Overheating, *Urgent parts needed* 318is

Michel · 05-15-2009, 05:43 PM

Hey guys,

So today I turned on the AC for the first time, everything works fine but I noticed that the car began struggling (normal with ac on + 318 = slow) but also began overheating to the 3/4 point. So I shut the AC off immediately and cranked the heat to bring it back to ~ 1/2 way point. But now, it doesn't stay at the 1/2 way, and I'm driving around with the heat on and its always between 1/2 - 3/4 point!

Anyways, the fan works fine, coolant is full and not bubbling, no oil present in coolant (not head gasket) so is it the thermostat?

I just need someone to confirm and if you have the part then please PM (im in mississauga so hopefully local) so that I can install it tomorrow.

thanks!!!

SamE30e · 05-15-2009, 06:09 PM

AUX fan... reach through the grille and try to spin it.

Michel · 05-15-2009, 06:35 PM

YES! thanks dude, this is it, its completely ceased.

Noww, does anyone have one for sale? Its for '91 318is.

e30_kid89 · 05-15-2009, 06:38 PM

I think fil may have an extra or 2 kicking....

Eurostyle · 05-15-2009, 10:31 PM

^^^Yes, thats right, got one!

Michel · 05-16-2009, 04:43 PM

Thanks for the part Fil, turns out my resistor is also messed! so I need one, let me know guys if someone has one...

Michel · 05-20-2009, 09:51 PM

I replaced the Aux fan, but the car is still overheating. I have a few questions, my Bentley manual just says to just add the rad fluid until filled for the 318's, but it says to bleed for the 6cylinders. Does that mean the 318's dont need bleeding?

Also, what else could it be? Clutch fan is spinning freely, rad is not clogged or anything. Where is the thermostat located on the e30 M42's?

Please help, I need my car!

Edit: Also I just tried the heat, it doesn't seem to be working... whats the relation?

iignite · 05-20-2009, 10:24 PM

seems like you have air in the cooling system.

Im not too sure about the 318 but it should be

fill the coolant until full
turn on full heat in the cabin
let the car run with the cap open until bubbling stops or until the fan comes on

OR-
if theres a bleeder screw, just fill and unscrew the bleeder until coolant comes out

e30_kid89 · 05-20-2009, 10:34 PM

Perfect excuse to shoehorn that s52 in there....No more over heating!

Michel · 05-20-2009, 11:12 PM

^hahhaha, you got 3000$ devon?

anyways yea I just bled it and it works good now, thanks guys!

Eurostyle · 05-20-2009, 11:35 PM

Thats good to hear!

Still make sure your fan does not spin too freely!

Michel · 05-20-2009, 11:47 PM

^yup, its running perfect now! thanks!