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Saga posted:No idea with the newer motors. Saga posted:Yeah, but how do you snap 2/3rds of the valve cover bolts before you figure out that maybe you should (i) not reuse the bolts and (ii) use a lower torque setting? Or even just, use a torque setting.
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Dec 24, 2010 13:42
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Where can one find the cigarette lighter bit that goes in the cigarette lighter plug? Some dickhead friend of mine lost mine and there is a little light shining out of there that makes my OCD mad.
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Dec 24, 2010 14:53
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evobatman posted:Crossposting this, the BMW Multi-Purpose Vehicle: I like how it also appears that he is currently spinning his rears in the photo. Fun BMW winter story: Yesterday I pulled out of a car wash and stopped for a second outside to check that none of my superior german door trims had fallen off. Got back in the car, put it in first, let out the clutch, and the RPMs just went sky high without me going anywhere. For some reason my first instinct was that my clutch was toast, so I let it out gently and again no action from the tires. With the engine at about 4000 rpms in first and my brain trying to figure out how my clutch had packed up completely in just a few short seconds the tires finally caught on dry pavement and I did a big screeching burnout up the ramp and out of the carwash. Stopped the car, watched a cloud of tire smoke pass me, and looked back at where I had been to see a giant, perfectly smooth slab of black ice. 
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Dec 24, 2010 15:01
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I wish it would snow for more than a day so I could see how drivable my 328 is with a broken TCS/ABS system. It's very easy to get it to break loose on dry pavement if I push it a little, I'm curious to see how it handles deep slush.
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Dec 24, 2010 21:21
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wwb posted:Where can one find the cigarette lighter bit that goes in the cigarette lighter plug? Some dickhead friend of mine lost mine and there is a little light shining out of there that makes my OCD mad. Have you checked bav auto? They have a large selection, prices are a bit high but they haven't let me down yet, good service.
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Dec 24, 2010 23:12
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Immediately when I start my e30 I hear a deep sort of groaning coming from the front somewhere. I'm assuming its a pump of some kind but it goes away after about 5 seconds and never returns until I need to start it up again. Any ideas what this could be or anything to test?
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Dec 25, 2010 07:02
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tesko.pk posted:Have you checked bav auto? They have a large selection, prices are a bit high but they haven't let me down yet, good service. Good call, got it.
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Dec 25, 2010 15:25
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SiGmA_X posted:I feel the M42 wears due to poor design / poor maintenance. My gf's ~195k motor bent 8 valves due to worn cam/crank sprockets. The replacement M42 had a worn crank sprocket, mint cam sprockets, and shot guides. It was from a 91 with 140k on it. I would HIGHLY recommend M5X swapping, or repairing your existing M42, before buying another one. I'm now into the 2nd M42 for a bit over a grand PLUS the purchase price of the motor - Repair of the original motor (chain system complete + head work) should have been right around $900. This is, of course, using wholesale costing and no labor (except at the machine shop.) My initial reasoning was that it would be easier to buy a second engine for the UK equivalent of about $350 while the existing one is still good. That way I could do the work on the bench in my own time, swap the motors, and sell the original one as a runner. The problem with that is I have so little time for this stuff these days I've been thinking I should just wait until the current motor actually does go. Which as you pointed out is probably not the best approach. I like this e30 and it has some nice bits on it, but it's not in the best condition. I suspect if and when it blows I may just sell the chassis on and buy a good 325i touring. There's too much to replace with the M50 swap, and insurance over here is crazy for anything with a big engine/modifications. The 325i is actually cheap to insure compared to a E46 325i/330i touring. And yeah, I don't understand how the valve cover thing could happen. If you don't notice you're snapping the heads off the valve cover bolts, why the hell are you removing it in the first place? It's like the George W. Bush school of open heart surgery and international statesmanship was let loose on my engine.
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Dec 25, 2010 21:28
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Here's my Christmas present to AI: Why hello there   
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Dec 26, 2010 07:46
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Admirable Gusto posted:Here's my Christmas present to AI: IFC parking lot right? Rich people buy parking spots in these public garages because they only get one or two spots at their apartment. I posted that exact car a couple months ago. It's pretty striking though right? You don't even notice the other cars around it. 
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Dec 27, 2010 00:37
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Wow, that looks amazing. What's with the asian characters on the floor, though?
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Dec 27, 2010 05:03
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Pilsner posted:Wow, that looks amazing. It's in Hong Kong.
