with pictures can often be found on the Pelican parts site, in your case the e90 instructions which should be the same as your car as they are both N52.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techar ... System.htm
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost

User avatar
ph001
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 3870
Joined: Mon Oct 31, 2016 5:53 pm
Location: N. Yorkshire.

running hot, not overheating

Post by ph001 » Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:00 pm

Athos wrote: Wed Jul 10, 2019 3:53 pm Understood that it's a different motor, but is the bleeding procedure different for a n52??

I will check for steam leaks , and report back..

J
That’s right, with the ignition on you have to fully press the accelerator for 10 secs to start the automated bleed process just like ewazix link above describes.
2007 E85 Z4 3.0Si manual :driving:
19" CSL's | Eibach Springs | Aeroskirts | Z4M front bumper | Clear brake light | ZHP | RCH+| Stubby

2004 E46 M3 coupe manual - gone but not forgotten.

Image

User avatar
Athos
Member
Member
Posts: 62
Joined: Thu Aug 11, 2016 10:06 pm

running hot, not overheating

Post by Athos » Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:22 pm

I followed the proper procedure for the n52, and bled the system 3 times...

The coolant level is fine, and I have yet to find leaks...but will keep checking..

Thanks all

Ps no error codes...!

User avatar
kis
Lifer
Lifer
Posts: 4536
Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2016 2:33 pm
Location: Surrey / West Sussex Boarder

running hot, not overheating

Post by kis » Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:27 pm

Same thing with mine, but that was coolant leak (so easy fix). Good luck sorting :thumbsup:
My E85 Z4 3.0i SMG

BMW Family History (past and present):
1 Series - E87
3 Series - E46 Coupe, E46 M3, E90 (x3)
4 Series - F36, F82 M4
5 Series - E34 (x2), E39
7 Series - E32
X5 - E53, E70
X6 - E71

User avatar
road warrior
Senior Member
Senior Member
Posts: 2287
Joined: Wed May 23, 2018 2:12 pm
Location: Burton On trent

running hot, not overheating

Post by road warrior » Wed Jul 10, 2019 5:31 pm

:P allows himself a little gloat that he has a " proper " water pump.. :P
If you ever think I'm off my rocker.. Just put me back in it and walk away... It's the kindest thing
My wife says I never listen - or something like that.
gone but not forgotton -Mean Steve - made a sound like a bear with his nuts in a trap.

Post Reply