OK, so in driving the 320, I noticed the temp needle stayed pretty low on the scale. All the time. So, I thought it would be a good idea to swap out the thermostat for a new one. I mean, it sat for 15 years, who knows how old it is.

Bought a new one supposedly rated at 192 deg F. First time driving it, the needle goes past the last hash mark before the red mark. I don't know how accurate the idiot gauges are, but it is a huge change compared to before. I tested the old t-stat and it opend at around 160-65 deg F.

I would like something in the middle, as it isn't summer yet, still around 50-70deg here so in the hotter weather it needs to run a little cooler than it is now, but in the colder weather the cool one might be too cool.

Anyway - anyone have help or hints on what to use/not use?

Hmmm, well first off there are only 3 OEM t-stats to choose from.
71°C or 160°F
75°C or 167°F
80°C or 176°F

Not a whole lot in the range department but you might have had it right with the 71°C t-stat. If it aint broke dont fix it kind of thing :dunno

I havnt heard of a t-stat that opens up at 192°F

I run a 71° as do most of the west coast E21's since the change in seasons is not really that drastic of a change.

Good to know - thanks. The old one had a roundel on it, the new one was made in France. Stupid french parts on my car...

Good to know - thanks. The old one had a roundel on it, the new one was made in France. Stupid french parts on my car...

All the new ones are made there now, the package is orange with that fighting lion crest, dont know if that means anything though as most all of the part sources I know of carry those 3 temps.

the parts stores in my area carry the 190 thermostats only. I also run the 71degree one. the cooler the better if you ask me

Nah, if its too cool, the tolerances in the engine aren't ever quite right, the oil doesn't boil off impurities very well, etc etc. But this is just wrong. I have found out my aux fan isn't running and my fuse and relay are still OK.

Nah, if its too cool, the tolerances in the engine aren't ever quite right, the oil doesn't boil off impurities very well, etc etc. But this is just wrong. I have found out my aux fan isn't running and my fuse and relay are still OK.

Very true about the temps, I remember someone here once said it would be ideal to just delete the t-stat and have a continous operting cooling system.:rolleyes

As far as the aux fan, same exact thing happened to me and others. I used to smack the center of the fan with a hammer/screwdriver and it would turn on. Pull it out and clean the brushes and comm and it should be fine. I think you can find the brushes through McMaster (www.mcmaster.com) if you need new ones.

Awesome. Really, thanks for the help. My next step tonight is to run 12V straight to it, swap in the old t-stat and return this one for a refund.