I have this exact engine and installed a diesel thermostat. Previously, with the standard thermostat, the plastic timing chain guides would start to disintegrate after three years, but now I have no problem with that. The engine temperature is around 96°C.
Thermostat is an bmw part so its fine
If you want hotter with a thermostat the exact same shape as the genuine VW version, get the Mahle TX1392D. 92 C opening temperature. Keeps the engine warmer and you get a little better fuel economy.
I replaced my newly bought Wahler t-stat with my old Mahle but drilled. Temps stays 80-87c.
03’ E46 318ci with 130k miles and no issues with the whole cooling system. Neither the thermostat.
I’ve been using Germany-made Mahle thermostat for years. Now it throws a code that the heater doesn’t work (so it won’t open electrically, but mechanically it is working just fine), but no leaks.
The Mahle thermostat arrived today along with all the other bits I think I need to put the car back together. The problem is that the new one doesn't quite match the old one.
In regards to replacing the thermostat, Id stay away from Mahle/Behr. I just ran through two that stuck open, so far the Borg and Warner from FCP can actually hold temp @ -19C, which the Mahles could not at -10C.
I have the same one in my E53 X5 3.0 and it takes forever in the winter to warm up. I replaced the old one as it was leaking but the new one takes like 10miles to get fully up to temp. If I have a long coast up to a stop the temp gauge will actually go back down.
I just be replaced mine for the low regulating temperature, and the snag seemed to improve, but it will still pop up and the car is slow to hit temp, slower than it was last winter at least.
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