How to View the Hidden Coolant Temperature Gauge on a BMW?
4 Answers
Press and hold the trip reset button for 10-15 seconds. There are two main reasons for the coolant temperature gauge showing excessively high temperature: 1. Insufficient Coolant: A decrease in coolant due to leakage can cause the temperature to rise. In this case, check for any signs of coolant leakage. If leakage is found, repair the leaking components as soon as possible. If there is no leakage, promptly add the appropriate coolant. 2. Issues with the Cooling Fan: Problems with the cooling fan can lead to increased coolant temperature. When the vehicle is running at high speeds, the heat generated cannot be effectively transferred to the coolant, impairing heat dissipation. This results in a rise in coolant temperature, potentially leading to overheating.
I've been driving a BMW 5 Series for almost five years, and indeed the early models hid the coolant temperature gauge quite deep. The operation is actually quite simple: After starting the car, first press the BC button at the top of the left steering wheel stalk to activate the instrument cluster menu, then use the scroll wheel on the side of the turn signal stalk to page down. When you see the "Service Requirements" option, don't stop—keep scrolling down. You'll find the coolant temperature reading on about the third page. Once set, the system automatically saves it, and it will display directly upon next startup. Normal operating temperature fluctuates around 90°C; occasional rises to 100°C in summer traffic jams are normal, but sustained temperatures above 110°C warrant cooling system attention. This method works for most F-chassis models, while newer G-series may require adding the display module through the vehicle settings in the central control screen.
Last time when helping a friend adjust the temperature gauge on his 3 Series, I noticed an interesting phenomenon: BMW intentionally buries the coolant temperature display so deep in the menus, which essentially trains owners to rely on the onboard computer. Operationally, just remember these five steps: Ignition → Press BC button → Scroll through menus → Find Engine Temp → Confirm display. Newer models even allow customizing the display position - for example, I prefer placing it next to the tachometer. Important reminder: When abnormal coolant temperature occurs, the dashboard will prioritize displaying a warning icon, which is more noticeable than reading numbers. Normal operating temperature is 90±5°C. If it exceeds 105°C, suspect thermostat sticking or insufficient coolant - don't just stare at the gauge, listening for abnormal roaring from the cooling fan gives more direct clues.
Checking the BMW coolant temperature gauge is like unlocking an easter egg: First, press the BC button with an arrow at the lower left of the instrument cluster. Upon hearing the prompt tone, immediately use the left-hand scroll wheel to page down. The key is to scroll quickly—you won't find it on the "fuel consumption" or "mileage" pages; you must navigate to the deeper third-level menu. In older E-series models, the scroll wheel is on the right side of the steering column, while newer models have it integrated into the multifunction steering wheel buttons. Once the coolant temperature is displayed, pay attention to the warm-up speed during a cold start. Normally, it should reach 60°C in three minutes. If it doesn’t hit 40°C within ten minutes, the thermostat might be faulty. For daily driving, maintaining around 90°C is ideal.
