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two_beer_bishes
Jun 27, 2004
I'm so loving tired of gauge cluster making GBS threads themselves in my goddamn E30. Four piece of poo poo clusters over the past 4 years and even between the 4 of them I can't have one fully operational set. Has anybody fabricated their own gauge cluster using only aftermarket gauges? I love the way this looks in particular. I'd love to have real fuel and oil pressure gauges in addition to temp gauges that show real temp and not just blue/red. I'm good at electrics and wiring and decent at fiberglass and since I'm moving to NYC next month I'll have the time to work on it as it won't be a daily driver anymore.

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The Third Man
Nov 5, 2005

I know how much you like ponies so I got you a ponies avatar bro
I've got a very particular noise that I'm sure someone who knows more about transmissions than me can identify. It's a whirring/whining noise coming from my transmission, it only occurs when I have first gear selected, with the clutch disengaged. It varies in pitch/speed based on the overall speed of the car and not the engine, and is not present in any other gear.

revmoo
May 25, 2006

#basta
Those sorts of noises are almost always throw-out-bearing related.

Fusillade
Mar 31, 2012

...and her

BIG FAT BASS

Rev. Dr. Moses P. Lester posted:

I got a Beemer at Bonneville too! Slightly off topic--

It's a bit old, though, and didn't make it quite to 150.

What time of year did you go? We were out there about a week before Speed Week, so the flats were pretty well-groomed.

Kenshin
Jan 10, 2007
Oh man, how do I get in on using Bonneville? Can you do it for free when there aren't a gazillion people there?

I want to see how fast my E36 M3 can go. (the dyno chip and air intake are Dinan, so the speed limiter got removed)

Fusillade
Mar 31, 2012

...and her

BIG FAT BASS

Kenshin posted:

Oh man, how do I get in on using Bonneville? Can you do it for free when there aren't a gazillion people there?

I want to see how fast my E36 M3 can go. (the dyno chip and air intake are Dinan, so the speed limiter got removed)

We went in late July. It is public land. ----All use is at your own risk----. There is no cel phone service there!!!!! Here's the advisory from the Bureau of Land Management: http://www.blm.gov/pgdata/etc/medialib/blm/ut/salt_lake_fo/bonneville_salt_flats/pdfs.Par.78852.File.dat/BSF%20Travel%20Advisory.pdf

You drive out about 3 miles until the road ends (where we took our photos). RESIST the urge to drive off early, the salt flats are wetter there, and the salt is quite thin. We saw mud directly under the tire tracks from previous visitors. GO ALL THE WAY TO THE END.

The drop off from parts of the circle is pretty steep (greater than 4 inches), so be careful if your car has low clearance. If you continue a couple hundred feet from the island on the same bearing as the paved road that brought you there, line yourself up with the mountain crests on the north-northwest horizon. You will have about 5 miles of well-kept salt flats that you can use. I would recommend doing a low-speed drive out to check the surface for any abnormal bumps -- our Z4's lil' Bangle butt kept lifting whenever we adjusted the steering wheel even the tiniest notch!!

Ronnie B.
Apr 30, 2002

Hold on, I'm trying to turn off my own show, how does this work?

Ronnie B. posted:

So it looks like it's the wear sensor on my E90's brakes:


I can reset the fault, but it comes back again immediately, so it's probably the sensor. How easy are these to replace? The Bentley manual sort of glosses over it, and I couldn't find a guide online that didn't also involve replacing the pads at the same time.

Is there anything else I could try before I replace them?

This is annoying. I finally replaced the sensor when I was changing out my winter tires, and it's still not clearing the fault code. The old sensor was definitely worn out, but changing it doesn't seem to have fixed the problem.

I tried another sensor (I bought two in case I broke one) with no luck. I also tried resetting the service interval (won't take because of the fault code) and resetting the DSC ECU (says Command Successfully Sent but doesn't appear to do anything).

Any ideas?

The Third Man
Nov 5, 2005

I know how much you like ponies so I got you a ponies avatar bro

revmoo posted:

Those sorts of noises are almost always throw-out-bearing related.

