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View Full Version : Thermostat time for the E39

TD
12-29-2009, 06:54 PM
On tonight's drive home, over 40 minutes, the temp gauge needle never lifted off of the cold peg.

Not a really big deal, I know. But taking a car in for service is always a PITA.
John V
12-29-2009, 10:07 PM
You're 100% sure it's not the sensor for the gauge? (i.e. cold air out of the vents?)
SARAFIL
12-29-2009, 10:10 PM
You're 100% sure it's not the sensor for the gauge? (i.e. cold air out of the vents?)

Nah... the M52 (I think that is what it is called...) used in the E46 and E39 are notorious for bad thermostats. I would be totally amazed if TD's car still has the original one.

Good thing is that when it fails the car runs cold instead of running hot... most of the time.
Biggins
12-29-2009, 11:04 PM
Mine finally went a few weeks ago in my M42 at 145k. I replaced it and all seems well now.
TD
12-30-2009, 06:55 AM
I can confirm - cold air out of the vents. Considering how cold it was out last night on the way home, I definitely noticed.
TD
01-04-2010, 09:49 AM
Just got the call from Excluservice. The radiator is also leaking.

D'oh!
SARAFIL
01-04-2010, 09:51 AM
Just got the call from Excluservice. The radiator is also leaking.

D'oh!

I guess it's at that point where it needs an overhaul. :(

Can you ask them to pop a manual in it while it's there?
TD
01-04-2010, 10:00 AM
The car only has ~77k miles. Spoke with the shop and they just want to replace the radiator and thermostat. I even gave them an opening to rip me off by asking them to check the suspension bits for anything worn out (especially up front) and they said everything was fine. So I'm having them fdo an alignment as well.

So the damage will be bad ($) but not atrocious.
SARAFIL
01-04-2010, 10:29 AM
The car only has ~77k miles. Spoke with the shop and they just want to replace the radiator and thermostat. I even gave them an opening to rip me off by asking them to check the suspension bits for anything worn out (especially up front) and they said everything was fine. So I'm having them fdo an alignment as well.

So the damage will be bad ($) but not atrocious.

I did not realize the mileage was that low.

If you still have it around 90k-100k, get ready for a big bill. :ack: It seems like a lot of parts are designed to wear out around that mileage.
lip277
01-04-2010, 12:02 PM
Do the expansion tank (and associated hoses) when they are there too.