What are the reasons for BMW engine overheating?

2 Answers
LaylaFitz
07/23/25 8:40pm
The reasons for BMW engine overheating include: too much dirt on the surface of the radiator, thermostat failure, coolant not being replaced for a long time, etc. Most cars use water-cooled engines, which rely on the continuous circulation of coolant within the engine for heat dissipation. The coolant has two circulation paths in the engine: one is the major cycle, and the other is the minor cycle. When the engine is just started, the coolant circulates in the minor cycle, allowing the engine to warm up quickly. Once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, the coolant begins the major cycle to maintain the engine within a normal temperature range. BMW models include the BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3, BMW X1, etc. Among them, the BMW 5 Series has body dimensions of 4998 mm in length, 1901 mm in width, and 1559 mm in height. The domestically produced 5 Series is a high-end sedan.
Was this review help?
16
2
Share
JosephineLee
08/10/25 6:33pm
I've personally experienced the issue of engine overheating in my BMW before, and it was quite a scare when the red warning light lit up on the dashboard. The most common cause is a problem with the cooling system, such as insufficient coolant, often due to small cracks in the radiator or hoses causing leaks, which makes the car protest when temperatures rise. A non-functioning fan is also a big deal—if it fails, heat dissipation becomes a problem. Additionally, too much dirt or bugs clogging the radiator can block airflow, preventing heat from escaping. When the water pump fails or the thermostat gets stuck, coolant can't circulate, causing the engine to heat up rapidly. This kind of overheating not only makes the car run hot but also damages the engine, potentially shortening its lifespan. After my inspection, I found out the fan motor had burned out—replacing it fixed the issue. It's important to regularly check coolant levels, rinse the radiator during car washes, and keep an eye on the temperature gauge before long trips. Prevention is always cheaper than repairs.
Was this review help?
6
3
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What Causes Turbocharger Oil Leaks?

Turbocharger oil leaks are caused by: aging oil seal rings, poor lubrication of the turbocharger, or turbocharger damage. First, inspect the oil seal rings. If the vehicle has been in use for a long time, some components may age. If the oil seal rings are aged, they need to be replaced immediately. The turbocharger also requires lubrication. If the internal components of the turbocharger are not properly lubricated, they can wear out easily. When the internal components are severely worn, oil leaks may occur. In such cases, the severely worn components must be replaced immediately, and lubricating oil should be added promptly. Normally, turbochargers do not fail. However, if the vehicle is involved in an accident while driving, which damages the turbocharger, oil leaks will definitely occur, and the turbocharger must be replaced immediately.
7
4
Share

How to siphon gasoline from a car fuel tank?

Methods for siphoning gasoline from a car fuel tank: 1. Drive the vehicle onto a steep slope, then turn off the engine and engage the handbrake. Since the bottom of the fuel tank is U-shaped, it's difficult to drain oil on flat ground; 2. Open the fuel tank and insert a plastic hose; 3. Put the other end of the plastic hose in your mouth and suck hard, being careful not to get gasoline in your mouth; 4. Once you see gasoline coming up, place the end of the hose into a container and let it drain naturally. Precautions for refueling: 1. Don't wait until the fuel warning light comes on to refuel; 2. Choose to refuel in the morning or evening; 3. Avoid filling the tank completely when driving in the city; 4. Don't refuel during thunderstorms.
9
1
Share

Operating Steps for Using a Vernier Caliper

The operating steps for using a vernier caliper are as follows: 1. Put on gloves and take out the vernier caliper, wipe the oil off the surface of the ruler with a cloth (to prevent the ruler from rusting), close it, and check whether the zero scale lines of the vernier and the main ruler are aligned. If they are aligned, measurement can be performed; if not, record the zero error. 2. During measurement, hold the ruler body with your right hand, move the vernier with your thumb, hold the object to be measured (external or internal diameter) with your left hand, and place the object between the external measuring jaws. When it fits tightly with the jaws, you can read the measurement (make sure both arms are close to the object). 3. When reading, first use the zero scale line of the vernier as a reference to read the millimeter integer on the ruler body.
11
3
Share

What is the main purpose of crankcase ventilation?

The main purpose of crankcase ventilation is to discharge the combustible mixture and exhaust gases that have leaked into the crankcase, thereby improving the vehicle's driving performance. During engine operation, the high-pressure combustible mixture in the combustion chamber and the burned gases will, to some extent, leak into the crankcase through the gap between the piston assembly and the cylinder, causing blow-by. The blow-by gases consist of unburned fuel vapor, water vapor, and exhaust gases, which dilute the engine oil, reduce its performance, and accelerate its oxidation and deterioration. The lower part of the cylinder block, where the crankshaft is installed, is called the crankcase. The crankcase is divided into the upper crankcase and the lower crankcase. The upper crankcase is cast integrally with the cylinder block, while the lower crankcase is used to store lubricating oil and seal the upper crankcase, hence it is also known as the oil pan.
1
2
Share

Why is the Lexus IS more expensive than the ES?

Lexus IS is more expensive than the ES mainly for the following reasons: 1. The structure from the C-pillar to the roof side has been optimized, and points have been added to the front side members to enhance body rigidity, improve sporty performance, and reduce noise and vibration. 2. The new 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline turbocharger is equipped with an adaptive control function that judges the driving environment based on throttle opening and selects the appropriate gear according to the situation. 3. The lane recognition performance of the steering assist system "Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)" has been improved. During operation, AI technology is used by the camera for white line recognition, and the vehicle decelerates in advance based on the size of the curve. Additionally, adjustments can be made to maintain a constant lateral position when driving through curves.
18
4
Share

How to Deal with Overheating Engine?

When the engine temperature is too high, the water temperature warning light on the vehicle's dashboard will illuminate, and sometimes white smoke may appear from the engine compartment. In such cases, follow these steps: 1. Find a safe place to pull over and let the vehicle idle; do not turn off the engine, as stopping the engine will halt the cooling fan and coolant circulation, which can cause the engine to become even hotter. 2. Open the hood to increase airflow and allow the water temperature to drop. Then, slightly loosen the radiator cap to release internal steam before fully opening it. 3. Do not immediately add coolant. Due to thermal expansion, boiling water in a sealed container creates pressure. If the radiator cap is opened immediately after boiling, the internal pressure may cause hot water to spray out, potentially causing burns. 4. Check for leaks in the radiator hoses and verify if the coolant level is sufficient. If needed, you can temporarily use bottled water as a substitute.
9
5
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.