1995 BMW 320 strange overheating problem

DAMO429

MEMBER
1995 BMW 320
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
183,000 MILES

I bought a beamer last year high milage but it drives fine had a problem with over heating since I got it but unly when stuck in traffic been sorting things out slowly and the car only goes 20miles up the motorway to work each day no probs looses small amount of water each week but I cant find a leak any where the other day I was stuck in traffic when the temp went up so I pulled over lifted the bonnet
there was water in the expansion tank part of the radiator spits and spats of water\steam comming out of the radiator bleed screw you use this when topping up the radiator the top hose was solid preasure but nothing in the hose the other side of the thermos stat housing
also I recently replaced the thermostat or should I say put one in as there wasnt one in there did some one try to hid a problem do you think

2 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

The over heating issue you seem to be experiencing can be caused by factors such as a fan clutch that fails to engage or a radiator that is no longer able to carry away heat due to deposits that form due to age and possible lack of preventive maintenance (scheduled coolant flushes) As far as the thermostat going missing, there is a school of thought that says "remove the thermostat and there won't be any more problems with over heating". Nothing could be further from the truth. The t-stat is at the heart of keeping the temperature constant as the flow can and will become "confused". Especially in a BMW. I hope this is helpful, repost if more assistance is required.