How hot do you run?

ChuckGm3 · 10-28-2008, 06:23 PM

I apologize if this has been discussed, I searched and couldn't find quite what I was looking for.

Today it was 100 degrees out in Socal and I was cruising on the hot freeway, driving a little on the spirited side (80-95 in 4th and 5th gear) and noticed that my temp was running about half way between dead center and 3/4 to the right (I'm guessing about 232.5 deg based on the scale of the gauge)... after that it didn't matter if I drove it hard or cruised in 6th at 70mph the temp stayed a good chunk above 210.

I realize it's a hot day, but I really didn't push it very hard and that seems a bit warm... gives me pause about what will happen when I go to a track day.

throughout the first 4k miles of the car it never seemed to run more than a hair over 210, and then about a month ago, the oil level seemed a bit low and the temp was running a bit high so I topped it off and it was fine... now the oil is still maxed out.

Anyway, what kinda temps do you guys normally see and would you take it in for service based on what I've seen?

04S · 10-28-2008, 06:37 PM

I normally see around 100 - 105 C, which I think is about 210 - 220 F. Even running it pretty hard on a 33 C day (around 90 F) the temp never got above 105 C.

Haven't had any issues with the oil level in 3000ks so not sure what impact they might be having on your situation.

JMD0977 · 10-28-2008, 07:23 PM

I remember one day I took a 65 mile drive and I was pushing it HARD. HIgh RMP's every gear, 100MPH+ and I noticed the temp getting to the 245F DOT , I got worried for a second but no lights pop up or anything. I did the same thing more than a couple of times day or two after and never happend again. at the most it goes up to 220F.
I havent had a chance to track the car yet. But those of you that have tracked, Whats the highest temp you've reached?

watrob · 10-28-2008, 07:25 PM

Same here. 100-105c

Sticky · 10-28-2008, 07:43 PM

I don't remember it being this hot for this long in SoCal for a while. When the hell is it going to start to cool off?

ybbiz34 · 10-28-2008, 08:16 PM

Normal operating temp. under casual or slightly spirited driving should have the needle pegged at about the halfway mark. If you run it harder, yeah the temp needle will start to creep toward a higher temp. especially with warmer ambient temperatures but it should stabilize gradually as driving intensity decreases.

Blake · 10-28-2008, 09:11 PM

over the summer on hot days i'd run in about the same range. you should have seen the readings when i was on the track...it was 90 outside. it went way up, but never overheated and cooled off quickly.

JMD0977 · 10-28-2008, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blakepilot

over the summer on hot days i'd run in about the same range. you should have seen the readings when i was on the track...it was 90 outside. it went way up, but never overheated and cooled off quickly.

Way up to????

Blake · 10-28-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMD0977

Way up to????

the third dot...around 260. i ran about 45 minutes of hard laps in a row and it got a little warmer than that third dot, but it cooled quickly after popping the hood for 30 minutes or more.

Dascamel · 10-28-2008, 09:54 PM

During a few track days in the summer, temps were over 105, no one reported over heating issues after 20-30 minutes of hot lapping. One person driving hard to get an overheat warning on the DCT.

Unless your really pushing it, the car will be just fine.

sg///M3 · 10-28-2008, 10:38 PM

Mine sits dead center (210F I belive) most of the time. After a few hard runs on the Tail of the Dragon earlier this month, it creeped up to a hair above center, but never any higher.

FStop7 · 10-28-2008, 11:45 PM

I've only had my car for a few days but I've already noticed that the oil temp tends to run a little higher on the V8 than it did on the S54. During my commute in my E46 M3 I would see oil temps peak at 210 while idling in stop and go traffic and then fall down quite a bit once I was on the highway. In the new M3 the oil temp seems to hold pretty much a steady 210 at all times. My gut tells me that these cars need the oil to be kept very warm for the optimal lubrication, kind of like a race car.

