e30 running temp???

[newyorkm3]

I have a 1987 e30 converible. After letting the car warm up the temp will rise just above the blue cold mark. After driving around the needle never goes past the middle mark between hot and cold. If i sit in traffic it rises well past the middle mark. So whats the common running temp? should i be dead center or just below the middle ? thanks

[bimmerwman]

I have an 87 325ic with that problem. I think it is the gauge. If I give my instrument panel a small but healthy slap the temperature usually goes back down to right below the middle mark. I don't exactly know what the running temp is supposed to be. Sometimes my gauge will warm up to the middle mark and jump eratically from the middle to 3/4 of the way to red. If I tap it it immediatly stops jumping and works correctly... Or at least I hope its reading correctly. I drive it 110 miles a day It hasn't overheated yet.

[rayz]

sounds normal.. mine is usually at mid point, then near 3/4 mark when sitting in traffic.

[chandler]

i have a 90' e30 325i and even on the hottest days in traffic after running it hard, my needle never goes past even a 1/4 of the way to middle

[bobo5]

Chandler, I think your temp. sensor or guage is on the fritz, unless you have some type of aftermarket cooling system installed, there is no way it should be that cold after that type of use.

[E30mademepoor]

My car usually never goes past halfway, at most just past halfway after a run when in traffic.

[bobo5]

mine sits dead on center, or just over the center... even after heavy driving