Best source for 71 degree thermostat?

[alpinewhite318i]

What is the best brand and source to get a decent 71 degree thermostat?  I know a lot of the aftermarket ones are terrible.  I had the Vernet one in my m10b18 motor but it's now sticking and it seems like it poor quality.

[John_in_VA]

I've always used Wahler.  A few sources show them as Borg Warner / Wahler now.  I only see Vernet making 71° ones.  Check with BluntTech or Maximillian Importing Co.

[alpinewhite318i]

Ok thanks for the info I will check those places out.  I might just end up getting the factory 75 degree thermostat if they still make them?

[FunElan]

I got a 75 degree unit from blunttech last year. Working well so far

[bmw_e30]

i got 71 wahler from bavarian auto parts euro (bap euro) here in LA a few years ago they have them in stock or can get them in hours usually. they can get almost anything for vintage bmw's and i've worked with the owner for 20 years now

 

https://www.yelp.com/biz/bap-european-north-hollywood-2?osq=bavarian

Edited June 12, 2020 by bmw_e30

[alpinewhite318i]

I ended up getting a 75 degree Wahler on ebay in the meantime. You haven't had any overheating problems with the 75 degree one in LA?   I will check out that link for BAP Euro. Thanks

[AustrianVespaGuy]

Isn't 71 degrees awfully cold for an M10? Just asking!

[Dick R]

Regarding the 71 degree thermostat possibly being too cold - since installing the 71 a few years ago, I've never had any overheating issues.  I really like seeing that temperature needle always slightly below horizontal.  Maybe the engine doesn't run quite as as efficiently as with a higher temperature thermostat, but the piece of mind is worth it.  Also, much cheaper than reducing the potential for overheating by installing a better radiator and/or using an electric fan. 

[Carlos_M]

I'm a fan of the 75 degree.  Used it when in San Diego, Park City, New Orleans and now Oregon.  Blunt tech great source, pelican parts, maximillian... lot's of options.  I did have a Wahler go bad and Blunt tech offered to warranty but it's cheap enough to just replace.  

[JohnS]

After putting in a high capacity radiator from W&N, I had to switch to using an 80 degree thermostat just to keep it running hot enough.  I also switched out the standard tii "Tropical" fan for the smaller kind (less noise).  No issues with overheating.

[Dudeland]

Whichever one you pick, drill a 1/4 inch hole in the thermostat plate.  It doesn't change anything with the thermostat, but it will let you drain the entire system without getting a big sploosh when you disconnect the thermostat. 

 

[mvliotta]

On 6/12/2020 at 5:54 PM, JohnS said:

After putting in a high capacity radiator from W&N, I had to switch to using an 80 degree thermostat just to keep it running hot enough.

 

After installing the W&N high capacity radiator I've noticed my car running very cool these days. Needle seems to be at the 4:00 position most of he time, although it has not seen the summer heat yet in NJ.

 

I think I have 71 deg thermostat. How does one tell for sure? What is a good source for the 80 deg variant?

 

Vince

[alpinewhite318i]

Does drilling the small help make the car run a little bit cooler and prevent air pockets from forming?

[JohnS]

16 hours ago, mvliotta said:

 

 What is a good source for the 80 deg variant?

I'm sure all of the usual suspects have them (Blunt, Max, IE etc.)  I think I got mine here BEHR/Mahle brand:

https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/1153146805680-MFG322-V5478.aspx

Edited June 15, 2020 by JohnS

[Carlos_M]

16 hours ago, mvliotta said:

 

After installing the W&N high capacity radiator I've noticed my car running very cool these days. Needle seems to be at the 4:00 position most of he time, although it has not seen the summer heat yet in NJ.

 

I think I have 71 deg thermostat. How does one tell for sure? What is a good source for the 80 deg variant?

 

Vince

It should have a stamp on the side you should be able to see if you stick your head down or use a mirror.