Why do BMW's I6 engines generally run hot?

[Mr. Tasty]

Mine will run all day just below the middle on a 110 degree day with the ac on

same

[Kevinl]

Mine will run all day just below the middle on a 110 degree day with the ac on

[nrubenstein]

Swap cars have compromised cooling systems, which makes things worse. They also tend to have thin walled headers that leak a lot more heat into the engine bay as well.

But no, I6 engines do not magically put more heat into the engine bay. Than other similar engines.

[nando]

get a fan clutch like everyone else says.

also, don't rely on remembering to push the button on the fan switch. you don't need a timer, there is a stock thermoswitch that will turn it on, which you can replace with one that turns it on earlier (from an E36 M42 powered car). but you should still get a fan clutch because if you have A/C, the condenser fan isn't going to be able to handle keeping the engine cool and running A/C at the same time.

[E30NJ]

^^ absolutely. +1 on the fan clutch and AUX fan

[ELVA164]

Not having the fan shroud on the radiator and idling for an extended period could also cause the temperature to rise.

[MR 325]

Your car needs work. They don't all run hot. None of my cars ever have an issue.

You should not need the aux (electric) fan AT ALL to keep your E30 at the correct temp unless you're actually using the AC.

[dnguyen1963]

Who told you? There is something wrong with your car if the temp needle approaches the red zone twice. Check your fan clutch then your coolant system.

[socalife]

Compared to other cars, when i lift the hood of my e30 the m50 sends a heat wave in the atmosphere even though the temp needle is on the first white mark. I heard all of the inline 6's (m20,m30,m50,m52 ect.) are like this. Is their a mechanical explanation because im kinda curious. Before anyone asks, yes i have the correct thermostat and i keep my electric fan on before i forget to press the snowflake button because i barely witnessed the temp needle approaching the red twice since i said to my self that i would turn it on again because the engine is too cold. btw, does anyone know where i can get a timer that turns the fan on automatically?