Self Inflicted Pain - Overheating

S

Scotlandweller

Member
My 06-plate Z4 2.5 Si SE came with condensation within one of the headlights so this weekend I thought I'd try and address this my running the car whilst in the driveway with the lights fully on in an attempt to dry out the inside of the light. Left it running for 5 minutes (to steal the wife's hair drier to heat up the headlight from the outside as well) and came back to find steam escaping from the hood. Turned the engine off, popped the bonnet and found the steam exiting the water filler cap. Realised that the cabin heater was turned off. Let things cool, opened the water cap and topped up the coolant (with 1.5ltrs water). Then ran engine until in as back up to working temperature, switched it off and once cooled rechecked the coolant level. This needed a further 1.5ltrs of water to bring it back up to full. Next morning checked water level, still full, so took it for a test run but only got about 2 miles when yellow radiator warning light came on. Stopped car, let it cool and topped up water again (another 1.5ltrs of water). Carefully drive it home, and when switching off, yellow oil warning light flashed on. Did the electronic oil check (no dip stick in 2.5 model I have) and it told me to add 1ltr of oil (car had a full service/oil change 2 weeks ago!!!). I am about 25 miles for the nearest garage. So....if I can get the oil and water level back to normal and take gallons of water with me, what are my chances of making it to a garage AND (crying as I write) have I ruined my car. Any help, more than welcome.
 
Regardless of the heater being on or off it shouldnt overheat on idle! It sounds like your water pump has packed in- its a very common issue on your model being a 2.5si - the N52 are electronically driven - i wouldnt advise driving it, get a 'mechanic on the drive' style outfit to come fit you a new waterpump- if you open the radiator filler cap is there a little stream of water shooting into the funnel with the engine running? If not, your pumps goosed.
 
As above, there's no way I'd drive my car under those circumstances-get it towed or fix it at home.
The electronic water pump is easy to change :thumbsup:
Rob
 
jamie_z4 said:
Regardless of the heater being on or off it shouldnt overheat on idle! It sounds like your water pump has packed in- its a very common issue on your model being a 2.5si - the N52 are electronically driven - i wouldnt advise driving it, get a 'mechanic on the drive' style outfit to come fit you a new waterpump- if you open the radiator filler cap is there a little stream of water shooting into the funnel with the engine running? If not, your pumps goosed.
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Many thanks for this useful advice. I'll check the radiator when running tonight. I can live with a goosed water pump.
 
Smartbear said:
As above, there's no way I'd drive my car under those circumstances-get it towed or fix it at home.
The electronic water pump is easy to change :thumbsup:
Rob
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Rob, Thanks for coming back to me on this. Never occurred to me about the water pump.
 
little concerning about the oil as well - shouldn't lose a litre in 2 weeks unless something is leaking somewhere - any signs of any leakage underneath the car?

but don't worry, a car wont die just because it overheated - sure you'll be back on the road soon.
 
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