E92 325i - Limp mode - coolant light

Rowley Birkin QC

As ever, cars seem to have a 6th sense as to when to break down! I have an 08 325i. It has been throwing a battery warning light for a few weeks now after stopping so when I was home for Xmas, I went and got a new battery and put it in. On the way to get it, the car threw a yellow coolant warning, followed immediately by a red coolant light and limp mode. I pulled in, let the car cool down, checked for errors and drove on to a garage. Topped up the expansion tank and drove on without any more issues.

The main dealers wanted €276 but I got a battery from motor factors (5A difference) for €110 so popped it in yesterday, went for a spin, no problems. Didn't get the battery "coded in" but the dealer told me the car should run fine without it as long as there was no more than a 10A difference.

Started the car this morning, it had lost the time settings overnight but no other issues. Drove for about 15 minutes and same issue, yellow --> red coolant and instant limp mode with fan going full. Stop car, coolant still topped up to full. Wait for it to cool and got it to my parents place where it's now parked up.

Any ideas here as I cannot raise a mechanic locally?

Fun times. Thanks!

ciarsd

Not a diagnosis but my hunch is the water pump. They are a weak part in the E92 6 cylinders using plastic materials.

Andrewf20

On my e36 323i you could see the water shooting into the expansion tank which proved the water pump was working. This will only work once the engine is warm and the thermostat is open. Hopefully you can do this visual check on the e92 also. I justed removed the expansion tank cap and gave engine some revs (2k rpm) for a seconds or 2. Obviously avoid if you think there's a genuine chance of overheating.

Rowley Birkin QC

Thanks.

Anyone aware of a BMW specialist indy in North Cork or someone going to Dublin with a car transporter?! 😬

Leonard Hofstadter

Fionnsport Automotive in Cork is your best bet, it's where I bring my one to even though I live in Dublin. PM sent.

Rowley Birkin QC

Leonard Hofstadter wrote: »

Fionnsport Automotive in Cork is your best bet, it's where I bring my one to even though I live in Dublin. PM sent.

Thanks Leonard. Didn't see any PM though?

Leonard Hofstadter

Rowley Birkin QC wrote: »

Thanks Leonard. Didn't see any PM though?

Sorry for the delay, hopefully by now you got it?

Rowley Birkin QC

Got it, thank you. Spoke with him, seems a sound lad. Now need to figure out how to get the car to him. If anyone has a recommendation for car transport please PM. Thanks!