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Dec 27, 2010 05:16
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Which of course makes me wish I could buy this: http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/ctd/2128296785.html 1985 Euro-spec M6, 61k miles, 2 owners, loving flawless condition
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Dec 27, 2010 05:38
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I would do terrible, unmentionable, horrible things for that M6. Mother of god.
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Dec 27, 2010 05:40
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Any one else have a good suggestion on finding another E30. I have combed craigslist, the local papers, etc. I am having a hard time finding another e30 to fill the hole in my heart from my last one. I really would like to find another cheap example, one in need of some moderate work, because I will be tearing it apart anyways.
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Dec 27, 2010 15:15
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BrokenKnucklez posted:Any one else have a good suggestion on finding another E30. I have combed craigslist, the local papers, etc. I am having a hard time finding another e30 to fill the hole in my heart from my last one. I really would like to find another cheap example, one in need of some moderate work, because I will be tearing it apart anyways. Just keep looking, something will pop up eventually. I was checking one of those multiple region craigslist searches every day for 3 weeks before I found my replacement E30. crazedlist.org I believe is the site, but I did end up eventually buying a car that was posted on autotrader.
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Dec 27, 2010 15:46
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BrokenKnucklez posted:Any one else have a good suggestion on finding another E30. I have combed craigslist, the local papers, etc. I am having a hard time finding another e30 to fill the hole in my heart from my last one. I really would like to find another cheap example, one in need of some moderate work, because I will be tearing it apart anyways. Keep scrounging, talk to every car person you know, and keep looking. I have less than $3,000 including purchase price, E36 rack installed, and an LSD in my '91 318i that is really clean and has a shitload of maintenance records.
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Dec 27, 2010 16:06
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I looked on craigslist for shits and giggles a couple days ago and found a bunch. You just have to keep looking, they will show up.
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Dec 27, 2010 19:40
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And when you do find one its gonna be abused and priced at 3 times its value. Go e28!!!!
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Dec 27, 2010 19:58
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I just bought a 2002 530i a couple of weeks ago, and what do I unwrap on Christmas morning but a set of E39 Bentley manuals. I also ordered a TCC solenoid, transmission pan kit and some interior trim from Pelican Parts, and the parts came with a tin of jelly beans!
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Dec 27, 2010 20:37
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Are there any cleaning agents I should avoid in cleaning the interior, specifically the door panels, of my 3 series? The tan is a lovely shade of black on the handle.
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Dec 28, 2010 00:04
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EvilMoFo posted:Are there any cleaning agents I should avoid in cleaning the interior, specifically the door panels, of my 3 series? The tan is a lovely shade of black on the handle. I'd highly recommend some Oxyclean or dishsoap, a toothbrush and a microfiber towel. That should break up 99% of the funk. Alternately you can try a Magic Eraser but since they're mildy abrasive you'll want to go gently (you don't want to scrub one spot with it very hard, which it sounds like you'll need). You need to avoid using anything that feels harsh on your skin.
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Dec 28, 2010 01:52
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Cojawfee posted:I looked on craigslist for shits and giggles a couple days ago and found a bunch. You just have to keep looking, they will show up. Where are you looking, I am stuck in Midwest Iowa. Just lots of over priced Camaro's and rusted out fox bodies. Though the E36 with a 5.0 is incredibly AI.
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Dec 28, 2010 02:03
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 The Midwest isn't THAT bad for finding E30s... patience is the key.
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Dec 28, 2010 04:06
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BrokenKnucklez posted:Where are you looking, I am stuck in Midwest Iowa. Just lots of over priced Camaro's and rusted out fox bodies. Though the E36 with a 5.0 is incredibly AI. I live near Houston. There weren't too many, but some.
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Dec 28, 2010 04:13
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I'm looking for something to replace my 4Runner - trying to decide between a Legacy GT or a 325xi. The 325xi is an '03, 5 speed, sport/premium/cold weather package. It's got 104,000 miles. The dealership doesn't know a lot about the history on the car. I've been doing my own research, and I've seen some stuff about subframe cracking in the rear of the car, but this is apparently for the older E46s? It basically looks like the things that should be checked/refreshed are: Water pump Fluids Suspension VANOS work (possibly?) Last thing - how have you guys with AWD E46s liked them in the snow? Unless I'm confused, this is the older system before they changed the system and renamed it xDrive. I've spent a fair amount of time poking around with my E23 and it's quirks, but I don't know a lot about the newer BMWs, so any input would be great. I'm going to try and get a PPI at a BMW dealership not far from the one selling the car.
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Dec 29, 2010 19:44
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FENCH DIGGITY posted:I've been doing my own research, and I've seen some stuff about subframe cracking in the rear of the car, but this is apparently for the older E46s? It basically looks like the things that should be checked/refreshed are: I just bought a 2001 330Ci and had a lot of the same kinds of questions. My automotive mechanical knowledge is poo poo at this point, so I really felt I needed to do a lot of research before purchasing. Here's what helped me: I joined e46fanatics, bimmerfest and bimmerforums and read up on the vehicle there. They're miles behind this forum, but good information can be had and their Search features actually work! Probably the best resource I found was the BMW E46 Wiki. There's a lot to go through there, but it's all good information. Based on that I would look at and listen to the windows. Do they open up smoothly? Do they close down smoothly? Same with the moonroof. Guy down the street from me has a Xi. From what little I know about it, if you're doing any kind of actually challenging winter driving, the tires will have a lot of effect too. I think you're right, though and the Xi system is the predecessor of xDrive. My mileage is 104,XXX too. How much are they asking for the BMW? Also, I think the subframe issues come up more in the 99-01 models, if yours is a 2003.
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Dec 29, 2010 20:04
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They have $9,995 sticker on the car, I've already told myself that I'm going to walk away unless I can get it for around $8000-8500. It's been sitting a while. What did you pay for your 330 if you don't mind me asking? I forgot to mention the window regulators, I saw that as well. Definitely going to check them. And you're right about the tires too. I'm not expecting it to be a champ in the snow on bald summer tires just because it has AWD or something. From what I'm seeing, the older mechanical system is just a straight 38-62 front-rear torque split. Just wondering how it does, I've driven cars with the older gen quattro systems that were a 50-50 and they did really well even on all seasons, so I'm hoping this system with some good snow tires should treat me well in the winter.
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Dec 29, 2010 20:19
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FENCH DIGGITY posted:Last thing - how have you guys with AWD E46s liked them in the snow? Unless I'm confused, this is the older system before they changed the system and renamed it xDrive. The e46 system is a permanent 38/62 split from front/rear with DSC used to control wheelspin, no limited slip diffs. Not as elegant as the old e30 system, but a lot simpler mechanically.
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Dec 29, 2010 20:43
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FENCH DIGGITY posted:They have $9,995 sticker on the car, I've already told myself that I'm going to walk away unless I can get it for around $8000-8500. It's been sitting a while. What did you pay for your 330 if you don't mind me asking? Not at all. I paid $8650 + '98 Sunfire with 96,XXX trade in for mine. Sticker was $10,900. I've wanted a BMW all my life, so I was chomping at the bit. May have overpaid a bit, but the dealership offered $2500 for the Sunfire and I'm not sure I was going to get that anywhere else, since it was a beater. That and the car is in ridiculously good shape and the guy who owned it before me put a lot of love into it.
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Dec 29, 2010 21:01
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Thanks guys. The E46 wiki link is definitely helpful. Gonna call a local dealer tomorrow and see what kind of service history I can get, then check it out after work.
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Dec 29, 2010 21:35
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The car is a 1999 E46 328I 5-speed with 163,000miles. I've had a slow coolant leak for a while now, something I've ignored while fixing more urgent matters. Slow as in the coolant light would come on, I'd fill it up and I wouldn't hear from it for another 3 weeks to a month. The temperature of the car stayed rock solid in the middle for the whole time. So a minor issue to deal with later. However, it appears as though the leak has sped up, and now requires dealing with. I'm trying to pinpoint the leak, rather than replace the whole cooling system (something I'd love to do, but it's a bad time financially). It appears to be leaking from the red circle currently, and then running down the side of the radiator and the expansion tank. The hose still flexes quite well and doesn't feel old, but I'm not 100% sure what's going on in the area. What is this most likely a sign of? The expansion tank was replaced at 120,000 miles, everything else is older than that. Thanks for any help. PS. buy the e46. I love mine  Pick one that has good service history and it'll treat you quite well.
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Dec 30, 2010 04:00
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That's your upper radiator hose. The bad news is at that mileage you need to replace: upper/lower radiator hoses, radiator, thermostat/housing, water pump and belts. It may only be one item leaking but it's now time to replace everything, as they are all wear items. The good news is that you can do it all in 3-6 hours on a weekend with basic hand tools. The most complicated tool you need is a set of hex bits for your ratchet.
