355 running too cold

I got mine from AW italian for 145$ (165473)

In the interchangeable parts thread some say you can install a much cheaper Lexus thermostat but my mechanic says he's never been able to make it work correctly.

 

Your stat must be stuck open. You will know when you take it out.

 

Aw italian & aw auto parts us are both the same company (they are updating to their new site but are keeping the old one online while doing so)

I noticed that for many of the parts I needed they had the best prices. I dealt with Stacey and they provided an excellent friendly service

 

Certainly

 

BMW blue coolant also works.

 

I've always used Pentosin G-11. It has served me well.

 

Please keep us updated after you installed new thermostat.

 

I use the latest coolant from Prestone, green, add 50% distilled water. BMW blue works, but it is much more expensive. As for the thermostat, you just need the oring, nothing else.

 

Being Italian, mine prefers Chianti in summer,
With a 10% Sambuca, 10% limonchello additive for the colder months.

 

One purpose of the thermostat is to keep the motor at a continuous operating temperature. 120 deg is not "operating temperature". It's "cold" and I believe that would be reflected in the operating map chosen by the ECU, probably richening the mixture and retarding the timing. A rich mixture would not be good for the cats IMO. The motor should operate around 190 deg at all times. There are those (and I'm not expert so I can't confirm) that believe that if it's running 120 deg at +RPM, it's pumping coolant thru the motor too quickly to properly absorb heat consistently throughout the motor. Cool cylinders and hot heads? I really don't know about that, but when I'm having trouble sleeping, I think about it.

 

Those freakin' radiator plugs really seem to be made for one use only. Jeez. I have to keep a couple of spares at all times. I've even had to use a bolt with an oring! And most of all, I HATE fluids!

 

Driving in 36 degrees F today and car was warmed up. Temp gauge right in middle between 120 and 190. That's three of us now.