W211 temperature gauge 270CDi

[alexmoon]

I got the 2002 car three days ago and has done 80k but runs really well. However, the temp gauge never goes up beyond about 45. Is this normal?
Also noticed that heater blows warm air but not really hot when at max setting. Is this connected? Your help much apprecated.

 

[ringway]

The optimum temp reading is 87 and anywhere between 80-90 is fine.

Fit a new thermostat and you'll see a big difference.

MB heaters are like furnaces.

 

[alexmoon]

Thanks for that Ringway - much appreciated. Is it a costly job?

 

[momomo]

No not costly at all. An easy job if you are handy and dont mind a bit of DIY

 

[lynall]

Changed my stat a few weeks ago and it came complete with the pipe housing and cost all of £22 from mb, but this is an older engine so yours maybe dearer.



Lynall

 

[Peter DLM]

I did this exact job just a few days ago. If your car is a W211, then the part will cost you £47. Apparently, seperate Thermostats are a thing of the past, and now are integral to the housing. Though, having looked at the housing that I removed, I'm sure I can swap just the Thermostat itself.

You'll need an E-Torx socket, size E10, and a wobblehead socket or similar.

 

[kwakdonut]

Just be careful when removing it as I ended up fracturing one of the diesel fuel lines! Cost me another 20-odd quid to replace that too!!

 

[alexmoon]

Thermostat

Thanks for all your help guys. Spoke to my mechanic today and he said it could be the thermostat, a faulty temperature sensor or a faulty gauge. He couldn't put it on his diagnostic machine today but will do so on Wednesday.
(Incidentally, the gauge stays at 60 once heated up rather than 45 as I previously stated).

 

[Peter DLM]

100% the Thermostat. Test this by covering up your rad with cardboard.

 

[alexmoon]

Mechanic fitted a new thermostat today (and changed coolant while he was at it) – problem solved. Temp is around 90 and heater is indeed like a furnace. Seems to run smoother and quieter too - though I might just be imagining that! Thanks for all your help.

 

[timskemp]

Just had mine changed last week, when the weather turned colder I couldn't get the engine above 60...Now running at 90 dead.

£47 for the part, garage charged me an hour's labour to change it. Will see this week if it improves anything!

 

[jeremy156]

Same here - barely made it over 60 degrees, even in a 45 minute traffic jam. Had the thermostat replaced and it's steady 88-91 degrees .... funny, 88 to 91 FM, my normal radio station.... coincidence?

Jeremy

 

[jaymanek]

its pretty common for them to stick this time of year.

 

[corned]

I'm wondering if mine is getting tired too. Don't see temps above 70C these days.

If the thermostat can stick, will a bit of TLC help it out? Or is it a case of once they start playing up, that's the end of it?

 

[Peter DLM]

They aren't servicable.

 

[corned]

Thought not - but I thought it worth asking at least!

Thanks Peter.

 

[Timmy M]

I got the 2002 car three days ago and has done 80k but runs really well. However, the temp gauge never goes up beyond about 45. Is this normal?
Also noticed that heater blows warm air but not really hot when at max setting. Is this connected? Your help much apprecated.

Hi guys does anyone else have a similar problem. Mine is that the guage sits around 80 degrees @60-70mph and drops down at 50mph by one notch but in town it can get up beyond 80 by 2 notches I will try the cardboard/tin foil and see how that goes

 

[Tinkerer]

The time taken to get up to normal operating temp (90C) can vary depending on driving style etc but once up there it should not drop when you slow down, if it does then change the stat.