If my D2 only went to 203 degrees and no more, I would be so happy.
I replaced the radiator - which took me way too long to figure out.
And the fan clutch.

I ran it around WITHOUT a fan installed for weeks..
did not make even much of a difference to the temps..

Will put in a Thermostat next - the 180 degree one. Which they mark up $30 by the way to rip you off..

 

SSL9000J - if you have not done it you might consider a 180F stat for the D1. Also, be sure you have a bleeder jiggle device or a 1/8 inch hole in the rim of the stat, at 12:00 position, which keeps an air pocket behind the stat from being a steam bath.

 

Will that hole apply to the D2 180 degree F stat?
Would be hard to reach in there and drill it.
But probably could.

I remember the faithful BMW 735i had a jiggle pin in the 'stat.
And so did the 524td diesel BMW.

My 2001 D2 taunts me.
Sez 208 degrees is where I want to be..
So I loaded up the truck on parts from Beverly..
Hills that is. Cuz these parts ain't cheap, no sir.

I almost think the water pump is junk.
Needs a pump with a more aggressive impeller.
Probably someone put in a junk replacement pump.
Truck had 96K when I bought it.

 

I have a 180F "failsafe" stat, which actually got stuck in the open position. (Just found that out a couple of weeks ago.) It has since been fixed and modified to include the 1/8" air hole at the top. Is it getting too hot before opening?

 

jfall - the D2 stat has holes in it already, don't drill any more.

SSL9000J - failsafe stat belongs on the shelf. It could latch open again easily. The purpose of the 1/8 hole or jiggle device is to allow any bubbles to pass by rather than building up a steam pocket when the stat is closed. If there is a pocket, the exposed parts of the stat just don't get as hot as quick. Imagine your hand over a pot of bubbling pasta. Pretty warm. Now plunge your hand into the pasta. Stat needs to be submerged.

It is normal to see some overshoot of temperature when the stat first starts to operate after initial start. As the stat cycles a few more times the swings decrease.