still running hot!

hey fanatics,
i posted a thread about my 2000 328i running hot a months or two ago and i STILL can't figure out why! i've replaced drain plugs to stop the leaking coolant, i've replaced the coolant temp sensor, and i've replaced the fan, but it's STILL running about 3/4 hot, sometimes running just before "the red". i don't know if the fan ever even turns on or not...what the heck am i doing wrong?? my old fan definitely wasn't working, but this is a new one, so theoretically it should run and keep the car cool......right? i feel like if it was the water pump it would have completely overheated by now. i still have not yet had an overheat with the engine, so i'm not sure if maybe the needle just isn't reading right or what! any help would be amazing, guys. thanks!

A bit of the opposite direction, however, suggest you read this thread so you can figure out how to check the engine temp using the Hidden OBC Menu.

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...ghlight=report

If you are having over heating issues, you have either insufficient water movement and/or air movement.

But first figure out if your engine is running hot or of your temp gauge is indicating the incorrect temperature.

Did you replace the thermostat while you were at it?

What jfoj said.

thanks guys! sorry for the late reply. i bought a new thermostat and am replacing it tomorrow, so hopefully that will do the trick and i won't have to replace the water pump too. but i also have another question: my fan is still not moving...will a bad thermostat prevent the fan from starting while the car is running?

You need to determine if the engine is actually running hot or if there is a problem with the gauge.
did you bring up your actual temp in the OBC display? If so, what is it?

Electric fans do not typically run in the cold tests, but if your engine has a mechanical fan, check the fan clutch and make sure it is not slipping too much.

The front fan is usually a "pusher" fan that only comes on with the AC on.