M44 overheating in slow traffic

[Zmirzephyr]

Alright so this has only been an issue for a couple of times during hot summers in heavy traffic. Temp needle starts to climb.

The coolant has not been changed for at least 10 years, and the car has mostly been sitting. It looks fine but it's something I'd like to change at some point.

I've understood these older bmw's suffer from bad water pumps and, I know for a fact no one have tinkered with it since 2007. Had some collegues recommending me to change that out to rule out a cracked/damaged impeller. I also need to do the drive belt and the generator bearing or whatever it was called. Meanwhile get that coolant changed.

Sounds like a good plan?

 

[Bampz]

Sounds like a good plan , I'd look to change the water pump , thermostat , drive belts and tensioner , plus new coolant , I think the coolant from main dealer is not overly expensive , good luck

 

[Stevo7682]

The other possibility if pump and coolant change don't sort it .
Is if its any engine bar the m43 ( which has an electric fan ) the viscous fan unit may be faulty and not engaging to lock fan up at higher temperatures to aid engine cooling.

Stephen.

 

[Zmirzephyr]

The needle actually drops when I rev the engine to ~3000 rpm. Guess it works then?

 

[Rudyrov]

Sounds like you need a cooling system flush and perhaps a new thermostat.