But only in a certain gear?

BrokenKnucklez
Apr 22, 2008

by zen death robot

The Third Man posted:

But only in a certain gear?

Harmonics are strange. I had a bad wheel bearing that could only be heard at exactly 35 mph on asphalt surfaced roads only. Any other surface it was undetectable.

revmoo
May 25, 2006

#basta

The Third Man posted:

But only in a certain gear?

If your clutch isn't engaged, then only the clutch is really turning. Has to be clutch-related.

Lowclock
Oct 26, 2005
Finally took a crappy picture of my new wheels. Hope you (don't?) like basketweaves.



Could really use some lowering now.

The Third Man
Nov 5, 2005

I know how much you like ponies so I got you a ponies avatar bro

revmoo posted:

If your clutch isn't engaged, then only the clutch is really turning. Has to be clutch-related.

Alright, that does make sense. As far as I know the car is still on it's original clutch at 138k, no slippage, but I'm sure something is probably pretty worn.

Crustashio
Jul 27, 2000

ruh roh
Got my e46 out of storage this weekend and I realized I've become one of those BMW owners who only wants to drive e30s or e36s. While a ZHP is almost objectively better than an e36 328/e30 325, it just doesn't feel right with the new car lustre worn off. The steering is fantastic, the 6spd gearbox is perfect, and it handles like nothing else. But subjectively it's wierd. I prefer the claustrophobic/low down feel of previous 3ers. I figured driving it again would take away the desire to sell it, but now I want to get rid of it more than ever.

Nice cars suck. I want something well-used that I won't care if I get a scratch on, and won't feel bad hammering it in autoX and the track.

Rev. Dr. Moses P. Lester
Oct 3, 2000

Fusillade posted:

What time of year did you go? We were out there about a week before Speed Week, so the flats were pretty well-groomed.
March. Covered with water, couldn't ride out on the salt at all. But it looked like if I had been there in another season I could have just rode right off the access road and on to the theoretical top speed of my BMW, which is supposed to be 130 but I've discovered isn't near that now after 25 years and 90k miles.

an oddly awful oud
May 1, 2008

all my friends are pieces of shit

Crustashio posted:

Got my e46 out of storage this weekend and I realized I've become one of those BMW owners who only wants to drive e30s or e36s. While a ZHP is almost objectively better than an e36 328/e30 325, it just doesn't feel right with the new car lustre worn off. The steering is fantastic, the 6spd gearbox is perfect, and it handles like nothing else. But subjectively it's wierd. I prefer the claustrophobic/low down feel of previous 3ers. I figured driving it again would take away the desire to sell it, but now I want to get rid of it more than ever.

Nice cars suck. I want something well-used that I won't care if I get a scratch on, and won't feel bad hammering it in autoX and the track.

Let me know if/when you're willing to move forward selling it. I might be interested.

Tan Dumplord
Mar 9, 2005

by FactsAreUseless
Well, after totaling my wife's car, I'm taking delivery on a 2000 328i Sedan today. She's always loved the e46, and I found one in good condition, so I had to give in.

250,000km, but it's well-maintained and nearly perfect. Sport, Premium, and Cold Weather packages, no rust, perfect paint (black metallic), fresh brakes and belts. All systems and switches functional. Leather in excellent shape. Complete toolkit. Winter tires. Good rear subframe mounts, clean underbody. Bone stock.

5-speed, as the wife demanded.

The car drives perfectly, and daaaaamn that engine. I've never driven a car with an engine that spins to redline so drat quickly. Peak torque at 3500 RPM is a dream compared to the high-strung 4-bangers I'm used to. Reminds me of my 325e, except this one produces power.

I won't bother with pics because you've all seen a black e46 before.

I was very happy to find one that did NOT have style 44 wheels. :barf: (Please tell me those wheels do not have some kind of cult following. Please, for my sanity.)

Style 43 supremacy.

Crustashio
Jul 27, 2000

ruh roh

an oddly awful oud posted:

Let me know if/when you're willing to move forward selling it. I might be interested.

