[FreddyM3]

118k and you only put 3k-4K a year.
No brainer, just do the t-stat and change the coolant to new genuine BMW. maybe change the green o-ring on the temp sensor on the lower radiator hose.

Awesome! Sounds like great advice, parts ordered! Now to find a good DIY for thermostat replacement.

 

[FreddyM3]

Could someone please point me to a good thermostat ONLY replacement DIY? Seems like I found one a week or so ago and now I can't find it. I've found plenty of water pump and thermostat replacement videos, etc. I'm wondering if removing the fan, shroud, belts is required, or hopefully since I am not doing the water pump, that can be avoided. Any help is much appreciated.

 

[Alex323Ci]

I would say you’d want to removed the shroud and fan anyways. It’s easy enough and you’ll want the room. Besides room for a small bucket to catch the coolant that will be spilt.

 

[MrMCar]

Also coolant dropped over the thirsty belts, leaving one with a crik-crik noise all the time.

 

[FreddyM3]

I would say you’d want to removed the shroud and fan anyways. It’s easy enough and you’ll want the room. Besides room for a small bucket to catch the coolant that will be spilt.

OK, thanks. Not that big of a deal as you say to remove fan/shroud. So if I understand this correctly, I will need to remove the intake and get all that stuff out of the way. Then remove the fan to have room/access to thermostat housing. Remove 2 hoses (expect some coolant to leak out), then remove thermostat housing (expect more coolant to leak out), then replace thermostat and reverse steps to reassemble. Then finally top off coolant. Is this pretty much the extent of this repair? Sounds easy enough. I've done several other repairs/maintenance items, belts, throttle position sensor (at the back of the engine), steering hoses, etc.