I used the search function to find an informative thread started by Farrell that BMW made an mid-stream change to the design of the thermostats used in S38 B36/B38.
I just dropped a cool $2K on parts alone for a preventative cooling system overhaul (radiator, water pump, hoses, belts, clamps, thermostat, etc.). It was the right thing to do for the car, but it was tough nonetheless to spend that much money (and sell it to my wife as "necessary").
My dilemma is I am having the work done at a local independent shop specializing in BMW's. This is my first time using them, and in talking to other owners, they have a good rep. I expect when I receive the new thermostat it will be the "new" style.....and if that's the case....how do I approach the shop and tell them "hey, strip the old theromostat because the new one is nearly guaranteed to not function properly"? I can't afford to buy the S62 style thermostat housing (will it even work properly in the S38?)...and just don't want to go there even if I could...it's not right.
In any case, I know I'm rambling....but thoughts on how I should approach the shop on this? Do I print out Farrell's earlier string and point to it and say "here is a peer in the business who has discovered a big issue...follow this process"? If they do agree, I suppose I could expect them to not warranty the part since they'd be fitting old bits with new.
This situation really stinks. I'm trying to do the right thing as the steward of this fine machine and now I'm faced with paying good money for a part that likely will not operate properly, leak or both.
i'd wait and see. I did my cooling system overhaul about the same time as that thread by farrell came out. I had the new part number, but the thermostat that i installed looked identical to the one i removed, (which had failed, by the way) and has functioned fine for the past year and a half.
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Mike
91 M5 Alpine White II, Silver Gray 3/90 production
17x8/17x9 M system with PS2, 20mm touring roll bar; Ground Control Coilovers; EAT Chip, CD43; bmw/nardi blackline steering wheel, 3.8 Cam Gears
08 535i / 6 speed
Space Gray; Gray; Sport/Premium/Nav
00 M5 Ti Silver; Imola/black sportiv --Sold
Engine:
Supersprint Headers, Dinan CAI kit and MAFS, Throttle Bodies, Cams, Ported heads, Exhaust, Custom dinan software, Evosport Pullies, Dinan clutch and lightened flywheel; Ignition solutions plasma coils
Suspension:
Dinan Stage 3 with front and rear Strut Tower Braces, Beastpower Sway bar brackets, Dinan Wheels with 275/285 PilotSport, X5 Thrust arm bushings, Stoptech 355mm 4 piston front, 355mm 2 piston rear brake kit, Dinan 3.45 diff
Interior/Misc:
Eurodash, updated steering wheel, Bluetooth retrofit, Sirius Retrofit, hardwired V1, Widescreen Mk4 nav, M audio retrofit, Ice Link, BSW Stage 1 speaker upgrade, bmw towbar
I didn't see it in your list of parts and assume that it was included in "etc"...but you will be replacing the fan clutch along with this cooling system overhaul, right? Seems to be one of those parts that doesn't make sense to put back on the car used if the rest is being replaced for preventive measures.
I didn't see it in your list of parts and assume that it was included in "etc"...but you will be replacing the fan clutch along with this cooling system overhaul, right? Seems to be one of those parts that doesn't make sense to put back on the car used if the rest is being replaced for preventive measures.
No, I didn't order one. Is it safe to assume a fan clutch is also known as fan coupling? Thanks.
My thermostat failed last winter (the engine didn't reach the right temperature) and I replaced it for the new type. I drive with it since then and have not found any problem. If there is any leak it must be really small since the engine reach the temperature in short time as expected. Just my experience, I am not saying that Farrel is wrong.
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Ramon
'89 E34 M5 3,6 Macao Blau
'99 E38 740i Biarritz Blue
'03 Seat Alhambra 1.9TDI 115hp. Black
'82 Renault 9TSE
Mate, thats E34 M5 ownership for you. My wallet is in intensive care and its touch and go
I wish I had a wallet !
Seriously though, i would go with your suggestion and print out the Faz's thread on the subject...what he doesn't know about these cars certainly ain't worth knowing.
My thermostat failed last winter (the engine didn't reach the right temperature) and I replaced it for the new type. I drive with it since then and have not found any problem. If there is any leak it must be really small since the engine reach the temperature in short time as expected. Just my experience, I am not saying that Farrel is wrong.
same experience and thoughts with me.
__________________
Mike
91 M5 Alpine White II, Silver Gray 3/90 production
17x8/17x9 M system with PS2, 20mm touring roll bar; Ground Control Coilovers; EAT Chip, CD43; bmw/nardi blackline steering wheel, 3.8 Cam Gears
08 535i / 6 speed
Space Gray; Gray; Sport/Premium/Nav
00 M5 Ti Silver; Imola/black sportiv --Sold
Engine:
Supersprint Headers, Dinan CAI kit and MAFS, Throttle Bodies, Cams, Ported heads, Exhaust, Custom dinan software, Evosport Pullies, Dinan clutch and lightened flywheel; Ignition solutions plasma coils
Suspension:
Dinan Stage 3 with front and rear Strut Tower Braces, Beastpower Sway bar brackets, Dinan Wheels with 275/285 PilotSport, X5 Thrust arm bushings, Stoptech 355mm 4 piston front, 355mm 2 piston rear brake kit, Dinan 3.45 diff
Interior/Misc:
Eurodash, updated steering wheel, Bluetooth retrofit, Sirius Retrofit, hardwired V1, Widescreen Mk4 nav, M audio retrofit, Ice Link, BSW Stage 1 speaker upgrade, bmw towbar
SOLD 
Linear Mode
