Overheating

2000 BMW 323
139,000 MILES • 2.5L • 6 CYL • MANUAL
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ROBBIE BASS MENEWEATHER
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I have replaced radiator, reservoir, and cooling fan on my car listed above 323ci and it is still running hot. What else could it possibly be?
Sep 7, 2018 at 4:00 PM
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HARRY P
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A bad thermostat will cause overheating. It is a very common issue in every gas powered car on the road. Check this guide out for more information and some troubleshooting: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-overheating-or-running-hot
Sep 8, 2018 at 3:54 AM
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ROBBIE BASS MENEWEATHER
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I had someone replace the radiator, but I do not think it was bled properly. There is no heat in the cabin. I will let it run on the driveway with the heat on high for a while and does not overheat. I drove it for a short distance and parked for a minute and it ran hot. Do you think that it could be that I need to bleed the lines again?
Sep 8, 2018 at 6:12 AM
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ROBBIE BASS MENEWEATHER
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Also, no leaking anywhere.
Sep 8, 2018 at 6:12 AM
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MHPAUTOS
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It does sound as if it needs re-bleeding, there is a device that you attach to the header tank that you fill with coolant, this will help give a higher head of coolant to aid bleeding. You can also elevate the front of the car slightly to make sure that any air will naturally rise to the highest point. Do you know if the thermostat was checked or changed? This can also be a factor in problems with bleeding the system.
Sep 9, 2018 at 4:40 AM
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ROBBIE BASS MENEWEATHER
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The thermostat was changed a couple of years ago. The radiator started leaking and I did not have the money to fix so it sat up for over a year. I finally got the money to buy the radiator, had it replaced and the fan was not working. I ordered and replaced the fan next. Since it sat up for over a year I was not sure where to go next with it. Could that cause an issue with the thermostat sticking? Somebody also mentioned a engine coolant temperature sensor, could that be it? I am going try to bleed it again and see if it works.
Sep 9, 2018 at 6:43 AM
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DANNY L
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Hello, I am Danny.

I agree with the other guys as well. You might want to consider replacing the thermostat before re-bleeding. After sitting so long it could be stuck just partially open or defective overall. Definitely re-bleed as well. I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved replacing thermostat. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat
Sep 9, 2018 at 10:46 PM