COOLING SYSTEM THERMOSTAT

[Fernox]

Hi everybody,

I am new to this forum and I need some technical information.
My wife's Z4 ( 2011 E84 sDrive 23i) engine is not reaching normal running temperature according to the oil temperature gauge. This has become more noticeable with the cold weather. The heating system is slow to come when starting off on a trip.
I think it is the cooling system thermostat that is failing. Although I am quite capable of doing the job of replacing it and I have the equipment, I cannot locate the thermostat housing.
Can anyone please tell me where this is located before I start dismantling things?

Regards, Colin

 

[jonco]

- you may find the info you need in this TIS but you may have to re-select actual model.
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...thermostat-engine-proof-coolant-lines/OUzOJtL

 

[t-tony]

Show us a picture of the front of the engine Colin. Where are you located please?

Tony.

 

[Shelly]

Hi and welcome to ZroadSter

 

[Fernox]

- you may find the info you need in this TIS but you may have to re-select actual model.
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...thermostat-engine-proof-coolant-lines/OUzOJtL

Hi Jonco,

Thanks for that. It could be very helpful, some of the illustrations are very similar to our Z4.

Regards, Colin

 

[Slam]

Hi and welcome from London

 

[Fernox]

Show us a picture of the front of the engine Colin. Where are you located please?

These are the best pics. I can manage.

Regards, Colin


Tony.

Show us a picture of the front of the engine Colin. Where are you located please?

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

That looks like the 2.5Si motor going on the rocker cover.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

if its the same as the 3.0Si its underneath the engine on the RHS as you are sitting in the car hiddent behind the power steering pipes.
Check this video as it may give you some clues.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XEPboXfZMc

 

[Fernox]

if its the same as the 3.0Si its underneath the engine on the RHS as you are sitting in the car hiddent behind the power steering pipes.
Check this video as it may give you some clues.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XEPboXfZMc

Hi Chaz,

Thanks for that. The engine set-up in the video looks very much like our Z4's set-up.
It all looks do-able apart from the recoding bit.
Do you know if the recoding is necessary when only the thermostat is replaced?

Regards, Colin

 

[Fernox]

if its the same as the 3.0Si its underneath the engine on the RHS as you are sitting in the car hiddent behind the power steering pipes.
Check this video as it may give you some clues.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XEPboXfZMc

if its the same as the 3.0Si its underneath the engine on the RHS as you are sitting in the car hiddent behind the power steering pipes.
Check this video as it may give you some clues.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XEPboXfZMc

Hi Chaz,
Thanks for that. I don't know what happened to my first reply.
That set-up looks very similar to our Z4's set-up.
It looks do-able apart from the recoding bit for the water pump.
Do you know if the recoding is necessary when only the thermostat is replaced?

Regards, Colin

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

I think the recoding is only necessary if you've had a fault code logged, and all you need to do is clear the fault codes.

 

[Mint]

Hi @Fernox, to the forum from me too in Staffordshire. Z3 man myself but plenty of Z4 gurus on here as well

 

[Fernox]

Hi all,
BMW Z4 E84 2011 Sdrive 23i

The thermostat seems to be located down at the bottom right hand side of the engine when sitting in the car. It looks almost impossible to get at. There is a heavy duty cross-beam running just beneath it and no access from above.
I need to know which direction to approach it, either from below or from above and front of the engine. Either way involves serious dismantling.
The U tubes that I have seen deal with other models which look much more accessible.
Regards, Colin

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

When I had mine done I asked the guy how difficult and he reckoned it was not easy but definetly from underneath.

 

[Fernox]

 

[Fernox]

The two bolts facing you in the first picture are the bolts that hold the thermostat to the water pump. I found that although it was very difficult to disconnect the four pipes and electric cable and remove the thermostat it became much easier after I had removed these two bolts which allowed me to moved the thermostat about somewhat to get at the pipe clips (two jubilee type and two wire spring clips with O ring seals).
Surprisingly I found it relatively easy to fit the new thermostat.
I have driven the car up and down the lane about 4 to 5 miles and the oil temperature gauge is still not reaching 120 deg. as normal.
The car is only used for day trips on fine days (2011 and 26 thou. miles) so I will wait for the next opportunity to try it out.

Regards, Colin

 

[Nodzed]

Just read this are we talking e89 Z4? If so then mine (2.3) never gets to 120 degrees on oil temp not even in 45 degree heat in Italy sits around 90-100 just left of centre on the gauge depending on ambient temp and driving style. Btw heater is toasty hot

 

[t-tony]

I think this is an E89 Z4 Niall. Nothing looks familiar to me from E85/6 cars. Would help to know where @Fernox is located.

Tony.

 

[Nodzed]

I think this is an E89 Z4 Niall. Nothing looks familiar to me from E85/6 cars. Would help to know where @Fernox is located.

Tony.

Assumed so Tony but this confused me My wife's Z4 ( 2011 E84 sDrive 23i)