Recommended replacement interval for the part category Engine thermostat : 50000 km

Important!

This replacement procedure can be used for:
BMW 3 Compact (E36) 318 ti, BMW 3 Compact (E36) 323 ti … View more

The steps may slightly vary depending on the car design.

This video shows the replacement procedure of a similar car part on another vehicle

All the parts you need to replace – Thermostat for 3 Compact (E36) and other BMW models

Engine thermostat

Engine thermostat for 3 Compact (E36) Petrol (140 hp)

Simple DIY car repair steps – Replacing Engine thermostat on 3 Compact (E36)

Engine thermostat for 3 Compact (E36) Petrol (170 hp)

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 3 Compact (E36). AUTODOC recommends:

                        All-purpose cleaning spray
                      
                        Sealant
                      
                        Torque wrench
                      
                        Drive socket # 7
                      
                        Drive socket # 10
                      
                        Drive socket # 13
                      
                        Ratchet wrench
                      
                        Clip removal tool
                      
                        Seal scraper
                      
                        Flat screwdriver
                      
                        Funnel
                      
                        Fluid container
                      
                        Fender cover

Buy tools

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Tip from AUTODOC:

Check the condition of the coolant every time you replace the thermostat. Change the coolant if necessary.
Please note: all work on the car – BMW 3 Compact (E36) – should be done with the engine switched off.

Carry out replacement in the following order:

Step 1

Open the hood.

Step 2

Use a fender protection cover to prevent damaging paintwork and plastic parts of the car.

Step 3

Remove the fasteners of the air duct housing. Use a clip removal tool.

Step 4

Remove the air distribution housing assembly.
Step 5

Unscrew the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 6

Prepare a container for fluids.
Step 7

Open the coolant drain tap.
Step 8

Drain the coolant from the engine.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 3 Compact (E36). AUTODOC experts recommend:
Caution! The coolant can be very hot.Wear gloves to prevent contact with hot liquid.All work should be done with the engine stopped.Wait until the coolant has completely flowed out of the drain hole.
Step 9

Close the coolant drain tap.
Step 10

Loosen the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 11

Detach the coolant hose.
Step 12

Loosen the coolant hose clamp. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 13

Detach the coolant hose.
Step 14

Detach the coolant pipe bracket. Use a drive socket #13. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 15

Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 16

Clean the thermostat housing fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 17

Unscrew the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 18

Remove the thermostat housing.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 3 Compact (E36). To avoid damaging the part when removing it, do not use excessive force.Caution! Coolant may leak out of the coolant lines and thermostat housing.
Step 19

Remove the thermostat.
Step 20

Clean the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a flat screwdriver. Use a seal scraper. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 21

Install a new thermostat.
Step 22

Treat the thermostat housing mounting seat. Use a sealant.
Step 23

Install the new thermostat housing.

AUTODOC recommends:
Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 3 Compact (E36). Do not use excessive force during installation. This may damage the part.
Step 24

Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 nm torque.
Step 25

Attach the coolant pipe bracket. Use a drive socket #13. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 11 nm torque.
Step 26

Tighten the thermostat housing fasteners. Use a drive socket #10. Use a torque wrench. Tighten it to 7 nm torque.

Step 27

Clean the thermostat housing fasteners. Use all-purpose cleaning spray.
Step 28

Connect the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing.
Step 29

Fasten the clamps of the coolant hoses. Use a drive socket #7. Use a ratchet wrench.
Step 30

Remove the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 31

Insert the funnel.
Step 32

Pour coolant in the coolant reservoir.

AUTODOC recommends:
Only use the coolant recommended by the manufacturer.The coolant level should be at the MAX mark.Wait until the air goes out of the system.
Step 33

Open the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.

Replacement: engine thermostat – BMW 3 Compact (E36). AUTODOC experts recommend:
This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.
Step 34

Run the engine for a few minutes. This should be done in order to remove residual air from the cooling system and to check if the components are operating correctly.

Step 35

Close the coolant system bleed screw. Use a flat screwdriver.

Step 36

Shut off the engine.

Step 37

Check the coolant level. If necessary, top up to the required level.
Step 38

Install the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 39

Screw on the coolant reservoir cap.
Step 40

Reinstall the air distribution housing assembly.

Step 41

Install the air duct housing fasteners.

Step 42

Remove the fender protection cover.

Step 43

Close the hood.

Was this manual helpful?

Please rate this manual on a scale from 1 to 5. If you have any questions, feel free to ask us.

Searching for the right tyres?

Find out which tyre and wheel sizes are compatible with the BMW 3 Compact (E36) model.

Browse tyres

How to change serpentine belt on BMW 3 Compact (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
870.4 KB
How to change spark plugs on BMW 3 Compact (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.58 MB
How to change water pump on BMW 3 Compact (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.38 MB
How to change rear brake pads on BMW 3 Compact (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.86 MB
How to change front brake pads on BMW 3 Compact (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.59 MB
How to change front brake discs on BMW 3 Compact (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.15 MB

How to change engine thermostat on BMW 3 Saloon (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
4.31 MB
How to change engine thermostat on BMW 3 Coupe (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
4.31 MB
How to change engine thermostat on BMW E36 – replacement guide

Free download PDF
2.01 MB
How to change engine thermostat on BMW 3 Coupe (E36) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
1.84 MB
How to change engine thermostat on BMW E46 Touring – replacement guide

Free download PDF
4.24 MB
How to change engine thermostat on BMW 3 Compact (E46) – replacement guide

Free download PDF
4.31 MB

Your profile is your personal assistant.

It can track car expenses, keep a car log and replacement schedule, and save favourite materials, notes and documents

Install the AUTODOC CLUB app!

Your personal car expenses manager, maintenance tips, reminders about upcoming appointments and service intervals, DIY repair instructions – all this on your phone.

Scan

To download the app:

- scan the QR code
- download from App Store
- download from Google Play

What to check when buying a used car | AUTODOC tips

5K views

Published on: 24/10/2020
How to reduce fuel consumption | AUTODOC

4K views

Published on: 27/09/2022
5 Tips for New Drivers | AUTODOC tips

3K views

Published on: 31/01/2023
Top 5 tips to prevent car rust | AUTODOC tips

5K views

Published on: 27/07/2023