Hi

I bought an F reg 316 last year and the temperature gauge always goes up towards red after I've been driving for about 20mins (faster if im siting in traffic). I don't actually know if the car is properly overheating though (I don't ever see any steam/smoke/bubbling etc) as I generally panic by the time it's just under the red and turn the heating on full blast which brings it down and am only brave enough to take it on short journeys.

It's been in the garage 3 times and had various things done (vicous coupling?!) but it's stil the same. I was told when I bought it that it didn't need coolant though and im just starting to wonder maybe this is actually the problem and could have saved me all the money at the garage... does anyone know if

a) I should be using coolant
b) if so, which one and where does it go...? (sorry, im a bit rubbish)
c) if this is likely to be the cause of the (possible?) overheating...?

Thank you very very much!!! : )

Don't think much of the garage, I'd go elsewhere and get them to sort your cooling problem out once and for all. It could be something as simple as the thermostat packed up, which any decent garage would check early on. I have my suspicions . . .

Regarding coolant, you do need it, it's what transfers the heat from the engine to the radiator. There should be a plastic expansion bottle alongside the radiator with "Max" and "Min" marks on it, the coolant level should be between the two. If you find a decent garage they'd be happy to show you all that sort of thing.

I'm not very good with cars, but I had a similar probs with a triumph dolomite, back in the 80's. It was to do with the
thermostat & temp at which electric fan cuts in , to reduce
overheating. Try topping up coolant with anti-freeze.If not suggest you contact BMW directly for their advice .
Or telephone AA or RAC for some advice .
Good Luck

Check to see if its boiling when you stop by taking off the rad cap slowly use a rag to stop getting burnt hands if so it might be the head gasket and all cars need coolant check the Laval

yes you need coolent etholene glycol at about 50% mix with the water in the radiator bottle the thermostat should be replaced and if the problem persists replace the viscous fan with an electric unit this will set you back about £!00 plus labour unless you do it your self and that will enable you to set the temp that the fan comes on at normal running temp is about 80 to 90 degrees this is when the car is at optimal performance

You do need coolant, make sure that the fluid level is above the minimum and below the maximum level. Near the radiator there is a white plastic container where you put the coolant in, its near the front of the engine, you know you have the right one if you unscrew the cap and there is a tube attached to it inside. You need a mixture of coolant and water, it will tell you on the bottle what mix to use.

There are a number of things which can cause overheating, it could be something as simple as a damaged seal on the radiator cap (happened to me!), or it could be the thermostat, or the fan. Don't keep driving it around like this as overheating can cause serious engine damage, you could end up with a blown head gasket if it has a serious overheat, so take it back to the garage and explain what is happening.