Thermostat M52TUb28

Smudgemanuk

Smudgemanuk

Zorg Guru (II)
British Zeds
Joined
Dec 1, 2024
Points
104
Location
Bicester, Oxford
Model of Z
2.8l TU pre-facelift z3
Hi all,

I am planning to do a preventative cooling system refresh.

The thermostat cannot be metal due to the TU having an electro stat, so the plastic options are below

Which thermostat should I go with:
BMW (Wahler or Behr) - £103
Wahler new - £51
Mahle, Meyle, Gates - Around £50-£70
Mishimoto - £75
Any other brands.

Wahler seems to have a consistent leaking issue around the electrical connector, not ideal.

@Lee what do you use in the ZedShed?
@Mike Fishwick Thank you for the helpful guide, which did you go with?

I would love to hear other peoples opinions/ experiences as well

Thanks Chris
 
I live in the desert, Phoenix, AZ. I use a 180 degree thermostat and have replaced the housing with an aluminum unit for durability. I replace my thermostat about once every 2 years or when cooling system service is required, my last time was about a month ago because of a leaking water pump. My last thermostat was Beck Arnley
 
If the M52 is the same as the M54, the thermostat is electric AND mechanical.
Mine has a mechanical opening temperature of 87 deg C, the power opens it sooner at around 81. Works well and maintains a constant 81-83c at tickover (I have checked it with live data).

I bought a Febi stat from eBay which was £44.00 delivered, end of 2025.
 
Smudgemanuk said:
Hi all,

I am planning to do a preventative cooling system refresh.

The thermostat cannot be metal due to the TU having an electro stat, so the plastic options are below

Which thermostat should I go with:
BMW (Wahler or Behr) - £103
Wahler new - £51
Mahle, Meyle, Gates - Around £50-£70
Mishimoto - £75
Any other brands.

Wahler seems to have a consistent leaking issue around the electrical connector, not ideal.

@Lee what do you use in the ZedShed?
@Mike Fishwick Thank you for the helpful guide, which did you go with?

I would love to hear other peoples opinions/ experiences as well

Thanks Chris
Click to expand...

They do a metal housing for the M54 variant too, think it was £35 off SCAM DON’T CLICK :D
 
I only use genuine thermostats from the dealer. Yes they're more money but.....

Same as radiators - there are the Behr ones made for BMW and the ones they make for the aftermarket - not the same thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top