As any BMW owner knows, an engine’s thermostat plays an important role in regulating the temperature of the engine coolant. When the thermostat fails, the engine can overheat, leading to a host of problems.

Watch for These Warning Signs

Here are five symptoms that may indicate a thermostat failure:

1. The engine coolant temperature gauge needle is constantly pegged at the hot end of the scale. The first thought that may go through your mind is that the gauge is faulty, and while that may be true, you must protect your engine. If the needle of your engine temperature gauge is pegged hot, pull over somewhere safe and check your engine carefully.
2. The engine is running hotter than usual, even after being turned off for a period of time. This can be simply noticing the hood is still hot after it should’ve cooled in a garage or the shade. If you suspect there’s a problem, it’s best to check it out. You don’t want to risk your engine to damage.
3. The radiator fans are running all the time, even when the engine is cold. This is another “owner knows best” scenario where you should trust your gut instinct if you feel like something is wrong with the engine or its behaving abnormally.
4. There is steam coming from under the hood, indicating that the coolant is overheating and boiling. This is usually the first outward sign that the engine is overheating. Pull over safely and wait at least 30 minutes for your engine to cool before lifting the hood and checking the fluids. If there is a leak, you might be able to refill the coolant and limp to our shop, but it may be that a tow is the best course of action to prevent further damage.
5. The check engine light is illuminated on the dash, indicating that there is a problem with the cooling system. There are times when you can put off problems that are indicated by the check engine light, but engine thermostat problems aren’t one of them.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your BMW checked by our certified BMW mechanics as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the engine.

Reasons for Thermostat Failure

There are several reasons why a thermostat might fail, but the most common ones are a failed seal, a coolant leak, or a build-up of deposits on the thermostat.

The engine thermostat opens and closes in response to engine temperature, regulating the flow of coolant to prevent engine overheating. A common issue that can lead to engine thermostat failure is a coolant leak. When coolant leaks from the engine, it can cause the engine to overheat, resulting in engine damage. In addition, a coolant leak can also result in a loss of engine power, as well as decreased fuel efficiency. If you suspect that your engine has a coolant leak, it is important to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further engine damage.

As engine thermostats get older, they can start to build up deposits. These deposits can insulate the thermostat, preventing it from opening properly. As a result, the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature, leading to reduced performance and fuel efficiency. In severe cases, the engine may overheat, causing damage to critical components.

The best way to prevent this problem is to have the engine thermostat replaced every few years. This will ensure that the engine always operates at peak efficiency and avoid any potential damage from overheating.

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to have your BMW thermostat checked as soon as possible to avoid further damage.

Das European Autohaus

Our expert team at Das European Autohaus has worked tirelessly to provide drivers throughout Spring with a reliable and affordable alternative to dealership shops. We specialize in European vehicles, and our mechanics have decades of experience working with the most popular and well- known European brands such as:

● Audi
● BMW
● Mercedes
● MINI
● Porsche
● Volkswagen

If you suspect your BMW is in need of help with the thermostat or in need of any type of service or maintenance, come by to visit us in and around Spring in the Houston, Texas metropolitan areas!