Water temp doesn't get to middle of guage

[1/2past3ci]

So now that the daily temps are dropping, I've noticed that my water temp isn't getting to the center of the gauge. It makes it to about 10:30-10:45 position, but that's it. What is this a sign of?


Wes
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[edlvrt]

Time for a new thermostat. Your old one is not closing enough, resulting in excess coolant circulating and thus lower engine temperatures. Though not an emergency, I'd tend to it sooner than later.

[Johnmadd]

^ yup
Stuck open thermostat or bad o-ring for the t-stat. Cheap and easy, get a new thermostat.

[Hornung418]

Better stuck open, than stuck closed.

[nike001]

Better stuck open, than stuck closed.

lol this.

[Mtnman]

Yup. Thermostat. Luckily, that is open, but if it sticks open, then it can stick closed. Replace asap. Mechanic 300 or so.

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[05ImolaRed]

Yep. What they said. T-Stat. I had exact same symptoms on my 93 325is and took it to a mechanic who told me it was something else. I said, lets try a TStat first. He did & prob solved.

[3ZHPGUY]

^ yup
Stuck open thermostat or bad o-ring for the t-stat. Cheap and easy, get a new thermostat.

Not cheep, they're electronic. I got a quote for the wives 325CIc and it was $250 at the dealer complete or $130 for just the part. Probably a good time to change out the expansion tank too. I have not touche hers yet, with the summer heat the problem went away.

[Johnmadd]

^Did not know it was that expensive, every other car I've dealt with is like 20$ -30$ for the t-stat, is there any way to manipulate the part to act like a normal one?

[3ZHPGUY]

^Did not know it was that expensive, every other car I've dealt with is like 20$ -30$ for the t-stat, is there any way to manipulate the part to act like a normal one?

I thought the same thing until I called, my reply was, WHAT, could you repeat that? As for getting it to act like a normal one, I don't think so. I believe it is all connected back to the computer and the engine operating system.