Thermostat - gasket or no gasket?

[smtguy]

Gentlemen,
I replaced my '83 e24s thermostat over the weekend; the most fun part being getting the original 35 year old steel screws screws out safely, but that's for another thread. RealOEM shows the T-stat, housing assembly, rubber O'ring, etc but without a "paper" gasket between the housing and the T-stat cover. Is there supposed to be one? My guess is yes since there was one present on disassembly. I put one in and had no leaks or issues, but it made me wonder why RealOEM didn't show one? Certainly you are not supposed to rely on just the rubber O'ring for sealing this assembly? I would greatly appreciate comments from you experts.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpar ... Id=11_0690


Thank you,

[brickwhite]

Yes, I always use one. It's $2 why not.

PN- 11531250357



https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-ga ... 1531250357

[Hefeweizen]

I always use one as well. You can also make one yourself out of a milk carton.