E46 323/328 2000-year thermometer failures

[lew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Lew Stelmach)]

During a recent 21-hour driving trip from Ottawa, Ontario
to Orlando Florida return, my year 2000 323Ci car vented
all of its coolant in Selma North Carolina and was 
towed to Raleigh, NC for repair.

The problem was caused by a faulty thermometer.

I learned from BMW Canada, that 300 series BMWs from
year 2000, have a thermometer that is prone to failure
because of plastic parts used in its contruction.

I also learned that BMW has been aware of this problem
for some time, and has issued service bulletins to
dealers. However, BMW has not issued a recall
on the thermometer, though BMW has corrected the design
and when failures occur, the corrected
version is installed.

Because sudden venting of coolant can lead to serious
engine damage and in a worst case to an accident, I encourage all
owners of year 2000 BMWs to have their thermometer replaced
immediately, rather than waiting for the thermometer to fail
and be towed.


Lew Stelmach








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