[steq184]

My wife's car is a 1999 318i e46, the problem is that it takes ages for it to heat up, the heater is probably the slowest to heat up in any of the cars I've been in.
Have checked that the radiator is topped up, that's about the extent of my investigation.
Anything else for me to check?

 

[Deano16v]

where does the temp needle get to on the gauge mate? thermostat may be stuck open.

 

[DSK]

Sounds like you may need a new thermostat (about £8) and then bleed the cooling system out to ensure there are no air locks. The car should then warm up from cold in a few minutes and the heater shold be nice and warm.

 

[sprintman]

Have you ever done the E46 cooling system service if not you are way overdue? I have the same problem getting it done on the 5th January. Standard items include thermostat, expansion tank, hoses, coolant and if you have plastic impeller water pump it as well and of course coolant. Just another of the E46 foibles

 

[SteveyBoy]

Sounds exactly like the problem I had on my E36, thermostat was stuck open, fitted a new one, warms up in under 5 mins now,the heaters seem to be blowing hotter now if thats possible:hihi