Heat Dial problems on 1994, 316I - please help

[dolphin]

Hi All technical minded BMW Fanatics!:wave:

I need some help today please - :thinking:

I own a 1994, 316I manual (E36 dolphin) that is still in good condition and which I enjoy driving a lot. It has done 159k kilometers on the odo and it is about 6000 km since an engine overhaul. The car goes well, is a bit heavy on fuel consumption (app. 8km/l tame city driving).

However, the heat dial now started showing symptoms of dysfunction as follows:

It work normal at start-up and reach the 'normal' temperature position soon (as I am used to it). After about 15Km or 15 minutes drive the needle simply drop right down to bottom of the 'cold' position where it stays. When I stop the car the gauge may pick up slowly but drop again when you start driving.

Is this an indication of a 'bigger' problem or perhaps electronic in nature - a sensor (??)

Any comments and advice re the above is much appreciated.
Also (on a limited budget), what could I expect to pay to have this fixed?

I live in New Germany (Pinetown, Durban).

Thank so much in advance for your assistance!

Cheers,

J

 

[Dave]

your thermostat is stuck in an open position. you can still drive as it is now, but rather get it replaced. not sure on the 316i, but my 318is cost R600 and it was as simple as letting all the water out, loosing the two pipes and screws and replacing. 15 minute job. took longer to bleed the car afterwards.

if it got stuck the other way, it would have been bad as you could possibly have blown the head cylinder

 

[dolphin]

Thanks Dave,

I appreciate your quick response. I'll have it fixed ASAP.

For the record, the thermostat complete with housing, from Forsdicks BMW @ Pinetown is R746.46 incl.

cheers,:thumbsup:

J