Hi Guys
I have recently imported this car from Germany. I am from Uinted Arab Emirates where the temp during this winter time is also 30 degrees or more than that. In short want to get some help as how i can restrict the heat gauge of this car in 85-95 degrees. I have presently changed the thermostate valve (75 degrees) along with the coolant.
The problem is that in rush area the heat gauge is around 100 which is really very disturbing at times. The fan cluch is not kicking on. I am not sure that it is the vicious fan or electrical driven one. The two auxiluary fans mounted on the contensor are also not working tilll 100 gdegrees of temp
SHould i change the switch which is mounted on the top of the thermostate housing to 85 so that the fans should kick on at the same temp.
Last od all is it normal for this car to stay in the region of 85-95. I have owned BMW and their temp gauges once settled never move from their place. I want to keep this car as its drive is wonderful.
ANy professioanl help will be highly appreciated

Put the 87C thermostat back in the car. The car is desgned to operate at 100C in traffic, I would be concerned if it did not get to that temperature.

The fan clutch is designed to be at full lock by about 100-105C. I don't rmember the exact trip points for the electic fans on that car, but I believe it is about 110C coolant temperature or as dictated by refrigerant pressure.

It is normal to se 85-95 on the open highway and a hair over 100 in traffic.

The reason that the BMW coolant temp gauge does not move is that it is programmed to sit in the middle no matter what the temperature unless the car is severely overheating. For example, Mercedes wanted people to stop worrying about the normal operation of an inernal combustion engine in traffic, so they removed the real coolant temp gauge and put a dummy one in the newer cars. On the W202 C class, the gauge operates normally until 95C and then the gauge stays on 95C as long as the engine temp is anywhere between 95C-115C. Only above 115C does the needle then rapidly race to the red. Thus problem solved with the newer cars.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Thanks for your input. Will replace the old thermostate switch and will keep you updated with the progress.

I am just concerened for the head gaskit. The car is in great shape. Want to keep it for ever

Thanking you once again