[50shadesofhockenheim]

The dealer just replaced my valve cover gasket recently so I'm not sure if they might have messed with something that's causing the following:

Before the normal oil temperature for my car would get up to around 240-250 degrees (halfway mark on the gauge). Now when I drive in sport+ the temperature only indicates about 205-210 (about 1/4 mark on the gauge) no matter how much I beat on it. And when I come to a light it begins to drop to around 200.

The weird part is when I switch back to comfort mode the temperature almost immediately begins to rise and gets back to around around the halfway mark. Not sure if this should be a cause for concern. I'm running bootmod3 tune and other bolt ons.

[julienjj]

Originally Posted by E90 LCI

The dealer just replaced my valve cover gasket recently so I'm not sure if they might have messed with something that's causing the following:

Before the normal oil temperature for my car would get up to around 240-250 degrees (halfway mark on the gauge). Now when I drive in sport+ the temperature only indicates about 205-210 (about 1/4 mark on the gauge) no matter how much I beat on it. And when I come to a light it begins to drop to around 200.

The weird part is when I switch back to comfort mode the temperature almost immediately begins to rise and gets back to around around the halfway mark. Not sure if this should be a cause for concern. I'm running bootmod3 tune and other bolt ons.

More likely than anything a glitch between the cluster firmware and the ECU tune. They might have done a software update if BMW or the system requested it.

[chiefneil]

Originally Posted by E90 LCI

Before the normal oil temperature for my car would get up to around 240-250 degrees (halfway mark on the gauge). Now when I drive in sport+ the temperature only indicates about 205-210 (about 1/4 mark on the gauge) no matter how much I beat on it. And when I come to a light it begins to drop to around 200.

The weird part is when I switch back to comfort mode the temperature almost immediately begins to rise and gets back to around around the halfway mark. Not sure if this should be a cause for concern. I'm running bootmod3 tune and other bolt ons.

Not saying you don’t have some sort of issue, but actually the harder you drive the car, the cooler it should run. Easy-driving mode kicks in the efficiency map which runs at a higher temp for better mpg. Performance map runs at a lower temp for better hp.

Usually toodling around town or long boring cruise-control slogs on the highway have me in the efficiency range of 240-245F. The last time I went bombing through the mountains, uphill at 80-100mph, frequently flooring the gas to pass left lane hogs on the right, ignoring signs saying “turn off a/c to prevent overheating”, I was down around 200F.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by julienjj

More likely than anything a glitch between the cluster firmware and the ECU tune. They might have done a software update if BMW or the system requested it.

The thing is I havent updated my Bootmod3 tune since March and I read the receipt from BMW - they didnt do any firmware updates.

Only thing was them replacing the valve cover gasket and replacing some hose that broke.

Originally Posted by chiefneil

Not saying you don’t have some sort of issue, but actually the harder you drive the car, the cooler it should run. Easy-driving mode kicks in the efficiency map which runs at a higher temp for better mpg. Performance map runs at a lower temp for better hp.

Usually toodling around town or long boring cruise-control slogs on the highway have me in the efficiency range of 240-245F. The last time I went bombing through the mountains, uphill at 80-100mph, frequently flooring the gas to pass left lane hogs on the right, ignoring signs saying “turn off a/c to prevent overheating”, I was down around 200F.

So theoretically my car is running properly now whereas before it was not when the temperature stayed at constant 250F in sport+?

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by E90 LCI

replacing some hose that broke.

Coincidence? Probably not. What hose?

[TK335iMSPT]

Check the thermostat. Mine hung between 160 and 250 and wouldn't go past it. But the car does run Cooler when driving it hard.

[Blubaron79]

I have read the engine will run at cooler temps when pushing it hard. It then runs at higher temps in comfort and eco for better fuel efficiency.

[upsidedownfunnel]

The engine oil should be running at least at 220 degress. If not, water in your oil will not be able to burn off. The normal operating temperature for our engines is about 250F and should not be significantly below that when fully warmed up. If your cooling system is working properly, you should always be very close to that operating temperature.

My car gets up to 250 fairly quickly and almost never goes above or below 240 no matter how hard or easy I drive it.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by upsidedownfunnel

The engine oil should be running at least at 220 degress. If not, water in your oil will not be able to burn off. The normal operating temperature for our engines is about 250F and should not be significantly below that when fully warmed up. If your cooling system is working properly, you should always be very close to that operating temperature.

