Why Is Your BMW’s Engine Overheating?

When you purchase a vehicle like a BMW, it is completely natural to expect that your car will experience fewer problems than others. BMW is known for designing luxury vehicles that are well made and durable. Should you ever experience any problems with your car, it is normal to be frustrated. Even cars as wonderful as a BMW are not completely resistant to malfunctions from time to time. However, with proper maintenance and care you can significantly reduce the amount of issues that you encounter.

In your owner’s manual, you can find a variety of services recommended for your car with a guideline of when you should perform these services. In conjunction with having a trusted mechanic, with these services you can often prevent problems from occurring and if you do have any malfunctions, you can catch them early.

Overheating BMWs

One common issue that BMW owners have reported is an issue with overheating. There are potentially a few different causes for an engine running too hot. If you are aware of the signs, you may be able to catch the problem early enough to not cause further damage to your vehicle.

If the temperature gauge on your vehicle goes past the three-quarter mark, your car may be in serious trouble. It is important that you stop driving your vehicle and request a tow truck to take you to a mechanic. If you continue to drive in your vehicle when your engine is significantly overheating, you could ruin your engine entirely.

Reasons Why Your BMW May be Overheating

There are quite a few reasons why your BMW may be overheating. By knowing what signs to look for, you may be able to determine the source for your car’s troubles. However, it is always recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a trusted mechanic who is familiar with working on BMWs. When it comes to issues that could require costly repairs, it is a good idea to go to an expert for inspection. Visiting a specialized mechanic ensures that they have the experience of dealing with your type of issue and they will have a good idea of what problem areas to look out for.

One cause for your car overheating is having a faulty coolant thermostat. Your car’s coolant thermostat is what monitors the temperature of your car’s engine and controls when the coolant needs to circulate after your engine has reached the right temperature. Over time, these parts can fail and corrode. Another possible cause could be a failure with the coolant plugs, seals, or hose flanges. Again, over time these parts can weaken or corrode. When you are doing any service on the cooling system in your car, make sure to inspect the other components to ensure they have not worn down.

If your car is overheating, but only while sitting idle, it could be an indicator that your water pump needs to be replaced. Overheating while idle may mean that you have water that is leaking past the seals. Talk with your mechanic to determine if this is the cause of your car overheating. There may be an underlying issue that is causing the problem to begin with.

How We Can Help

Here at Mike Johns Imports our technicians specialize in BMW and Mini Cooper repairs. This specialty helps us to devote our time to understanding the ins and outs of your BMW or a Mini. If you think your BMW is having an overheating issue but you are not sure of the cause, we can inspect your vehicle. We will determine the source for you and let you know what our recommended repair is. Our technicians are willing to work with you in order to determine the best course of action for you and your vehicle.

Our location is convenient to the residents of Louisville, St. Matthews, Jeffersontown, Crestwood, and Hurstbourne, KY. We are passionate about providing you with the best customer service and making sure that your MINI or your BMW is running properly. If you would like to schedule an appointment with us, please visit or call our office where a representative will be glad to assist you.