BMW 328Ci Car Thermostat Replacement Costs

Car	Service	Estimate	Shop/Dealer Price
2000 BMW 328CiL6-2.8L	Service typeCar Thermostat Replacement	Estimate$584.14	Shop/Dealer Price$668.52 - $894.73

Car

Service

Estimate

Shop/Dealer Price

2000 BMW 328CiL6-2.8L

Service typeCar Thermostat Replacement

Estimate$584.14

Shop/Dealer Price$668.52 - $894.73

What is an engine cooling system thermostat and how does it work?

The car's engine cooling system thermostat is a small valve within a cooling system passageway that opens and closes in response to the temperature of the circulating engine coolant. When your car is first started and the coolant is cold, the valve in the thermostat will be in the closed position, circulating the coolant flow only within the engine instead of flowing to the radiator, which allows the engine to warm up fast, promoting fuel efficiency, low emissions, and reduced engine deposits. Once the engine coolant reaches the design temperature, usually around 195 degrees, the valve will open and close as you drive in order to maintain a coolant temperature typically between 195 to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

When to consider replacing the engine cooling system thermostat:

Engine overheats. A thermostat with the valve stuck closed is a common cause of engine overheating. However, since there are other causes of overheating, a mechanic will thoroughly inspect the cooling system prior to condemning the thermostat. Since it is usually not known how badly the engine overheated, the mechanic will also try to determine if there is evidence that the cylinder head gasket was blown. If so, it would be repaired prior to replacing the thermostat.
Temperature gauge reads too low or too high. Thermostats can get sticky, causing the engine temperature to stray from the optimal range. Your dash-mounted temperature gauge will notify you of this malfunction.
Cooling system repairs. All thermostats eventually fail. Therefore, if the cooling system is already open for major repairs, such as water pump or radiator replacement, it is recommended to install a new thermostat simply as insurance against future breakdown.

How do mechanics replace the engine cooling system thermostat?

Once the engine is completely cold, the radiator cap is loosened and enough coolant is drained from the radiator so the coolant level is below the thermostat housing.
The thermostat housing is removed and the thermostat and gasket are extracted. Note that some cars have more than one cooling system thermostat and both might need replacement.
All mounting surfaces on the thermostat housing are cleaned of old gasket material. A new gasket is applied and the thermostat is re-installed in the correct orientation and with the temperature sensing cylinder facing downward towards the engine.
The thermostat housing bolts are tightened to original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications using a calibrated inch-pound torque wrench.
The cooling system is refilled with the appropriate coolant type and the system is fully bled of all air.
The car engine is run until the normal operating temperature is reached, and while taking precautions with the hot coolant, the coolant level is rechecked while confirming there is flow through the radiator — either visually or with an infrared temperature gun. This will confirm the thermostat is open. Finally, the engine is checked for leaks.

Is it safe to drive with an engine cooling system thermostat problem?

No. If it has been determined that there is a thermostat problem, it should be repaired right away. Failure to do so can cause substantial and costly damage to the engine.

When replacing the engine cooling system thermostat keep in mind:

Engine overheating due to causes other than a faulty thermostat, will themselves damage a thermostat. Therefore, always replace the thermostat if the engine overheats, even if the thermostat was not the initial cause of the overheating.
The thermostat should be replaced anytime you have major work done on the coolant system. It is convenient and costs little during such repairs and insurance against future breakdown.
OEM thermostats are the best ones to use and you can request your mechanic to install only the OEM thermostat. Dealer supplied, OEM thermostats are sometimes more costly but are generally higher quality and specifically engineered for your car.

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Robert

32 years of experience

646 reviews

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by Chris

BMW 328Ci L6-2.8L - Service Light is on - San Jose, California

Robert is an excellent and expert mechanic . His knowledge of vehicles as well as his extremely professional manner make him a great choice to work on your vehicle . He goes above and beyond . I have used him on two jobs, he has always called the night before to touch base, and then is always prompt and courteous. He is awesome . Not only is he a great and master mechanic but also a great person . We are lucky to have him work and repair our vehicles .

Tien

24 years of experience

903 reviews

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by Ben

BMW X5 V8-4.4L - Thermostat - Alameda, California

Tien notified me that he was running late and when he arrived he immediately worked on the car. He replaced my thermostat, drained the oil and change the oil filter, replaced the oil drain plug and replaced my expansion tank and removed the valve cover to replace the valve cover gasket. We are missing the expansion tank hose. Tien ordered upper radiator and lower radiator hose and asked me schedule another appointment. I scheduled my next appointment hoping all the parts are here next time so Tien can complete the valve cover gasket and continue to troubleshoot the cooling system.

Jared

5 years of experience

91 reviews

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by Douglas

BMW 740iL V8-4.4L - Thermostat - Conyers, Georgia

Jarred was great!

Rigoberto

12 years of experience

739 reviews

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by MARY

BMW X3 L4-2.0L Turbo - Thermostat - Chicago, Illinois

This is the 3rd time I have used him. Very courteous, professional & knowledgeable about all types of cars!

BMW 328Ci Car Thermostat Replacement at your home or office.

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Car Thermostat Replacement Service

How much does a Car Thermostat Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 328Ci Car Thermostat Replacement is $411 with $145 for parts and $266 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

What is an engine cooling system thermostat and how does it work?

When to consider replacing the engine cooling system thermostat:

How do mechanics replace the engine cooling system thermostat?

Is it safe to drive with an engine cooling system thermostat problem?

When replacing the engine cooling system thermostat keep in mind:

Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

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Robert

Tien

Jared

Rigoberto

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