Thermosta/coolant change?

[Mr. BMW]

I've always notice my temp gauge would go a little past the center mark but this past summer seems like it might have been going just a little more over. Even on days where the weather wasn't super hot.

Could changing the thermostat and flushing the coolant possibly help with this??
I know the coolant is supposedly lifetime but it will be 10 years old. I would imagine it must start to breakdown at some point, no?

[Helmsman]

Not sure about the coolant loosing its ability to keep cool, guessing age does more with the corrosion protection. The Tstat I believe typically stuck open when fail so doubtful thats the cause. Fairly straight forward and cheap to replace though.
Seems quite a few guys have experienced increased engine temps, search the board and see if some solutions came up.

[Scandinavian_Flick]

I noticed that my car was taking a little longer to warm up, and possibly was getting a little hotter than normal. I ended up getting a code for 'increased emissions', which I believe is because with the engine taking longer to warm up, the cats don't get up to temp as quick, and thus more emissions, but I digress.

Forum research lead me to replacing the thermostat, ordered off FCP and install was done in less than an hour, and then another little while to flush coolant - super easy IMO.

If you do end up replacing the thermostat, I'd make sure to order the 4 O-rings that connect the tubes at the back of the thermostat housing while you're there. They're like $1.50 each, you'll need 4, but for 6 bucks you might as well for the peace of mind. Just my advice. Part number is 11531406249.

Also, FWIW BMW likes to call a handful of fluids "Lifetime"; coolant, diff fluid, transmission fluid, etc. I don't think any of them should last the life of the car. LSD fluid on some of these track cars comes out BLACK and rather thin, indicating degradation.

[fs34]

Originally Posted by Scandinavian_Flick

If you do end up replacing the thermostat, I'd make sure to order the 4 O-rings that connect the tubes at the back of the thermostat housing while you're there. They're like $1.50 each, you'll need 4, but for 6 bucks you might as well for the peace of mind. Just my advice. Part number is 11531406249.

I’d recommend buying a couple of extras, they are easy to break and will result in a coolant leak where you have to go back in and install them again, good to have a few extras on hand just in case. Ask me how I know.

[Peertwelve]

Originally Posted by Scandinavian_Flick

I
Also, FWIW BMW likes to call a handful of fluids "Lifetime"; coolant, diff fluid, transmission fluid, etc. I don't think any of them should last the life of the car. LSD fluid on some of these track cars comes out BLACK and rather thin, indicating degradation.

Agreed. Recently changed the 6mt and diff fluids on my 59k miles car.. the diff fluid was black syrup. These cars are worth the costs in fluids imho

[Mr. BMW]

In the manual or service manual it says to change the diff fluid every 3rd oil change. I had to fight with my dealer to cover it under the maintenance warranty just before it expired.