Aluminum thermostat housing
 

I want to know if they make aluminum thermostat housing for the 96 TI?
If so where can I buy one?

I don't think there is any aftermarket available....the ti thermostat housing is larger than standard e36 models (which have the aluminum option) AND the thermostat is built inside the housing, not separate like other e36 models. (IIRC)

I've never had the chance to actually try it, but the thermostat on the M42 is an all metal house, with a seperate thermostat. The M44 has the plastic housing with the thermostat built in. They look virtually identical.

Not to say that there couldn't be some internal differences, but I've always thought that you could use the M42 metal housing if you wanted to.

I'm in the middle of trying to figure this out as well, will post what I find.

Metric Mechanic said they are not interchangeable. The seal appears different on Realoem. Would be nice...

The plastic one lasts at least 10 years. Should be changing the thermostat by then anyways.

Is changing a thermostat easy to do?

On these cars, yes. Very.

So I just drain the radiator and unscrew the bolt and remove it and then just replace the new thermostat in With the old one?
Is that all I do?

This should help....

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ooling96up.jpg

You'll need to replace #'s 5 & 6.

When you have it all back together, do this:

http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthrea...g+system+bleed




:wink: