Normal Coolant Temp

[CarPoor]

Sorry if I’ve missed this, but I did search. I’ve been getting code P0128 of and on for awhile now even after replacing the Tstat, water pump, and coolant temp sensor. My coolant temp right now is staying around 150F in 20-30 ambient. This is off a basic OBD and the temp on the dash (oil generally from what I understand) runs halfway between the first tick and the 210F mark. So, given that I’ve replaced everything I’m aware can be replaced beyond the radiator and hoses, which all seem fine, I’m wondering what operating coolant/water temp should be. On the track I’m running no more than 180-190 coolant temp and 270 oil temp per the dash. Thanks for assist on this trouble shoot.

[Helmsman]

Originally Posted by CarPoor

Sorry if I’ve missed this, but I did search. I’ve been getting code P0128 of and on for awhile now even after replacing the Tstat, water pump, and coolant temp sensor. My coolant temp right now is staying around 150F in 20-30 ambient. This is off a basic OBD and the temp on the dash (oil generally from what I understand) runs halfway between the first tick and the 210F mark. So, given that I’ve replaced everything I’m aware can be replaced beyond the radiator and hoses, which all seem fine, I’m wondering what operating coolant/water temp should be. On the track I’m running no more than 180-190 coolant temp and 270 oil temp per the dash. Thanks for assist on this trouble shoot.

During normal operation its around 85C iirc. Yes the dash gauge is oil temp, not to be confused with coolant. Sounds like you have 75C ish there(?), which is not normal once the car is warmed up.

[M.Hagen]

My P3 OBD Gauge shows 176-180 in the winter and 185-190 in the summer (normal driving).

It was 17F the other morning when I drove the M3, and while it took a little longer to get to operating temp, it eventually came up to normal (~10min).

[pbonsalb]

I think stock coolant thermostat is 79C or 175F and stock oil thermostat is 205F. Those should be the minimum temps you see.

[CarPoor]

Thanks for the feedback regarding normal temperament guys. Much appreciated.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by M.Hagen

My P3 OBD Gauge shows 176-180 in the winter and 185-190 in the summer (normal driving).

It was 17F the other morning when I drove the M3, and while it took a little longer to get to operating temp, it eventually came up to normal (~10min).

I drove several times last winter in -20F (in the negatives periodically pretty much every winter in NH). The car feels terrible. Dead shocks, slow to warm up to normal operating temps, and runs on the colder side of normal. But no problems.