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Dec 30, 2010 04:04
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Yeah I'm not worried about the actual wrenching involved, just I'm a bit short on cash currently as I just did control arms/bushings and my roommate just left without paying rent. I'm wondering what's most likely the cause of the leak so I can fix it with the least amount of financial investment for now. Don't worry, I'm fully planning on replacing the whole system in a month or so when the finances even out. E: gently caress it. Everything but the expansion tank will be new. This is gonna hurt... Deceptor101 fucked around with this message at 10:01 on Dec 30, 2010 |
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Dec 30, 2010 04:12
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predictive posted:re: Wrong trans from post your ride thread Hmmm... Sorry about that man. I was going by this.  but it looks like them and many other suppliers have it listed wrong. It seems like the 5L40E is only in the 528i and 530d, but since the e39 d wasn't in the states, but the i was, it's mixed up everywhere. Interestingly enough, that same catalog doesn't list ZF5HP19 at all for any BMWs regardless of year, so I don't know what the heck is up with that.
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Dec 30, 2010 08:53
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Deceptor101 posted:Yeah I'm not worried about the actual wrenching involved, just I'm a bit short on cash currently as I just did control arms/bushings and my roommate just left without paying rent. I'm wondering what's most likely the cause of the leak so I can fix it with the least amount of financial investment for now. Don't worry, I'm fully planning on replacing the whole system in a month or so when the finances even out. Replace the expansion tank too, or else. They are known to crack on the seam and blow the whole cooling system wide open. Also it is the most likely source of your leaks.
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Dec 30, 2010 10:32
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Okay, I got some service history. The car was a previous BMW CPO, expired in 2008. They said they couldn't see a lot - last time the car was in was 2007 at 63k miles. The PO complained about the clutch slipping, they did a little work on it, it wasn't fully replaced or anything. It was taken in for service after they did a recall on the coils. He also saw Inspection I service. This appears to be it. The important part: I asked about the cooling system, as far as they can see it hasn't been touched for the life of the car (104k miles). I'm guessing this is bad news, and if I bought the car this should be refreshed immediately. What kind of costs are we looking at for that? Can an idiot with some slight mechanical skills and a few tools (me) take care of this? I'm not really sure what to make of the history on the car, any input would be great.
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Dec 30, 2010 15:54
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FENCH DIGGITY posted:Okay, I got some service history. The car was a previous BMW CPO, expired in 2008. They said they couldn't see a lot - last time the car was in was 2007 at 63k miles. The PO complained about the clutch slipping, they did a little work on it, it wasn't fully replaced or anything. It was taken in for service after they did a recall on the coils. He also saw Inspection I service. This appears to be it. Same advice I gave to deceptor. You can get a kit with everything for $400 or so. The work is easy. The hardest part is removing the water pump--you need to screw the bolts from the thermostat housing into the empty holes on the water pump housing to back it out of the engine.
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Dec 30, 2010 16:48
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Taco Box posted:Replace the expansion tank too, or else. They are known to crack on the seam and blow the whole cooling system wide open. Also it is the most likely source of your leaks. Yeah it did that already, so it's a lot newer than everything. I looked at it carefully and it's clearly not the source of the leak. Everything but the expansion tank was $381 shipped from pelican. Thanks for the point about the water pump. I'd read in the bentley and some only DIY guides about needing the bolts to remove the water pump, but nobody ever said where you got the bolts from .
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Dec 30, 2010 20:06
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Finally replaced the stupid hack job exhaust on my E34 525i. Previous owner had welded on some sort of tiny rice-tastic single pipe muffler, so after the centre muffler my beautiful dual pipe system was being joined into a tiny little single pipe to the noise maker. The result was my car sounding like an unmuffled lawnmower and a really strange torque curve. Found the wrong muffler for my car (from a 535i) for $30 and had a local exhaust shop make it work. Turns out it was exactly the right muffler because the car sounds loving awesome. It retained the burbling when I lift off the throttle and rumbling at low rpms I liked but lost all the drone and tractor sounds at higher rpms. Its heaven to my ears. The engine feels better and the torque is more linear now. Not sure if I've improved overall power at all but it feels like there is more torque available lower down and it doesn't fall flat on its face higher up. VANOS starts working at around 3-3.5k and is like woah woah woah instead of just a lot of noise before I shift.
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Dec 30, 2010 21:21
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