help-1995 bmw 525i

[bmwowner2009]

I've been having problems with my 1995 BMW 525i for several weeks. I had to replace the fan shroud and radiator then the water pump. After doing all this now the gauge is reading that the car is overheating. It doesn't feel hot and the water is circulating through yet the gauge keeps getting hotter and hotter. What do I do? I'm afraid to drive the car considering you can blow a gasket that way. Could it be the gauge since I didn't replace it with the new radiator or is there an issue that is causing my car to overheat?

[arks]

If the gauge was OK before installing the new radiator and water pump, then it's probably not bad. Sounds like you might still have some air in the cooling system- which can cause false readings. With the engine cold, run the car at 3000 RPM's for a couple minutes. That should purge the air. Check and fill the coolant to the proper level.

[stealthbimmer]

Originally Posted by arks

If the gauge was OK before installing the new radiator and water pump, then it's probably not bad. Sounds like you might still have some air in the cooling system- which can cause false readings. With the engine cold, run the car at 3000 RPM's for a couple minutes. That should purge the air. Check and fill the coolant to the proper level.

Running your car at 3k isnt going to do anything. You have to open the bleeder screw on the top of the radiator. Search around for proper bleeding techniques, or do yourself a favor and buy a bentley manual...they are the bmw bible.

What "doesnt feel hot". If you are feeling your coolant lines, and they do not feel hot, then your thermostat is shot.

[MSBMR]

How about replacing the thermostat? Whenever your car overheats this part is to be replaced. Hope this helps.

[jtmarten]

It certainly sounds like the t-stat is bad.
I'm not sure about the E34s, but with the E39s, once a cooling component fails, replace everything. Once the first component fails, the others are close behind.