It's already up for sale. I live in nova scotia.

an oddly awful oud
May 1, 2008

all my friends are pieces of shit

Crustashio posted:

It's already up for sale. I live in nova scotia.

Ah, a little too far for me. I hope it goes to a good home though.

brae
Feb 2, 2006
I've wanted an e39 M5 for a long time, and I'm considering this one that came up nearby:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2967795055.html

I'm not worried about budgeting a few thousand a year for normal maintenance, the M tax, tires, etc. but the asking price seems a little high. It's got relatively low mileage and seems to be in good shape from the pics. Downsides: I talked to the seller and he doesn't have any maintenance records; he bought it less than a year ago from the previous owner who bought it at auction, so who knows if previous owners beat the poo poo out of it, although cosmetically it looks well taken care of.. I know a good private BMW shop in the area I'd take it to for a PPI before making an offer.

You guys see any big red flags? I absolutely love the e39 M in general and have been looking for a good example of one for a while, so I'm hoping a clean inspection at the mechanic can help offset some of my worry about no maintenance records.

Jonny 290
May 5, 2005



[ASK] me about OS/2 Warp
Everybody celebrate!

I passed 500 miles since my JB Weld+1/4" NPT fitting overflow nipple repair. I will not lie, I feel more confident about my repair than the original fitting.

BMW cooling :negative:

Hey cool I've got a pic on my phone.

Jonny 290 fucked around with this message at 09:23 on Apr 20, 2012

Crustashio
Jul 27, 2000

ruh roh

brae posted:

I've wanted an e39 M5 for a long time, and I'm considering this one that came up nearby:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2967795055.html

I'm not worried about budgeting a few thousand a year for normal maintenance, the M tax, tires, etc. but the asking price seems a little high. It's got relatively low mileage and seems to be in good shape from the pics. Downsides: I talked to the seller and he doesn't have any maintenance records; he bought it less than a year ago from the previous owner who bought it at auction, so who knows if previous owners beat the poo poo out of it, although cosmetically it looks well taken care of.. I know a good private BMW shop in the area I'd take it to for a PPI before making an offer.

You guys see any big red flags? I absolutely love the e39 M in general and have been looking for a good example of one for a while, so I'm hoping a clean inspection at the mechanic can help offset some of my worry about no maintenance records.

No maintenance records on the most notoriously expensive m car? I wouldn't even consider it. Even in Canada there are tons of e39 m5s for sale with records.

Fermunky
May 30, 2003

The monkey is NOT impressed...

Crustashio posted:

No maintenance records on the most notoriously expensive m car? I wouldn't even consider it. Even in Canada there are tons of e39 m5s for sale with records.

But... but... It looks and drives like NEW!!!

Yeah, no mention of records doesn't necessarily mean there are no records, but most would mention it if they DO have records. I do love the interior color though.

CornHolio
May 20, 2001

Toilet Rascal
Apparently the new M5 is quite safe.

wwb
Aug 17, 2004

So, my trusty old 530 would not start the other week. Turns out the issue was the old DiCE Silverline I had installed back in 2008 was constantly drawing on the battery, and because I drive rarely (once every 2 weeks or so) and the battery was aging badly it didn't have the juice to start.

The shop pulled it out but I'm kinda lost without my digital music collection so I need to put it back in. But I also really like being able to start my car. So, anyone have any insight into fixes here? I'm considering a good old fashioned kill switch but I was wondering if there were more elegant options.

revmoo
May 25, 2006

#basta

wwb posted:

So, my trusty old 530 would not start the other week. Turns out the issue was the old DiCE Silverline I had installed back in 2008 was constantly drawing on the battery, and because I drive rarely (once every 2 weeks or so) and the battery was aging badly it didn't have the juice to start.

The shop pulled it out but I'm kinda lost without my digital music collection so I need to put it back in. But I also really like being able to start my car. So, anyone have any insight into fixes here? I'm considering a good old fashioned kill switch but I was wondering if there were more elegant options.

Without knowing anything about this product, I don't see why you can't reconnect it running from a ignition power source instead of constant.

Nait Sirhc
Sep 11, 2001

brae posted:

I've wanted an e39 M5 for a long time, and I'm considering this one that came up nearby:

http://denver.craigslist.org/cto/2967795055.html

I'm not worried about budgeting a few thousand a year for normal maintenance, the M tax, tires, etc. but the asking price seems a little high. It's got relatively low mileage and seems to be in good shape from the pics. Downsides: I talked to the seller and he doesn't have any maintenance records; he bought it less than a year ago from the previous owner who bought it at auction, so who knows if previous owners beat the poo poo out of it, although cosmetically it looks well taken care of.. I know a good private BMW shop in the area I'd take it to for a PPI before making an offer.

You guys see any big red flags? I absolutely love the e39 M in general and have been looking for a good example of one for a while, so I'm hoping a clean inspection at the mechanic can help offset some of my worry about no maintenance records.

Buy it anyway; I bought mine without records and it's been great so far. Get a PPI done, check for the major repairs, and then go for it. There really isn't that much critical stuff that blows up with the e39s; the engine is solid, the transmission is bulletproof. Clutch might go out, you'll have the various electrical gremlins (VANOS, CPS) but they're solid cars and I don't regret buying my 100k mile M5 for one second.

wwb
Aug 17, 2004

revmoo posted:

Without knowing anything about this product, I don't see why you can't reconnect it running from a ignition power source instead of constant.

Working on getting a wiring diagram, but it hangs off the radio which is apparantly not ignition powered.

wolrah
May 8, 2006
what?
If it's like my DICE HD, it plugs in to the CD changer connections and is powered from the same source. All I ever notice if I unplug it is the HD Radio presets get lost, so since I don't think the Silverline has HD Radio you're probably safe to put it on switched power if you can find an appropriate source.

Motronic
Nov 6, 2009

wwb posted:

Working on getting a wiring diagram, but it hangs off the radio which is apparantly not ignition powered.

Most radios have both keyed and contant power. Otherwise they would lose their presets (if it was only on keyed power) or not turn off with the car (if it was just constant power).

In fact, I'm pretty sure there is a powered antenna lead on that radio. It is only energized when the radio is on. Use that.

Ninja edit: Pin 16 on the 17 pin connector.

wwb
Aug 17, 2004

Thanks guys, that is what I need to do. Now to figure out how, been a long time since I did more than "plug the thing that plugs into the other thing" on a car stereo; I stick to software tweaking these days.

Tan Dumplord
Mar 9, 2005

by FactsAreUseless
Can someone recommend a BMW specialist in the North Toronto / Mississauga / Newmarket triangle?

GentlemanofLeisure
Aug 27, 2008
Since we're talking about DICE and stuff, can anyone recommend the easiest to install adapter that will work on an e46 with Nav and a 6-disc trunk mounted changer? I don't care if I lose the cd player.

Woolwich Bagnet
Apr 27, 2003



Crustashio posted:

No maintenance records on the most notoriously expensive m car? I wouldn't even consider it. Even in Canada there are tons of e39 m5s for sale with records.

The E39 M5 is not even close to the most expensive m car. The e60/63/64 puts it to shame (where common SMG pump issues will cost you upwards of $4000 and VANOS/other odds and ends cost several thousands as well).

I'd say go for it, that price doesn't seem all that bad considering it's an '03, and as long as you get a good PPI done you should be fine. You may also want to call up a BMW dealership and ask them what kind of work as been done to it as well.

wolrah
May 8, 2006
what?

GentlemanofLeisure posted:

Since we're talking about DICE and stuff, can anyone recommend the easiest to install adapter that will work on an e46 with Nav and a 6-disc trunk mounted changer? I don't care if I lose the cd player.

There are two common points to attach to the car audio system, the CD changer plug in the trunk or the back of the head unit. Both have audio connections and an I-Bus line (one of the control buses in the car, used for A/V, locks/security, windows, and some lighting).

