1993 525i takes a long time for coolant to warm up. Thermostat stuck open?

[theirongiant]

I have a bone-stock 1993 525i with 205,000 miles that still drives great; I just completed the Inspection II Maintenance program all by myself.

Ever since I bought the car 6 months ago (at 194,000 miles) I have noticed that it seems to take the engine a very long time to warm up. After 5 minutes of city and some freeway driving, the needle has barely crept out of the "cold" zone. It takes nearly 20-30 minutes for it to reach the halfway point between cold and hot.

Is this normal?

[Rob]

No, that's not normal as far as my car goes. If I drive to the garage and back, (7ks) when I get back, the needal would've already been half way. I think if it's taking a long time to warm up, means the thermostate is open constantly.

[tsg4ct]

I had the same problem on my 1994 3 series. The thermostat bracket was broken and the coolant could never get up to temperature. You will need to replace it.

Tom
2000 323i
1994 530i
1994 325i