Hellride · 10-29-2008, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg///M3

Mine sits dead center (210F I belive) most of the time. After a few hard runs on the Tail of the Dragon earlier this month, it creeped up to a hair above center, but never any higher.

Same here, even on track days.

MrHarris · 10-29-2008, 04:10 AM

My temp goes a bit past the middle mark when I start pushing it. It's the first BMW for me that I've seen that actually goes past the middle mark

booforty · 10-29-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sg///M3

Mine sits dead center (210F I belive) most of the time. After a few hard runs on the Tail of the Dragon earlier this month, it creeped up to a hair above center, but never any higher.

Same for me too, even on track days!

ChuckGm3 · 10-29-2008, 01:22 PM

Today it was not hot at all out (maybe 76-78F) on the freeway I was cruising in 6th (with power on) between 80-90 not a heavy load at all and the temp consistently sat about 2-3 needle widths above 210F. Think there's any cause for concern?

ybbiz34 · 10-29-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckGm3

Today it was not hot at all out (maybe 76-78F) on the freeway I was cruising in 6th (with power on) between 80-90 not a heavy load at all and the temp consistently sat about 2-3 needle widths above 210F. Think there's any cause for concern?

Relax man.

valeram · 10-29-2008, 02:07 PM

Barely reaching the mid point but the outside temp is at the low side, 30 - 40 C. But comparing it to my old E92 335, this M3 is running cold. The 335 reached a temp that is too high for an M3.

Dascamel · 10-29-2008, 03:45 PM

The engine likes it warm, more importantly don't push the engine when its cold.

Under around 280 degrees I wouldn't even be concerned during hot laps.... On the street you should have zero concerns regarding engine temp.

Z4M///ike · 10-29-2008, 04:12 PM

Yeah I get the same thing. This is a little bit off topic, but I always thought it had to do with the coolant level (I have had a on/off coolant level low warning that sporadically would pop up and then would disappear again). The coolant tank, however, even when it said coolant level low, was always filled up to the top.

Upon taking it in to the dealership yesterday, one of the mechanics said there was a service bulletin on some of the earlier production BMW M3s pertaining to a faulty coolant gauge/tank and that the entire coolant tank and gauge unit would have to be replaced. I already set up an appointment.

Just a heads up, if any of you guys encounter that it may be the tank/gauge.

lucid · 10-29-2008, 04:17 PM

It will sit at around 255 on a hot day at the track (mine does and other members have reported this as well). However, keep in mind this is not a direct oil temp measurement. It is appearently the result of some kind of calculation the ECU does based on coolant temp. That is coming directly from Will Turner. I asked him if he was sure that methodology applied to M cars as well, and he said yes.

southlight · 10-29-2008, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lucid

It will sit at around 255 on a hot day at the track (mine does and other members have reported this as well). However, keep in mind this is not a direct oil temp measurement. It is appearently the result of some kind of calculation the ECU does based on coolant temp. That is coming directly from Will Turner. I asked him if he was sure that methodology applied to M cars as well, and he said yes.

Interesting, the aftersales training document lists an QLT (quality - level - temperature) sensor in the electrical system.

