E46 318i coolant temp

[Alexo]

Hi all.
I have a question on my e46 318i n42 engine.

I have had the car for more than 2 yearsand had my fair share of problems.

Currently have new waterpump , hoses and thermostat.

Currently my obc temperature is showing 105 c .

I have read oter posts sayimg 105c is a normal operating temp on the n42/n46

But according to my Dad ,who has been my helping hand throughout the years,the temp of 105 is too high.

I was thinking of changing the fan temp sensor on lower radiator hose?

Any advice would be apprexiated

 

[Tinuva]

Hey bud,

105c for the N42 is normal. Changing the temperature sensor will not change the fact that the car will try and keep it at that temperature.

I think if you do want it to run at a lower temperature, you would need a different thermostat which will stay open for longer than the 318 n42/n46 thermostat. In fact if you might need the one that goes on the M54 engines. Might need adapters to make it work because honestly I am not sure if it will fit.

The M54 engines run around 95 degrees, on the 320/325/330. I am not sure about the M52 engines.

Anyways, when I had a 318i E46 back in the day, it was a solid car. It definitely ran at 105c. You can see me posting about it here, in my "E46 non-M - Change coolant temperature gauge buffer range with PA Soft" thread.

 

[Alexo]

Hey bud,

105c for the N42 is normal. Changing the temperature sensor will not change the fact that the car will try and keep it at that temperature.

I think if you do want it to run at a lower temperature, you would need a different thermostat which will stay open for longer than the 318 n42/n46 thermostat. In fact if you might need the one that goes on the M54 engines. Might need adapters to make it work because honestly I am not sure if it will fit.

The M54 engines run around 95 degrees, on the 320/325/330. I am not sure about the M52 engines.

Anyways, when I had a 318i E46 back in the day, it was a solid car. It definitely ran at 105c. You can see me posting about it here, in my "E46 non-M - Change coolant temperature gauge buffer range with PA Soft" thread.

Thanks Tinuva.
Now i can drive with a rested heart lol

I do not have any knowledge of the m54 engines.

Will do some research for future build maybe.

Thanks again!