Thermostat replacement

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm looking for a DIY to replace my electronic thermostat on a 2002 525i.

Thanks

dan

Here ya go:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...cooling+system
http://bimmerboard.com/forums/posts/199986
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...57#post6609057

Next time don't ask, search. Search is your freind.

I don't want to make a new thread but have a question.
I ran the check engine code about a month ago and it was for a thermostat. Came on twice and I cleared it both times. It hasn't come back on in over a month. Thinking I should still replace it.
Thoughts? Considering the warning has not returned.

Originally Posted by StevieV22

I don't want to make a new thread but have a question.
I ran the check engine code about a month ago and it was for a thermostat. Came on twice and I cleared it both times. It hasn't come back on in over a month. Thinking I should still replace it.
Thoughts? Considering the warning has not returned.

If it gets stuck closed, do you want your car to overheat?

Originally Posted by StevieV22

I don't want to make a new thread but have a question.
I ran the check engine code about a month ago and it was for a thermostat. Came on twice and I cleared it both times. It hasn't come back on in over a month. Thinking I should still replace it.
Thoughts? Considering the warning has not returned.

When was your last cooling system replacement? If more than 50K, I would strongly consider replacing the entire cooling system. This is the major critical weakness of these cars. A cooling component failure leads to cooling system failure which leads to engine death. All within a few minutes unless you are ever watchful. This problem is worse for the V8s as there is greater engine compartment heat leading to faster failure rates. Given that the cost of the cooling system is not that expensive (relative to a new engine), I would err on the side of caution and replace everything at set intervals to avoid getting stuck somewhere. For the I6, some recommend 60K-80K. I replaced mine at 102K. Do a search on V8s and figure out how much risk you are willing to accept.

Everything other then the thermostat was replaced.
I was simply asking because it seems like I am no longer getting a warning so wasn't sure if the thermostat is functional or not.
Either way I'm planning on replacing it in next few weeks but was just curious.

Originally Posted by StevieV22

Everything other then the thermostat was replaced.
I was simply asking because it seems like I am no longer getting a warning so wasn't sure if the thermostat is functional or not.
Either way I'm planning on replacing it in next few weeks but was just curious.

If your car is not overheating, then your thermostat is functional. Replacing it is a good diea.

Originally Posted by StevieV22

I don't want to make a new thread but have a question.
I ran the check engine code about a month ago and it was for a thermostat. Came on twice and I cleared it both times. It hasn't come back on in over a month. Thinking I should still replace it.
Thoughts? Considering the warning has not returned.

Did your engine run cooler? What was the codes if you remember?

If it takes long for the engine to reach running temperature, thermostat is stuck open (P0146?). My son's 325i had that for a while. We did replace it a couple of months later.

Originally Posted by harryhchen

If it takes long for the engine to reach running temperature, thermostat is stuck open (P0146?). My son's 325i had that for a while. We did replace it a couple of months later.

needle will be a bit just left of center .

Originally Posted by tmvseattle

Did your engine run cooler? What was the codes if you remember?

I believe it was P0128.
This occurred twice and both times I just pulled out of my garage and quickly on to the highway and that's when the code came up.
Doing some quick search on the code appears a few others had exactly the same experience.

Originally Posted by StevieV22

I believe it was P0128.
This occurred twice and both times I just pulled out of my garage and quickly on to the highway and that's when the code came up.
Doing some quick search on the code appears a few others had exactly the same experience.

128 is the thermostat. I was throwing it for about 2 months straight but wasn't overheating in the least bit. My gauge acted 100% normal. But when I got around to it I changed it. I have heard that things like liquid around the censor housing can throw it. Make sure you're not leaking anything around there. If you have white residue around your plastic parts it's most likely coolant. If you see it again I would go ahead and change it to be safe. No one has the time or likes to be stranded some where.

thanks...I'll work on my search skills!

Originally Posted by StevieV22

I believe it was P0128.
This occurred twice and both times I just pulled out of my garage and quickly on to the highway and that's when the code came up.
Doing some quick search on the code appears a few others had exactly the same experience.

That's the one. It happened to me a couple time too. I noticed the engine run cooler, especially on the highway. I replaced the thermostat.