Any specific brand, or link to buy them? Just asking in case there is a "preferred brand".

 

I got mine together with the new alloy thermo tower, but I think they are all over the place, just check the correct temperature-open range (I think around 80C, but you better search the forum than rely on me ).
Correct ones are having a small opening in the body, for self-bleeding, this opening should be upwards when installing into the seal.

 

Cool, thank you! Yes my car already has the aluminum thermostat tower.

 

Dumb question guys. Do I need to buy any new gaskets before replacing the thermostat? Now I see how it easy it is to change.

 

I remember my new alloy tower came with a thick seal for the thermostat, which looked like it will last forever, so probably no need to replace.
Guess easiest to say if you take the old one out.

 

Sounds good

 

When changing gaskets on anything that's supposed to seal, it doesn't hurt to add a little silicone sealant to aid the sealing. If you buy OEM thermostat it generally comes with a nice meaty seal, but as Eric says the Alloy towers normally come with a similar seal.

Before opening up the thermostat, drain the coolant by opening the tap at the bottom of the radiator or by extracting it via the expansion tank. This will save you drenching the belt and pulleys with liquid and flooding the engine valley.

 

Thanks Stu! Yes I know where the petcock is. For my US car, it's on the left side.

 

As mentioned by Stu, for something like the thermostat, don't come close to the radiator tap, it only gives a big mess under the car.
I used a small handpump, and just sucked some of the coolant out from the expansion tank.
The bottom of the tank is about the same level as the lower part of the thermostat tower.
And your knock sensors are in the valley, they will be destroyed by coolant, you don't want that to happen ... $$$

 

I searched x308 tstat gasket, and it shows me the o ring. Where can I get this gasket, or what is it called?