Reason to worry?

[jbgood]

'91 318i convertible -- Was out runnig a few errands today, last stop was the gas station. Check the oil while filling, happen to feel the lower radiator (radiator to water pump) and its stone cold. Just drove about 30 miles with several stops. Air temp is mid-30s and the heat is working great in car. Temp gauge is about a needle-width to the left of straight up; car is running great. Water pump and thermostat were last changed about 60k miles ago when the timing chain was done. Radiator was replaced about a month later.

Am I looking at nothing more than a new thermostat? Any other concerns come to mind? Thanks!

[roguetoaster]

I wouldn't worry yet. Take the car out for a spirited local drive and see if the hose is getting hot or the temp gauge registers any above normal temps.

[brads2002]

Sounds ok. Considering running your heat and cold temps might just be normal operation.

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[jbgood]

Thanks guys. I'll keep an eye on it and replace the thermostat if it acts up or when the weather warms up a bit.

[TobyB]

That's the sign of a functioning radiator.

If it was hot at the bottom, then you might have a problem.

Needle a bit to the left of straight up= perfect, more or less.

The top 1/3 of your rad's perfectly adequate for idling around in cold temps.
Heck, the whole thing does just fine in Spokane at 100+ with your foot on the floor
for half an average lap...

t

[bmwman91]

The lower hose should feel relatively cool, especially if it is like 30 degrees out. That's the cooled coolant that comes out of the radiator, and naturally it is supposed to be the "cold" feed for the engine, with the top hose being the hot one with uncooled coolant going to the radiator.