Thermostat housing - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

phil.cavanagh · 5th August 2004, 17:15

Where is it !, and how much of a pain is it to change the thermostat.

BTW : 1990 3.6 M5

Thanks....

raymondw · 5th August 2004, 18:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil.cavanagh

Where is it !, and how much of a pain is it to change the thermostat.

BTW : 1990 3.6 M5

Thanks....

It's located on the right-side in front of the engine. You need to remove the windscreen-fluid reservoir(s) to reach it. The thermotat housing is bolted with 5 10mm hex bolts.

All in all, replacing the thermostat is not that difficult, but ou'll need 2 to 3 hours, depending on your skills.

1: Drain the coolant by opening the plastic screw that is located on the bottom (left) side of the radoator.

2: Remove the windscreen-fluid reservoir(s).

3: Unscrew the 5 10mm bolts of the thermostat housing. Release the three hoses that are attached to it and remove the housing.

4: Remove the old thermostat (Remember it's orientation. The new one must be mounted in the same direction.

5: Pry out the old metal O-ring in the thermostat housing. This is the most difficult part as you need to cut it out.

6: Press the new O-ring into the thermostat housing.

7: Install the new thermostat into the thermostat house. Watch the orientation!!!

8: Reinstall the thermostat-housing, fasten the 5 10mm bolts and reinstall the other removed parts.

9: Replace each and every coolant hose in the engine bay (Recommended but not required)

10: Close the plastic screw of the radiator.

11: Fill the coolant system with 13.5liters of nitrate free coolant untill the max mark.

12: Open the bleed screw near te plus terminal

12: Place the heater system on max temperature and set the fan to full speed.

13: start the engine.

14: Continue to fill coolant untill the level stays constant at the max mark.

15: Close the bleeding screw when there is a constant overflow of coolant (i.e. no air left inside)

16: Ready.

phil.cavanagh · 5th August 2004, 19:51

Wow... you can't get much more detail than that.. Thanks..! (Its also where I thought it was…)

Would you believe that BMW want £76 + VAT for a thermostat and £15 + VAT for the 'O' ring.

My local Europart supplier does the stat for £10.20..., but unfortunately the 'O' ring is not listed (metal you say..., not just a standard rubber ring then ?).

They also want £11.50 for an A/C belt.., Europart £3.50....

Do people still actually buy parts from their BMW dealers?

raymondw · 5th August 2004, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by phil.cavanagh

Do people still actually buy parts from their BMW dealers?

Yes, I do.

But I am amazed about your prices. My BMW dealer charged me:

1: Thermostat: 1153 1315 063 (Euro 37.03 ex VAT (-/- 15%))
2: Metal ring: 1153 1312 287 (Euro 15.96 ex VAT (-/- 15%))
3: Housing O-ring: 1153 1312 635 (Euro 0.90 ex VAT (-/-15%))

Rgrds,

Raymond

willbyname · 5th August 2004, 21:25

Hey Ray, you forgot to mention that you have to remove and re-fit the expansion tank cap in order to get the coolant in, just kidding.

I must agree, a very detailed explanation of how to do the job.

Will.

raymondw · 5th August 2004, 21:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by willbyname

Hey Ray, you forgot to mention that you have to remove and re-fit the expansion tank cap in order to get the coolant in, just kidding.

I must agree, a very detailed explanation of how to do the job.

Will.

You are correct.

Replacing the thermostat on an S38 is more timeconsuming then on a garden variety M30.

But comared to my Audi S2's ABY engine, even an M70 V12 is easy. On my Audi, the thermostat also is bad, but fortunatelly always Open. This measn that the engine doesn't warm up and always stays in the start up programm, meaning an increased fuel consuption (++2ltr/100km). But reaching it is a real PITA. Unless you have octopus arms, you have to remove either the PS pump or the radiator with fan. I have been postponing replacing it a few weeks now, but with todays fuel prices????

Rgrds,

Raymond