Wow, looks like they finally started to make

[Stinger9]

an Aluminum thermostat housing for our e46's. Took 'em long enough. Cost is not exorbitant to avoid cracking plastic.

Here it is

[1st bimmer]

I installed one on my y2k 323ci, I don't remember if this is the one I put on but I bought it on EBAY. I've had it about 4 months now with no problems.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-98-06-BMW-3-5-Series-Thermostat-Housing-METAL-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZMakeQ3aBMWQ7cModelQ3a323Ci QQhashZitem35adae0627QQitemZ230547129895QQptZMotor sQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

[michaelgvh]

================================================== =======

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

[Stinger9]

now you've got me worried with a price so cheap I begin to suspect Chinese made aftermarket. Has all the warning signs of worldwide shipping and no listing of what brand this is.
I think I'd rather have BMW plastic than Chinese metal. They have a knack for making really substandard and unreliable products.
I'd email this seller to get the brand and country of origin before I'd buy this part.
Did you happen to save or scrutinize the box for any of the info mentioned above?

[jayb]

At the rate our economy is going compared to China, in 10 to 15 years nothing will be made outside of China. I am thinking that even our currency will be printed in China--if that is possible.

[1st bimmer]

I'll check to see if I saved any paperwork but the unit in your link looks exactly like the one I have. The casting quality looks very good but I guess time will tell.

[michaelgvh]

The porkchop gasket will fail long before the housing no matter where it's made.============================================= ============

Michael G. vH

1999 528it
1994 325i (sold)

[JKRIT]

. . the bi-metallic coil that opens and closes the thermostat will fail (stick in one position) long before the porkchop gasket or housing fails. (IMHO)
'03 525i Sapphire Blu/Grey, SP, Nav
'02 325it Orient Blu./Grey, SP, Nav
'98 323is Arctic Sil./Blk, SP
'95 M3 Cosmos Blk./Blk