Why is my 1992 325i bmw overheating
Most BMWs with the M-50/52 series engines(this is the one with all the black covers, 24 valve type) overheat for one of a few reasons. Most common, the coolant leaked out, and now the car can't circulate coolant to cool itsself off. Second, air may have gotten into the system and you are experiencing what is called airlock. This is where the water pump has air in it, and can't push water. You fix this by running it for a bit to make it warm up and pressurize, and bleed the air out using the bleed screw on the radiator; it's right on top. Next problem you can run into, is the water pump may have gone bad. BMW make the bright decision to put plastic impellers on their water pumps, which would break, and not pump water. If this is so on your car, order one that you KNOW is metal, and get the problem out of the way. Make sure that you have the air out of the system before you try to drive it anywhere, or it'll overheat anyways. Finally, and least likely, is the head gasket. Usually these engine will fling oil all over the inside of the engine compartment before they will overheat due to a head gasket. Hopefully this helped you out, and if you have any additional questions, comment on it, as I check back to make sure they're solved.
there had been some coolant leaking in the past. but I'm not sure where it's coming from(somewhere at the bottom). but it's not a real bad leak and it's been doing it since I bought the car back in June. The computer always says, "Check Coolant Level". I check it regularly and the coolant level doesn't drop.
I've never once had the car even slightly over heat until a few days ago.
there had been some coolant leaking in the past. but I'm not sure where it's coming from(somewhere at the bottom). but it's not a real bad leak and it's been doing it since I bought the car back in June. The computer always says, "Check Coolant Level". I check it regularly and the coolant level doesn't drop.
I've never once had the car even slightly over heat until a few days ago.
No hoses seem to be having any problems. and i haven't noticed anything from the thermostat.
some quick facts:
the computer has always said "check coolant level" but the coolant level is always fine.
it only over heats once I drive it. I can leave the car at an idle and it will only heat to where it's supposed to.
the first time the car overheated, I pulled over and opened the hood. there was antifreeze all over the left corner of the engine bay(facing the car).
now I don't notice anymore leeks or anything. it just keeps overheating.
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