Optimum operating temperature

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May 3, 2005 | 01:52 PM

#11

Bart001

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From: Massachusetts, USA

My Ride: X3 | 3.0 | 6-speed manual

Quote:

Originally Posted by Memotronic' date='May 3 2005, 07:25 AM

I just got a warning msg saying >> coolant water is low .. I think it is related to engine temperature? is it ?

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Well only possibly, inasmuch as coolant level in the reservoir is lowest when the engine is cold, and thus it's possible to get a low coolant message when the car is cold, only to have it go out when the car warms up. My E36 was capable of doing that if the coolant was BARELY low, during the winter.

But basically, a low coolant message is triggered by the volume of coolant in the system, such as by detecting the level in the reservoir, and not the temperature of the coolant.

May 3, 2005 | 02:14 PM

#12

UUronL

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My Ride: 2006 530i Sport Silver Gray - Black Leather - Anthracite Maple Manual Transmission Premium Audio Cold Weather Package Rear sunshade Sirius Radio Autobahnd Roadblock (3M) film kit

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bart001' date='May 3 2005, 04:52 PM

[quote name='Memotronic' date='May 3 2005, 07:25 AM']I just got a warning msg saying >> coolant water is low .. I think it is related to engine temperature? is it ?

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[/quote]

Right, I used to get this on my VW when it was barely low. Top it off. Also, check your oil to see what kind of shape it's in. If you're not leaking coolant (the system should be sealed), then there is some other reason for the loss of coolant, most likely increased heat.

May 3, 2005 | 02:33 PM

#13

TitaniumGray5

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From: So. California

My Ride: '05 545 Sport Week 9

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy' date='May 3 2005, 07:13 AM

I agree with streak.? The variable "white line" isn't a direct indication of coolant temp, oil temp, or anything else.? Many people seem to think this is a valid substitute for the lack of a coolant temp gauge but I feel that's a mistake.

BMW really needs to give us a "vital statistics" page on iDrive so we can see virtual gauges on any/all critical functions.? How hard could that be to implement?? It could be in the settings menu -- and it wouldn't conflict with BMW Assist, BT, MP3, Sirius, etc.

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Yes, this would be very cool and those that were not interested could just ignore that menu field.

May 3, 2005 | 02:56 PM

#14

BurgessMW

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From: Chicagoland

My Ride: 545i, Steptronic, coldweather, comfort seats, Logic 7, front/rear seat heaters, navigation. sirius

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gudge' date='May 3 2005, 06:12 AM

[quote name='mathmos' date='May 3 2005, 12:01 PM']IIRC the rev counter gives the indication ie.

------ snip -----
The white-striped advance warning field,
arrow 1, changes depending on the engine
temperature. The segments disappear in
sequence as the engine warms to its normal
operating temperature.
Avoid allowing the engine speed to rise as
far as the advance warning field whenever
possible.

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I hadn't noticed this. Thanks. Will look for it tonight. Are they like white LED lights, or what ?
GAZ

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[/quote]
The hashmarks before the redline actually move. As the engine gets warmer, they get closer to the redline.