My Heater Sucks!
12-30-2009 | 10:50 AM
#31
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: B-Ham, AL
My Ride: '06 550i
'84 Nissan S12 Turbo
Originally Posted by rjcastr' post='1081847' date='Dec 30 2009, 01:25 PM
i just called chino hills autohaus and he said the thermostat problem is common and it does seem to be the problem
charges me 350 to replace it 85 diagnostics still pricey if you ask me
charges me 350 to replace it 85 diagnostics still pricey if you ask me
take the car for a spin, and get the engine temp good and hot. Turn off engine, pop hood, and feel the top and bottom radiator hoses...or if you have one of those laser thermometers, use it. If the t-stat is functioning properly the top radiator hose should be a lot hotter than the bottom hose. If it is not and is the same temp as the bottom hose or cooler, then your t-stat is stuck in the open position.
12-30-2009 | 10:52 AM
#32
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 98
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From: Elizabeth, NJ
My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i
thats too much.. seems very straight forward as a DIY job.. if you want, i'll take pics tonight and write up a DIY.. mine is an 04 530i.. so if you have 545 it will be different
12-30-2009 | 10:58 AM
#33
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Chino hills
Originally Posted by lmohaxx' post='1081859' date='Dec 30 2009, 02:52 PM
thats too much.. seems very straight forward as a DIY job.. if you want, i'll take pics tonight and write up a DIY.. mine is an 04 530i.. so if you have 545 it will be different
thanks man i have a 525i
love this forum
knowledge is power!
12-30-2009 | 10:59 AM
#34
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Chino hills
Originally Posted by ktlocklear' post='1081856' date='Dec 30 2009, 02:50 PM
It's easy to check actually...
take the car for a spin, and get the engine temp good and hot. Turn off engine, pop hood, and feel the top and bottom radiator hoses...or if you have one of those laser thermometers, use it. If the t-stat is functioning properly the top radiator hose should be a lot hotter than the bottom hose. If it is not and is the same temp as the bottom hose or cooler, then your t-stat is stuck in the open position.
take the car for a spin, and get the engine temp good and hot. Turn off engine, pop hood, and feel the top and bottom radiator hoses...or if you have one of those laser thermometers, use it. If the t-stat is functioning properly the top radiator hose should be a lot hotter than the bottom hose. If it is not and is the same temp as the bottom hose or cooler, then your t-stat is stuck in the open position.
What gets me is the whole bleeding and coolant stuff i need to do
12-30-2009 | 12:18 PM
#35
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 98
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From: Elizabeth, NJ
My Ride: 2005 BMW 545i
Originally Posted by rjcastr' post='1081862' date='Dec 30 2009, 02:59 PM
What gets me is the whole bleeding and coolant stuff i need to do
this is from my head since i read the TIS yesterday.. just do a search for the exact instructions.. regardless, i'll post the link with the write up
12-30-2009 | 01:39 PM
#36
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 2,718
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From: Massachusetts, USA
My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny.
2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter.
Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
Great tips, guys. 
12-30-2009 | 02:16 PM
#37
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: B-Ham, AL
My Ride: '06 550i
'84 Nissan S12 Turbo
Originally Posted by lmohaxx' post='1081899' date='Dec 30 2009, 03:18 PM
bleeding should be quite simple since it's an aux electric pump.. turn key to on, put heat setting on highest temp and fan low.. open reservoir, and slowly add coolant until max line is reached.. start car for a min with reservoir open... shut off and add more coolant till max line again
this is from my head since i read the TIS yesterday.. just do a search for the exact instructions.. regardless, i'll post the link with the write up
this is from my head since i read the TIS yesterday.. just do a search for the exact instructions.. regardless, i'll post the link with the write up
12-30-2009 | 02:51 PM
#38
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From: Chino hills
Originally Posted by ktlocklear' post='1081978' date='Dec 30 2009, 06:16 PM
Do bmw's use "jiggle Valves" on their t-stats? If they do, like other cars....this prevents air pockets, so worrying about bleeding isn't necessary. My guess is they don't use jiggle valves...that way bmw can charge you 2 more hours labor to "bleed" the system
Stealerships are crazy they will charge you 50 bucks for breathing per hour while working on your car.
12-31-2009 | 07:17 AM
#39
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Winnipeg
My Ride: 2006 titanium silver metallic
Like new 41k
Cold Weather Package
Thanks for the tips guys, I was toasty warm in my car last night! For me the trick was turning the foot vents way down so the heat blasts more up top. This is an awesome winter car with the AWD, Heated seats and steering wheel. I love my Bimmer, so happy we met 
12-31-2009 | 07:28 AM
#40
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: Chino hills
Originally Posted by D33ZNUT5' post='1082310' date='Dec 31 2009, 12:17 PM
Thanks for the tips guys, I was toasty warm in my car last night! For me the trick was turning the foot vents way down so the heat blasts more up top. This is an awesome winter car with the AWD, Heated seats and steering wheel. I love my Bimmer, so happy we met
can someone explain this.
I tried to put the vents towards me and it was very lukewarm almost room temp air. when i turned the defrosters up on top on the heat was blowing pretty hot.
What is this due, a leak, the thermostat is bad ?