e34 heating problems - Update

[Rick Gutierrez <rickg@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

It appears changing the thermostat solved my problems.  Originally the car generated 110 degrees F of heat when the engine was fully warm with a 20 degree F ambient temperature.  The dash gauge read a tad shy of 12 oclock position.  I tested the old thermostat using a temperature bath and certified thermometer.  The old thermostat began to open at 185 degrees and was fully open at 210 degrees.  The thermostat still funcitons, but apparently opened a bit too soon to provide adequate heat.

Now the car generates 147 degrees F of heat, and the dash gauge reads exactly at the 12 o'clock position with the engine fully warm, and the outside ambient was 25 degrees F this morning.

I still have the "disintegrated bellows" problem in my heater bypass valve, and will acquire a rebuild kit shortly.

Some of you may already know this - Don't try and cut corners by going to CARQUEST for a replacement thermostat.  Theirs is stamped 180 degree F and the Bimmer part is stamped 92 degree C which is 195 degree F.  CARQUEST is 1 mile from my house and the Bimmer Dealer was 10 miles and I was in a hurry.

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