Advise needed - BMW 320d engine overheat error

msdurden

hi

Looking for some advice regarding a BMW overheating error please!
-2007 320d E92 coupe

I just had 2 drive shaft sensors replaced and drove the car a fair bit today, nothing too strenuous. Coming home tonight the engine over-heating error came on.

The error went from orange/amber to red and back to orange/amber. I didn't realise what the error was so drove on home slowly (about 3km).

When i parked up, the fan took about 4ish mins to shut up.

Does it sound like something serious or would it just be coolant?
- I'm wondering if i should replace the coolant myself or get it towed to a mechanic :eek:

appreciate any help!

drunkmonkey

Check the coolant levels first. You don't need to tow it just don't over fill it follow the markers.
Check for any coolant leaks around the water system if it's low, you could have a cracked or loose pipe or a stuck thermostat.

Your head gasket could be goosed as well but try the other things first. When it's cold open the oil cap and see is the lid of the cap kind of scummy as if water and oil are mixing.

Andrewf20

Maybe the water pump is goosed. Can check if water spilling into the expansion tank when engine is running (water is being pumped). Note, It won't flow initially from cold as the thermostat will be closed. I know on the e36 the plastic impeller is known to split at the shaft, therefore it doesn't pump.

If the thermostat is stuck closed the rad will stay cool.

I'd be wary of driving it.

msdurden

thanks for the help!

Definitely wasn't the coolant

It needed a small top up (which i did) but when i started the engine it spluttered and then i got white smoke from the exhaust.

currently waiting for a tow! grrrr

Dale Parish

White smoke suggests that it's burning coolant