[wrable]

Hello all. 2014 X3 3.0 with M package. So, driving along and get the "engine overheated, drive moderately until cool down: message. The temp gauge however reads 190. I pull over. turn off the car wait ten seconds and restart, give it one rev and the message goes off and temp drops back to about 180. 30 minutes later same deal. BMW says this is a 50% functioning Water Pump (is that even possible, doesn't it work or not?) and/or Thermostat. Within the thirty minutes the temp stays at 180 and as I approach 30 minutes it moves slightly over 190 but never even close to the 240 mark but I can predict by that little movement that the warning will come on again. No leaks detected and performance is fine. Makes no difference if I go fast, slow etc.

Any thoughts?

[Wgosma]

The dash temp gauge reads engine temperature, not coolant water temperature.
The water pump is electric motor powered, they are not known for good longevity.

Reading fault codes with computer best for diagnostics, pumps speed,etc.

[deyrag]

Dash gauge read OIL temp

[E36M3]

Time to change the water pump and thermostat. Also change the hose with the Mickey Mouse flange at the same time if it hasn’t already been converted to a metallic one as the stock plastic ones crumble once aged and heat cycled.