Intro post, new D2 owner

Swedjen2

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2018
594
127
California
The whole cooling system was redone this year when the replacement block was installed, February I was told. I'll install the gray 180 tstat when it comes, I'll check the reservoir pressure cap when I change it out.

I've checked the coolant levels every week or so, I haven't lost any besides some seepage from the current tstat.

A coolant flush will happen but it's not the highest priority as the dexcool is very high performing when the system remains under pressure and no fluid is lost. Unfortunately my research has shown that this system is very poorly engineered, so I'm going to be as attentive as I can. I've heard BMW pink coolant is a good substitute but I'm open to suggestions on that front.

The whole cooling system was redone this year when the replacement block was installed, February I was told. I'll install the gray 180 tstat when it comes, I'll check the reservoir pressure cap when I change it out.

I've checked the coolant levels every week or so, I haven't lost any besides some seepage from the current tstat.

A coolant flush will happen but it's not the highest priority as the dexcool is very high performing when the system remains under pressure and no fluid is lost. Unfortunately my research has shown that this system is very poorly engineered, so I'm going to be as attentive as I can. I've heard BMW pink coolant is a good substitute but I'm open to suggestions on that front.
Nice job on the new tire carrier.
I just could not reply to your last post though. All I could see on my screen was a a beer gut a'hangin.

I hope the 180 degree t'stat works out, but you shouldn't see the temperatures you report unless the ambient temp is 100+. I have an in-line system and noticed the engine temp is roughly 100 degrees higher than ambient. I run at 182 until the ambient starts getting close to 90, then the temp starts rising.
Another thing you might check/clean is the A/C condenser in front of the radiator. It might have 225K miles of bugs and dirt blocking the air flow.
I run a Scangauge mounted on top of the steering column to monitor temp, speed, MPG and RPM, then run DigiHUD app on my android phone for actual MPH and distance. The Scangauge can also read and clear faults though there are better tools available.
 

LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
Nice job on the new tire carrier.
I just could not reply to your last post though. All I could see on my screen was a a beer gut a'hangin.

I hope the 180 degree t'stat works out, but you shouldn't see the temperatures you report unless the ambient temp is 100+. I have an in-line system and noticed the engine temp is roughly 100 degrees higher than ambient. I run at 182 until the ambient starts getting close to 90, then the temp starts rising.
Another thing you might check/clean is the A/C condenser in front of the radiator. It might have 225K miles of bugs and dirt blocking the air flow.
I run a Scangauge mounted on top of the steering column to monitor temp, speed, MPG and RPM, then run DigiHUD app on my android phone for actual MPH and distance. The Scangauge can also read and clear faults though there are better tools available.
I'll take a look at the A/C condenser, thanks.

The last couple weeks have given us 90+ degree temps, and I'm not sure if altitude affects it or not. It was running warmer in the mornings with the windows down and no A/C than it was driving home with the A/C blasting.

I also installed a new Kenwood receiver, but I'm unhappy with how the cupholder section went back in, I didn't get the steering wheel controls working, and I forgot to install the mic. I will be getting in there again I suppose, I still haven't really cleaned it out since I bought it. I also noticed the cruise control doesn't engage - the light turns on, that's it.
 

LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
The new thermostat came in two days early, so I replaced it right away.

1. Don't be like me, look at the diagram before attacking the job. I dealt with leaks because I had the two upper hoses switched, no idea they were slightly different in diameter.
2. It makes a mess, and that lower clamp can be a PITA.

The good news is that my temps are down 15-20 deg across the board! I took it out for a 15 minute drive in 84 deg ambient temp. At full throttle I was 188.6 max, idling at a light was 194 max, and cruising was 184.

I'm so relieved, I'm laughing. After the drive I checked the fluid level and the tstat for leaks, and bobandy is ready for another week of commuting in 90+ temps.
 
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Aug 20, 2007
2,727
45
Nashville TN
The new thermostat came in two days early, so I replaced it right away.

1. Don't be like me, look at the diagram before attacking the job. I dealt with leaks because I had the two upper hoses switched, no idea they were slightly different in diameter.
2. It makes a mess, and that lower clamp can be a PITA.

The good news is that my temps are down 15-20 deg across the board! I took it out for a 15 minute drive in 84 deg ambient temp. At full throttle I was 188.6 max, idling at a light was 194 max, and cruising was 184.

I'm so relieved, I'm laughing. After the drive I checked the fluid level and the tstat for leaks, and bobandy is ready for another week of commuting in 90+ temps.
Same numbers as mine. You won’t regret it.
 
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Swedjen2

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2018
594
127
California
The new thermostat came in two days early, so I replaced it right away.

1. Don't be like me, look at the diagram before attacking the job. I dealt with leaks because I had the two upper hoses switched, no idea they were slightly different in diameter.
2. It makes a mess, and that lower clamp can be a PITA.

The good news is that my temps are down 15-20 deg across the board! I took it out for a 15 minute drive in 84 deg ambient temp. At full throttle I was 188.6 max, idling at a light was 194 max, and cruising was 184.

I'm so relieved, I'm laughing. After the drive I checked the fluid level and the tstat for leaks, and bobandy is ready for another week of commuting in 90+ temp
That's right where they should be. Good job.
 

LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
So, the dreaded "three amigos" lights have appeared.

They had shown up thrice before, but disappeared upon restart.

Not this time.

Next on the purchase list is the ABS Amigo code reader, but I will be keeping an eye out on ebay or the forum classifies for one. Driveability (so far) is unaffected, and hopefully brake fluid hasn't seeped into the module.

Updated to-do list, in no particular order:
- three amigos
- finish stereo install (steering wheel controls, BT mic)
- deep clean
- Ultragauge or equivalent (this caught my eye. Cheap, simple, and small)
- cruise control (light goes on, not operational however)
- dashcam += backup camera (something like this)
- upgrade headlights (probably just via bulb, don't want to piss off people with LED or HID)
 
Last edited:

rovercanus

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
9,643
244
So, the dreaded "three amigos" lights have appeared.

They had shown up thrice before, but disappeared upon restart.

Not this time.

Next on the purchase list is the ABS Amigo code reader, but I will be keeping an eye out on ebay or the forum classifies for one. Driveability (so far) is unaffected, and hopefully brake fluid hasn't seeped into the module.

Updated to-do list, in no particular order:
- three amigos
- finish stereo install (steering wheel controls, BT mic)
- deep clean
- Ultragauge or equivalent (this caught my eye. Cheap, simple, and small)
- cruise control (light goes on, not operational however)
- dashcam += backup camera (something like this)
- upgrade headlights (probably just via bulb, don't want to piss off people with LED or HID)
I wouldn't get the Amigo. There are other code readers out there that will read and reset SLABS as well as other systems for nearly the same price.
 

LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
I wouldn't get the Amigo. There are other code readers out there that will read and reset SLABS as well as other systems for nearly the same price.

Do you have any recommendations? I have a cheap Bluetooth OBD scanner that I'm running the Car Scanner app on for temp display.

EDIT: It looks like the Autel AL619 will be able to read/reset the SLABS codes. Glad I looked, as beyond the tres amigos, the Amigo ABS doesn't have much use. The cheap OBD bluetooth dongle unfortunately doesn't have that capability.
 
Last edited:

rovercanus

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
9,643
244
I'm using an older Foxwell scanner.
Not sure what the Amigo costs but the Foxwell is only around $150.
 
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LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
Not much has changed, having run 91 fuel for a couple and a tank of Lucas fuel system cleaner has made it run a lot better. I'll be sticking to 91 from now on, which is unfortunate, but at least I'm getting better mileage than my brother's TRX! That's not saying much, the gas mileage on that thing is abysmal.

The code reader came in today and I had two ABS codes:
IMG_20210814_125502.jpg
I cleared them both, we'll see if either of them pops up again. I'm hoping it's just a dirty sensor and not a wheel bearing.
 

LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
Nonproblem i came across that a couple years ago i hope it helps others, i have heard it is a good resolution, i pulled that for my sons d2, the 3 amigos didnt bother him enough to fool with it so we never ttied it but others say its the fix.
Since I cleared the codes, the lights come on half of the time, only to be reset by the time I start it again. That fix works for a lot of people, when I have time I'll tackle it.
 

LandyBobandy

Active member
Jul 8, 2021
34
8
Colorado
September 16th 2021 Update:

Changed the oil using Rotella T4 15w40 (strangely really hard to find right now!) with a quart of Lucas Oil Stabilizer, seemed to quiet things up a bit. Used a Wix filter, always had good experience with Wix.

I recently moved in with my girlfriend and doubled my commute in the process. I'm driving about 25 miles each way, and the fuel costs are really adding up. I imagine it's accelerating tire and overall vehicle wear as well, but it can't be helped. I'm not going to start driving her 2.5 Rabbit to work until I replace her rear struts, I don't want to destroy her tires. That should be an easy job.

No leaks, no overheating, coolant level is a safe level. I'm starting to think the middle muffler might need to be replaced. It's generating a lot more heat than I'd expect it to and I've read that they can rot through and negatively effect performance. I still need to chase down the 1,694 squeaks and rattles in the cabin and perform mod B on the shuttle valve. Apartment life is rough when it comes to working on your car.