How to remove and install the thermostat on BMW M3?

To replace the thermostat on E30 models with S14, M20, or M42 engines, start by draining the coolant and loosening the hose clamps or bolts on the thermostat housing. Remove the thermostat and install the new one, ensuring the support bar faces out for M20 and M42 models. Replace the O-ring and gasket where necessary and torque the bolts. For E36 models, disconnect the battery, remove the radiator trim cover, cooling fan, and hoses. Loosen the housing bolts and replace the entire unit if the thermostat is installed into the housing. Check the housing for cracks, replace the seal, and install the new thermostat with the air bleed hole up. Coat the bolts with anti-seizing compound, tighten them, and reassemble the remaining parts. Finally, bleed the cooling system and enter the radio security code.

Genuine BMW M3 Thermostat

Engine Coolant Thermostat

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8 Thermostats found

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BMW M3 Engine Coolant Thermostat with Seal
Part Number: 11537586885
$94.20 MSRP: $135.57
You Save: $41.37 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Engine Coolant Thermostat Kit; Thermostat, Thermostat Housing, Thermostat Unit
- Replaces: 11-53-0-304-425, 11-53-7-502-779
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2021-2025 BMW M3 | 6 Cyl 3.0 L GAS
- 2015-2018 BMW M3 | Sedan(F80)
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BMW M3 Thermostat
Part Number: 11537836155
$113.02 MSRP: $162.66
You Save: $49.64 (31%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2008-2013 BMW M3 | Convertible(E93), Coupe(E92), Sedan(E90)
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BMW M3 Engine Coolant Thermostat
Part Number: 11531318274
$118.11 MSRP: $147.44
You Save: $29.33 (20%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Thermostat
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2001-2006 BMW M3 | Convertible(E46), Coupe(E46)
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BMW M3 Behr Thermot-Tronik Thermostat
Part Number: 11537511580
$49.17 MSRP: $59.37
You Save: $10.20 (18%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Thermostat
- Replaces: 11-53-1-721-002
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1999 BMW M3 | Convertible(E36), Coupe(E36), Sedan(E36)
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BMW M3 Thermostat
Part Number: 13541730682
$89.11 MSRP: $103.31
You Save: $14.20 (14%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1996 BMW M3 | Coupe(E36)
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BMW M3 Thermostat
Part Number: 11537511083
$87.74 MSRP: $107.71
You Save: $19.97 (19%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Thermostat Housing
- Replaces: 11-53-1-712-043, 11-53-1-468-057, 11-53-1-733-803
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1995-1996 BMW M3 | Coupe(E36)
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BMW M3 Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Thermostat
Part Number: 17228678822
$148.22 MSRP: $216.93
You Save: $68.71 (32%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
ADD TO CART
Product Specifications
- Other Name: Thermostat; Thermostat Unit
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2021-2025 BMW M3 | 6 Cyl 3.0 L GAS
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BMW M3 Thermostat
Part Number: 11531315537
$487.54 MSRP: $619.15
You Save: $131.61 (22%)
Product Specifications
- Replaces: 11-53-1-311-654, 11-53-1-309-786
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 1988-1991 BMW M3 | Coupe(E30)

BMW M3 Thermostat

The BMW M3 Thermostat protects the high-revving engines by rapidly bringing in coolant flow so temperature remains in the narrow performance sweet spot. Seated near the radiator, the Thermostat remains closed during warm-up, allowing the inner loop to heat up rapidly for efficient combustion. It opens when the water rises to its trigger point, merging the outer loop to carry excess heat away and avoid damaging overheating. Early generations of the M3 applied a simple bimetal mechanical Thermostat that bent under heat, while later cars adopted the more accurate wax pellet style, which expands its wax, pushing a plunger to give a smoother, faster response. Both styles strive for the same goal, but the wax unit is more consistent in its reaction over repeated heat cycles, and the gauge remains more stable in spirited driving in any of the BMW models in the famed M3 line. A faulty Thermostat can stick closed, causing coolant stagnation that leads to warped heads or worse, meaning that BMW enthusiasts keep their eyes on the temperature needle and change the Thermostat promptly to ensure every BMW M3 remains track-ready.

If you are looking for OEM BMW M3 Thermostat, we highly recommend to shop with us. Not only do we offer budget friendly prices, but we also provide fast delivery. In addition, we have a hassle-free return policy on all genuine BMW M3 Thermostat that come backed by the manufacturer's warranty.

BMW M3 Thermostat Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Behr Thermot-Tronik Thermostat
11537511580
Q:
How to remove and install the thermostat on BMW M3?
Posted by Ker V.
A:
To replace the thermostat on E30 models with S14, M20, or M42 engines, start by draining the coolant and loosening the hose clamps or bolts on the thermostat housing. Remove the thermostat and install the new one, ensuring the support bar faces out for M20 and M42 models. Replace the O-ring and gasket where necessary and torque the bolts. For E36 models, disconnect the battery, remove the Radiator trim cover, cooling fan, and hoses. Loosen the housing bolts and replace the entire unit if the thermostat is installed into the housing. Check the housing for cracks, replace the seal, and install the new thermostat with the air bleed hole up. Coat the bolts with anti-seizing compound, tighten them, and reassemble the remaining parts. Finally, bleed the cooling system and enter the radio security code.
Answered by BMW Parts Specialist Blaine / Mar 10, 2025