Best regards, south

10-28-2008, 06:23 PM	#1
ChuckGm3 In full effect 12 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3, Interlagos Blue Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	How hot do you run? I apologize if this has been discussed, I searched and couldn't find quite what I was looking for. Today it was 100 degrees out in Socal and I was cruising on the hot freeway, driving a little on the spirited side (80-95 in 4th and 5th gear) and noticed that my temp was running about half way between dead center and 3/4 to the right (I'm guessing about 232.5 deg based on the scale of the gauge)... after that it didn't matter if I drove it hard or cruised in 6th at 70mph the temp stayed a good chunk above 210. I realize it's a hot day, but I really didn't push it very hard and that seems a bit warm... gives me pause about what will happen when I go to a track day. throughout the first 4k miles of the car it never seemed to run more than a hair over 210, and then about a month ago, the oil level seemed a bit low and the temp was running a bit high so I topped it off and it was fine... now the oil is still maxed out. Anyway, what kinda temps do you guys normally see and would you take it in for service based on what I've seen? __________________ Last edited by ChuckGm3; 10-28-2008 at 06:40 PM.. Reason: grammar
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10-28-2008, 06:37 PM	#2
04S Captain 174 Rep 837 Posts Drives: M4 xDrive, X5 40i and U11 X1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sydney, Australia iTrader: (0)	I normally see around 100 - 105 C, which I think is about 210 - 220 F. Even running it pretty hard on a 33 C day (around 90 F) the temp never got above 105 C. Haven't had any issues with the oil level in 3000ks so not sure what impact they might be having on your situation.
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10-28-2008, 07:23 PM	#3
JMD0977 Captain 69 Rep 994 Posts Drives: 2010 GT3 and .... Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: I-95 iTrader: (6)	I remember one day I took a 65 mile drive and I was pushing it HARD. HIgh RMP's every gear, 100MPH+ and I noticed the temp getting to the 245F DOT , I got worried for a second but no lights pop up or anything. I did the same thing more than a couple of times day or two after and never happend again. at the most it goes up to 220F. I havent had a chance to track the car yet. But those of you that have tracked, Whats the highest temp you've reached?
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10-28-2008, 07:25 PM	#4
watrob Lieutenant Colonel 140 Rep 1,597 Posts Drives: MY2022 X5 M-Sport 45e White Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Brisbane - Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 Toyota Yaris Z ... [0.00] 2022 BMW X5 G05 e45 [0.00] 2015 Ferrari Cali T [0.00]	Same here. 100-105c __________________ MY22 X5 M-Sport 45e White, 22"rims, Red Calipers, Ceramic Pads. Better off saying what it does not have and that's a B&O Audio System, otherwise all option boxes are ticked.
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10-28-2008, 07:43 PM	#5
Sticky Banned 78 Rep 2,244 Posts Drives: E92 Jerez DCT M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Anaheim Hills / Malibu iTrader: (0)	I don't remember it being this hot for this long in SoCal for a while. When the hell is it going to start to cool off?
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10-28-2008, 08:16 PM	#6
ybbiz34 Brigadier General 670 Rep 4,959 Posts Drives: 2023 330i M Sport Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Normal operating temp. under casual or slightly spirited driving should have the needle pegged at about the halfway mark. If you run it harder, yeah the temp needle will start to creep toward a higher temp. especially with warmer ambient temperatures but it should stabilize gradually as driving intensity decreases. __________________ Current: '23 G20 M Sport 330i Current: '20 X253 GLC300 SUV Gone: '20 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '18 W205 C43 Sedan Gone: '13 W204 C63 Sedan
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10-28-2008, 09:11 PM	#7
Blake Banned 757 Rep 4,649 Posts Drives: Chevy Aveo Join Date: May 2008 Location: Parent's Basement iTrader: (7)	over the summer on hot days i'd run in about the same range. you should have seen the readings when i was on the track...it was 90 outside. it went way up, but never overheated and cooled off quickly.
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10-28-2008, 09:54 PM	#10
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel 48 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA iTrader: (0)	During a few track days in the summer, temps were over 105, no one reported over heating issues after 20-30 minutes of hot lapping. One person driving hard to get an overheat warning on the DCT. Unless your really pushing it, the car will be just fine. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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10-28-2008, 10:38 PM	#11
