2nd Gen R56 Cooper Most liked posts in thread: Code P0597

  1. OldBlue

    OldBlue New Member

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    #2 OldBlue, Dec 15, 2011
    Looks like the thermostat is going bad? Is that correct? :skep:

    I'm suprised that there is a sensor that can determine that.
     
  2. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    #3 Nathan, Dec 15, 2011
    My guess, and yes it is a guess, is that the thermostat is stuck open.

    How's the heat? Does it come up normally or take a bit longer for the cabin to warm up?
     
  3. OldBlue

    OldBlue New Member

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    #4 OldBlue, Dec 15, 2011
    Heats up normally. Haven't noticed any problem. Coolant is full, no leaks anywhere. I may borrow my brothers ScanGauge temporarily and check the coolant temp when I'm driving tomorrow. Wondering if the thermostat is actually shot or if there could be a sensor that is malfunctioning. Not that I'd know which one it was...... :eek:
     
  4. OldBlue

    OldBlue New Member

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    #5 OldBlue, Dec 15, 2011
  5. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    #6 agranger, Dec 16, 2011
    On the R53, the thermostat and the thermostat housing (which looks like a much smaller version of what you linked to) are separate components. In the R53, you can replace the thermostat without replacing the housing.
     
  6. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    #7 agranger, Dec 16, 2011
    Hmmm... looks like the R56 is all one piece:

    [​IMG]

    I don't know if they go bad, but there is a temp sensor in that pic... #5

    RealOEM.com * BMW R56 Cooper Waterpump - Thermostat

    I watched a local club member replace one of these artificial hearts at a DIY day in his R56. It took him an hour or two, but it wasn't that complicated and looked very straight-forward if you are handy with a wrench.
     
  7. OldBlue

    OldBlue New Member

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    #8 OldBlue, Dec 16, 2011
    Yeah, I know myway around a wrench, so doesn't look too bad. Just have to find the time to do it.

    I read somewhere that the thermostat is electrically controlled. If that's the case, did we really need an electrically controlled thermostat? After a gazillion years, are the temperature controlled ones suddenly no good?
     
  8. countryboyshane

    countryboyshane New Member

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    #9 countryboyshane, Dec 29, 2011
    From what I remember the electronically controlled thermostat has two stages of opening. The first is for normal "commute" style driving and it's designed to keep the temps around 220-225 deg. F. When driving under very high load the thermostat will open to the 2nd position that drops the temp further. I can't remember how low though. I think it's around 190-195 deg. F.

    I would definitely like a mechanical thermostat but I suspect the electronic version might have something to do with emissions as well.
     
  9. agranger

    agranger MINI of the Month June 2009
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    #10 agranger, Dec 29, 2011
    Old Blue: Any update?
     
  10. OldBlue

    OldBlue New Member

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    #11 OldBlue, Feb 14, 2012
    Last edited: Feb 14, 2012
    Sorry, life has had me tied up and I forgot to reply. Yes the thermostat is bad. Nathan was right - it is taking longer than normal to warm up. My 14 mile ride from work, and on a 50 degree day, I'd only get to about 170 degrees. Still have the scan gauge in the car, so I'm keeping an eye on it, but it will have to wait until it gets warmer out before I tear into it. $100 in parts, and $10 in beer. Should be good!

    I like the ScanGauge II. My brother may not get it back.....:biggrin5: