New E86 Coupe Owner

B

BritishMattWorks

New member
 Northampton
Hi everyone joined the club about 2 weeks ago and enjoyed it since. Had my most enjoyable commute to work, which was strange considering how little there is with the car.

May at some point be asking for tips on getting the silver trim or drivers interior door replaced/fixed up/covered up and anywhere near Wellingborough that would be recommended for body work and wheels. But for now will just be enjoying the drive.


One thing I noticed the oil temp is barely rising above the blue marking when I've been cruising on the motorway, it does start to climb up closer to halfway if sat stationary or when driving a bit more aggressively. Is this normal possibly helped by the cooler time of year?
 

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Hi, mine always settles just past the half way mark, might be the thermostat or needs bleeding. Does the heater work okay?
 
BritishMattWorks said:
One thing I noticed the oil temp is barely rising above the blue marking when I've been cruising on the motorway, it does start to climb up closer to halfway if sat stationary or when driving a bit more aggressively. Is this normal possibly helped by the cooler time of year?
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Welcome to the forum,

That isn't normal. If your gauge has blue and red markings then, unless I'm mistaken, it would be a coolant temp gauge. I believe other n52 powered bmws had an oil temp gauge but I don't think the non-m e85/86 z4s got one.

The gauge is also heavily dampened so even when its hit the centre it still isn't up to proper operating temp but rather ~75 degrees C. Seeing as yours is barely above blue that would mean the coolant temp is indicated at around 50 degrees C or something, which is very low.

In other words the needle should always be dead centre at all times once it warms up, as small temp changes don't move the needle.

On my m54 the coolant gets to above 90 degrees c within 10 or 15 mins of driving, you can check the exact coolant temp using the hidden menu.

I'd guess the thermostat is stuck open as it heats up when stationary, when there's little to no airflow through the radiator, but I'm sure someone more knowledgeable than me will help you further.
 
Hi and welcome to the forum from a serial Coupe owner. :thumbsup:

The temperature gauge on your car will be for water temperature, not oil, so maybe like others have suggested your thermostat isn't closing.

I think there may be a way to see the actual water temperature in the OBD - try googling BMW Hidden Menu.
 
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