sg///M3 Lieutenant 6 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 DCT Join Date: May 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC iTrader: (0)	Mine sits dead center (210F I belive) most of the time. After a few hard runs on the Tail of the Dragon earlier this month, it creeped up to a hair above center, but never any higher.
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10-28-2008, 11:45 PM	#12
FStop7 I like cars 329 Rep 5,052 Posts Drives: M6 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Newbury Park, CA iTrader: (3)	I've only had my car for a few days but I've already noticed that the oil temp tends to run a little higher on the V8 than it did on the S54. During my commute in my E46 M3 I would see oil temps peak at 210 while idling in stop and go traffic and then fall down quite a bit once I was on the highway. In the new M3 the oil temp seems to hold pretty much a steady 210 at all times. My gut tells me that these cars need the oil to be kept very warm for the optimal lubrication, kind of like a race car.
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10-29-2008, 04:10 AM	#14
MrHarris yodog 197 Rep 5,025 Posts Drives: '86 Corolla Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Diamond Bar, Ca iTrader: (5) Garage List 2009 BMW [10.00]	My temp goes a bit past the middle mark when I start pushing it. It's the first BMW for me that I've seen that actually goes past the middle mark __________________ 2009 E92 M3 \| Alpine White \| Black Extended \| Advan RS \| Turner Test Pipes \| Dinan Axle-Back \| OETuning \| Eibach Springs \| UUC SSK \| VRS Front Lip \| VRS Type I Diffuser \| Matte Black \| RPi Scoops \| MS Filter \| Yokohama AD08 \| F1 Pinnacle Special Thanks: Gintani \| OETuning \| eAs
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10-29-2008, 01:22 PM	#16
ChuckGm3 In full effect 12 Rep 87 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 M3, Interlagos Blue Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Southern California iTrader: (0)	Today it was not hot at all out (maybe 76-78F) on the freeway I was cruising in 6th (with power on) between 80-90 not a heavy load at all and the temp consistently sat about 2-3 needle widths above 210F. Think there's any cause for concern? __________________
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10-29-2008, 02:07 PM	#18
valeram Major 37 Rep 1,413 Posts Drives: 992 TTS, 991.2 GT3 T, F80 M3 C Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Dublin, OH iTrader: (0)	Barely reaching the mid point but the outside temp is at the low side, 30 - 40 C. But comparing it to my old E92 335, this M3 is running cold. The 335 reached a temp that is too high for an M3.
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10-29-2008, 03:45 PM	#19
Dascamel Lieutenant Colonel 48 Rep 1,664 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 M3, 2010 e91 328i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Bakersfield, CA iTrader: (0)	The engine likes it warm, more importantly don't push the engine when its cold. Under around 280 degrees I wouldn't even be concerned during hot laps.... On the street you should have zero concerns regarding engine temp. __________________ 2008 E92 M3 Jerez Black,DCT,Fox Red ext,Prem,Tech,19", ipod/usb, CF roof and trim 2010 E91 328i Space Gray,Black int, M sport, most options 2007 Montego Blue 335i (retired)
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10-29-2008, 04:12 PM	#20
Z4M///ike Private 5 Rep 57 Posts Drives: 06 Z4 M Roadster/08 E90 M3 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Yeah I get the same thing. This is a little bit off topic, but I always thought it had to do with the coolant level (I have had a on/off coolant level low warning that sporadically would pop up and then would disappear again). The coolant tank, however, even when it said coolant level low, was always filled up to the top. Upon taking it in to the dealership yesterday, one of the mechanics said there was a service bulletin on some of the earlier production BMW M3s pertaining to a faulty coolant gauge/tank and that the entire coolant tank and gauge unit would have to be replaced. I already set up an appointment. Just a heads up, if any of you guys encounter that it may be the tank/gauge.
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10-29-2008, 04:17 PM	#21
lucid Major General 374 Rep 8,033 Posts Drives: E30 M3; Expedition Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	It will sit at around 255 on a hot day at the track (mine does and other members have reported this as well). However, keep in mind this is not a direct oil temp measurement. It is appearently the result of some kind of calculation the ECU does based on coolant temp. That is coming directly from Will Turner. I asked him if he was sure that methodology applied to M cars as well, and he said yes. __________________
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