Normal level for a temp gauge???

[2002jm]

This must have been discussed a few hundred times, but I can not find it:)
So, could some one tell me if having the temp gauge at the half way point is 'normal' on the m535 engine?
I was sitting in traffic about 85 outside, and the car had been warmed up. Just moved up maybe a 1/4 inch to just over half after sitting for maybe 3-4mins.
Is this ok, or is it suppose to be much lower on the gauge?
thanks for any help. I was just a little concerned, because if it had been hot outside maybe the temp on the gauge would go up even more??
thanks,
jm

[GripGreg]

Till someone with more knowledge chimes in; I think, as long as your needle doesn't go beyond reading at the 3/4 level, you're fine. After the 3/4 level look for a shade tree to chill out. Pun intended.
The way you described things, you're ok.

[2002jm]

I am taking the radiator out so when I do I will be sure its nice and clean.
I am use to the temp in the e28 being about 1/4" below the middle, so I was a little concerned.
thanks for the reply; taking it out again today to see what it does.
jm

[GripGreg]

While it's out, you may as well have it flushed & rodded out by a reputable radiator shop. That way you know where you stand. How long has it been?
As a suggestion, you might want to change the water pump. But, if you do, make sure it has a metal impeller, not plastic.
Online companies are everywhere. As in bavauto.com & more.
Good luck,,,,Greg

[BimBim2oo2]

John, if you need parts let me know Jeremy tends to take pretty good care of me in that department and everything is next day.

[Blaise]

This must have been discussed a few hundred times, but I can not find it:)
So, could some one tell me if having the temp gauge at the half way point is 'normal' on the m535 engine?
I was sitting in traffic about 85 outside, and the car had been warmed up. Just moved up maybe a 1/4 inch to just over half after sitting for maybe 3-4mins.
Is this ok, or is it suppose to be much lower on the gauge?
thanks for any help. I was just a little concerned, because if it had been hot outside maybe the temp on the gauge would go up even more??
thanks,
jm

I would say that climbing to the 3/4 mark in 3-4 minutes of sitting is a sign that the cooling system is not working as well as it could. I don't think you will do any damage by letting it climb to that mark, but you may find it climbing higher in a more taxing situation.

My car, on which all cooling components are new, will not climb to the 3/4 mark even if it is 100 degrees out. I have yet to try it with the A/C on, as I have not charged it yet.

If you plan to do work on the car, I would go over the radiator. If not, just keep an eye on things to avoid damage.

Hope that helps.

[wkohler]

I figure at the very least, that car needs a fan clutch. It really needs the whole system gone through. Until I changed the bottle, it wouldnt pressurize since it was cracked on top. I think the radiator is very recent, but it needs a flush and the rad should be rodded out.

The fan clutch is why it's heating up at a light. I never saw it get out of the 5/8 range, but it wasnt that hot here when I had the car.

[GripGreg]

Blaise just backed up what I was sayin'; very kool.
I forgot to mention the updated bleeder valve/screw on top of the thermostat housing. You prolly have done this, but, the better style is, I think a 6mm bolt style. Don't forget to bleed it till no air or bubbles, while the car is warm to open the thermostat, with the rr wheels lower than the front wheels; maybe using the driveway entrance to the street for your rr wheels?
However, DON'T over tighten it. It doesn't take much.
Greg

[wkohler]

It's an 8mm. This car needs one of those too.

[2002jm]

Thanks for the information. I will be going through the whole system when I take it apart. Fan clutch does seem to be a bit weak, but you can see it is spinning at different speeds to the engine speed. The front of the car needs to go forward about 1/2". I think the first accident on the passenger side was never fixed correctly. Not much room in there between the fan and the rad. I would be concerned about the fan hitting if I was driving at hight speed, but have to fix the suspension before that will happen:)
Thanks for the offer Josh, will let you know what I need later:)
jm
When you guys buy water pumps, hoses etc., I assume you have to get them specific for the 535, or is the 528 work?
jm

[wkohler]

None of it is M535 specific. Order the E28 pump and clutch.

[2002jm]

Chris: So I just order a 1980 e28 pump and clutch? That would also mean I can order the e12 528 lower rad hose?
jm

[wkohler]

There was no 1980 E28. Order a water pump and fan clutch for an '85 535i or something like that. The newer style pump and clutch are less-expensive than just the bolt-through clutch.