2000 BMW 323 Engine - Overheating

P7DANIEL

MEMBER
2000 BMW 323
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
89,567 MILES

Yesterday, I was driving home in heavy traffic on the highway. My teperature gauge slowly went to red. I pulled over. Waited for it to cool down. Then continued driving home. It started getting hot again. But went back down to normal while drving fast on the highway. When stopped or very slow on the highway it was creeping up in temperature but I made it home 25 miles driving fast in normal temperature after getting by the heavy highway conjestion. Today I tested it with small trips today. But no sign of overheating. What should I do. Also recently on the highway it started to get hot (not to red). So I turned off the AC and it started to go back down to normal. What should I have the mechanics check? I have a BMW 2000, with 90K miles.

2 Replies

2CARPRO JACK

MECHANIC
11,533 POSTS

I have forwarded your link to our resident BMW expert. He should be with you shortly

Thanks for using 2CarPros. Com

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Wednesday, February 11th, 2009 AT 8:09 PM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

There is an auxiliary fan and an engine driven fan on your car, they should both be checked for proper operation. The way you describe the problem sounds very much like the fan clutch has stopped working altogether. This is the coupling that drives the fan off the water pump and it engages when there is a need for airflow, like when you are sitting in traffic. The auxiliary fan is supposed to come on when it senses the A/C being on or when the engine coolant temperature reaches a certain point, have those items checked and I also recommend you consider replacement of the radiator and the expansion tank as they have a tendency to fail at the age and mileage you report, also inspect/replace water pump and thermostat if you haven't done so already. Go to Realoem. Com for a look at the parts pricing.