My car gets up to 250 fairly quickly and almost never goes above or below 240 no matter how hard or easy I drive it.

The thing is it will warm up to there if I choose the comfort mode setting. So should I be driving in comfort before sport+? (I dont beat on it in sport+ until the temp is at least at 1/4 mark)

[Billfitz]

The engine runs slower in comfort, so it's to be expected it will run hotter in comfort.

[IAmATeaf]

I’ve never noticed any difference in the temp in different modes?

[chiefneil]

If you google “BMW N55 engine manual” you’ll find an informative document with the following info. The Economy mode temp sounds a bit low as I think mine runs in the 240 range, but I’d have to go look at my gauge to double-check. IIRC the manual is from the E90 era so it’s quite possible there’ve been updates to the F3x. [edit: just realized the temps quoted below are probably coolant and not oil; coolant temps are lower than oil temps]

As I mentioned earlier, I did see a significant drop in temp when hammering the car uphill through some mountains in sport mode. Also not sure if it matters, but I do have an m-sport which IIRC has an extra radiator of some sort (oil cooler, I think).

"The engine management sets a higher temperature (108°C) when, based on vehicle operation, the engine control unit detects ”Economy” mode. The engine is operated with relatively low fuel requirements in this temperature range. The internal engine friction is reduced at higher temperatures. The increase in temperature therefore results in low fuel consumption in the low load range. The driver wishes to utilize the optimum power developed by the engine in “High and control with characteristic map thermostat” mode. For this purpose, the temperature in the cylinder head is reduced to 90°C. This temperature reduction promotes improved volumetric efficiency, thus resulting in an increased engine torque. Adapted to the relevant driving situation, the engine control unit can now regulate a defined operating range. In this way it is possible to influence the fuel consumption and power output through the cooling system."

The engine control unit regulates the following temperature ranges:
• 108°C/226°F = Economy mode
• 104°C/219°F = Normal mode
• 95°C/203°F = High mode
• 90°C/194°F = High mode and control with characteristic map thermostat

System Protection
If the coolant or the engine oil overheat during operation, certain vehicle functions are influenced to the effect that more energy is available to the engine cooling system.

These measures are divided over two operating modes:

• Component protection
- Coolant temperature between 117°C/242°F and 124°C/255°F
- Engine oil temperature between 150°C/300°F and 157°C/314°F
- Result: The output of the air conditioning system
(up to 100%) and of the engine is reduced

• Emergency
- Coolant temperature between 125°C/257°F and 129°C/264°F
- Engine oil temperature between 158°C/316°F and 163°C/325°F
- Result: The power output of the engine is reduced
(up to 90%)

[enjoythemusic]

What about those aftermarket thermostats? One had a spring so temps got to 210 fairly quickly and stayed there (generally).

[Billfitz]

BMW thermostats are electrically controlled. That's why they cost $50, not $5. Being controlled by the ECM they allow faster warm up than passive spring operated thermostats. It also allows the coolant temperature to be varied as required, which a passive themostat can't do.

[cDu8]

This is after driving my 40 mile commute in sport mode the whole way.

Picture wouldn't load, but the needle was on the notch halfway between 160 and 250F.

[50shadesofhockenheim]

Originally Posted by cDu8

This is after driving my 40 mile commute in sport mode the whole way.

Picture wouldn't load, but the needle was on the notch halfway between 160 and 250F.

Now if you switch to comfort it'll go to around 240 right?

[upsidedownfunnel]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

BMW thermostats are electrically controlled. That's why they cost $50, not $5. Being controlled by the ECM they allow faster warm up than passive spring operated thermostats. It also allows the coolant temperature to be varied as required, which a passive themostat can't do.

I'm fairly certain the oil thermostat is not electronically controlled.

[RMachuca3d]

Mine has never gotten to 250, ever. Always around 200 or below, brought this up with mu SA and was told its normal. Dont know if i should believe them.

[perryo91]

Originally Posted by RMachuca3d

Mine has never gotten to 250, ever. Always around 200 or below, brought this up with mu SA and was told its normal. Dont know if i should believe them.

I dont know the exact number, but mine is always pointing directly up... and a little below whatever number that is at the top, i think it's 250. I live in Florida, but during the winter, it takes longer to get to that spot, and sometimes it doesnt get there on my commute.