Most of the adapters I've seen connect to the rear plug. I think this is because only some of the head units have their spare port enabled. This means that if you want access to whatever you're hooking up, you'll need to run some cables up front.

My DICE was intended to mount up front, so it came with a long cable to connect to the jacks in the back. I ran it through one of the trunk wire access plugs, crossed the car under the rear seat, and followed the door trim to get up to the front. It's about six screws to drop the glove box and there's a nice set of spots back behind it that look designed to fit random electronics.

I pulled the iPod and Aux cables up under the center console and have over time tried everything from running them out in the passenger footwell, having them come up under the console and stashing my ipod under the cupholders, and now I cut a hole in the back of the sunglass holder and pulled both in through there. So far this is my favorite, but it brings a permanent mod to the car (though to a cheap, easily replaced part) with it where everything else is easily reversible.

In my case I also had a HD Radio antenna to install. I popped off the A pillar cover and carefully routed the cable down from the top right corner of the windshield where the antenna attaches. Working up there requires care, as you need to be sure that everything is run behind the airbags so nothing restricts their operation or becomes a dangerous projectile if they fire.

Other adapters may mount in the back and just run the input cables up front, or if you have a compatible head unit you might find a reseller offering a short cable for the head unit interface.

If you go that way, you'll just need a panel removal tool (or a screwdriver covered in electrical tape) to prevent damage to the trim. Use it to pry off the dash trim starting at the door. Once the trim is off, there are two screws holding the head unit in. Remove those, slide it out, and plug in your cable.


Either way it's all easy if you can work a screwdriver. Choose your adapter based on features, quality, and price, the install is basically the same all around.

edit: I guess there is one option that's slightly different, I forget the name but it was an adapter that supported a variety of Alpine (I think) gear, including an iPod adapter. It's only slightly different though, there are just two boxes connected by a cable to figure out where to place.

wolrah fucked around with this message at 23:04 on Apr 20, 2012

brae
Feb 2, 2006

Stealth Like posted:

The E39 M5 is not even close to the most expensive m car. The e60/63/64 puts it to shame (where common SMG pump issues will cost you upwards of $4000 and VANOS/other odds and ends cost several thousands as well).

I'd say go for it, that price doesn't seem all that bad considering it's an '03, and as long as you get a good PPI done you should be fine. You may also want to call up a BMW dealership and ask them what kind of work as been done to it as well.

I pulled Carfax on it to at least find out it had received regularly scheduled service, and test drove it earlier today after doing some research to get an idea of what I should expect the drive to be like for a well-maintained model. It was in really good shape, all the electrical stuff worked, etc., so I think I'm confident enough to pay for a PPI and see if the mechanics give it a clean bill of health. There are a couple of reputable BMW private shops in the area that I trust. But that's a good idea on the dealership - I'll give them a call and see if they're willing to look up the VIN for me for dealer service records. If everything goes well sometime next week I'll finally get my hands on a nice example of an E39 M5.

Lowclock
Oct 26, 2005
I think this is probably what I'd worry about the most on an e39 M5. I think this is probably at least part of the reason why Nait's throws a bunch of codes.

brae
Feb 2, 2006

Lowclock posted:

I think this is probably what I'd worry about the most on an e39 M5. I think this is probably at least part of the reason why Nait's throws a bunch of codes.

I've read about that, but supposedly it's not a problem after late 2002 models due to some engineering changes? So I figured with a 2003 I'd be safe.

Captain Postal
Sep 16, 2007
what's the easiest way to clean-up a leak under the carpet in the rear of an E46 sedan? Is there an easy way to fold the carpets up to get access to the floor and underside?

GentlemanofLeisure
Aug 27, 2008
Do you live in Austin, TX?

http://austin.craigslist.org/cto/2967081056.html

I do not know the poster of this ad nor have I ever seen this car in person. Just thought someone might like to look at the ad.

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two_beer_bishes
Jun 27, 2004
Struggling to bleed the clutch on my e30. A few people on other forums are saying that its a self-bleeding system, anybody have experience with this?

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