How knackered is your old bimmer?
Discussion
96 E38 750iL
143,000 (odd ?) miles.
I used to be an MOT tester/Mechanic so pretty fussy and tend to go through an older car.
Currently sorting out the suspension, rusty spring seat on N/S/F shocker (EDC ones too), snapped spring on O/S/F, rear sits lop sided (SLS rear shocks), going to be fitting new standard springs and shocks all round (KYB rear, Sachs shocks, Lesforder springs front) .
Noisy N/S/F wheel bearing.
All three washer pumps siezed
, have replaced the windscreen washer pump but the headlight and intensive wash pumps can wait.
OBC/TV screen dead (guessing it's the unit in the boot so will try another).
Drivers side folding mirror doesn't fold in.
Cruise control not working (really miss this as i was used to it in my previous E38)
Slight water ingress in boot.
Rear electric headrests not working (really struggling to live without this
)
Fuel tank leaking
So pretty knackered but hopefully becoming less knackered.
Bought the car (cheap) as a running project though so not complaining, got the car phone working yesterday, the engine is superb (all 5.4 V12 of it), despite it's faults drives superb, body and interior are excellent, love it to bits and working my way through the faults
143,000 (odd ?) miles.
I used to be an MOT tester/Mechanic so pretty fussy and tend to go through an older car.
Currently sorting out the suspension, rusty spring seat on N/S/F shocker (EDC ones too), snapped spring on O/S/F, rear sits lop sided (SLS rear shocks), going to be fitting new standard springs and shocks all round (KYB rear, Sachs shocks, Lesforder springs front) .
Noisy N/S/F wheel bearing.
All three washer pumps siezed
, have replaced the windscreen washer pump but the headlight and intensive wash pumps can wait.OBC/TV screen dead (guessing it's the unit in the boot so will try another).
Drivers side folding mirror doesn't fold in.
Cruise control not working (really miss this as i was used to it in my previous E38)
Slight water ingress in boot.
Rear electric headrests not working (really struggling to live without this
)Fuel tank leaking
So pretty knackered but hopefully becoming less knackered.
Bought the car (cheap) as a running project though so not complaining, got the car phone working yesterday, the engine is superb (all 5.4 V12 of it), despite it's faults drives superb, body and interior are excellent, love it to bits and working my way through the faults
Edited by Markgenesis on Saturday 18th January 19:09
Glad I'm not the only one rocking a shed chariot. A knackered Ford or Vauxhall is just knackered... a knackered old bimmer has a certain kind of Minder style class and superiority to it I feel. I think character is the word. I'm not sure even Mercs have it, not since the W124 anyway.
I have an E36 328i Sport
Where to start?
1) Burns a litre of oil every 200 miles (Still makes the MOT emissions and pulls like a train though!).
2) Cuts out when coasting to a halt once in a blue moon then runs perfect for months on end!
3) Heat shields currently bouncing off the prop-shaft.
4) Rust in the rear arches (I patched them up a year ago and they're just starting to bubble again).
5) Rust along lower edge of boot lid (patched up when I did the rear arches).
6) Auxiliary fan for air con seized.
7) BBS split rim alloys all corroded.
8) Rear quarter window seals perishing and green from mould (Probably the cause of the rusty wheel arches as they rusted from the inside out!)
9) Boot only locks on central locking - Key lock has never worked!
10) If the boot lock button isn't pulled all the way out the car locks all the doors! (Got an embarrassed call from BMW once asking if I could fetch My spare keys because My car had locked them out while the keys were inside the car and they couldn't get back in. They were flummoxed by it until I explained what had caused it!
).
11) Rear spoiler sagging.
12) Hand sized patch of lacquer peeling on the bonnet.
13) Loose kidney grille.
14) Windscreen is touching the dashboard creating a rattle during summer months (It was a replacement windscreen that the AA deny fitting incorrectly! ).
15) Drivers door rattling.
16) Clunks when putting it into 1st gear (gave up trying to sort that one out!)
17) Hasn't been serviced in 4 years!
18) I'm sure I'm missing loads more!
It's what the Americans would call a "beater", but you know what? - She's never let Me down and I love her to pieces!
Where to start?
1) Burns a litre of oil every 200 miles (Still makes the MOT emissions and pulls like a train though!).
2) Cuts out when coasting to a halt once in a blue moon then runs perfect for months on end!
3) Heat shields currently bouncing off the prop-shaft.
4) Rust in the rear arches (I patched them up a year ago and they're just starting to bubble again).
5) Rust along lower edge of boot lid (patched up when I did the rear arches).
6) Auxiliary fan for air con seized.
7) BBS split rim alloys all corroded.
8) Rear quarter window seals perishing and green from mould (Probably the cause of the rusty wheel arches as they rusted from the inside out!)
9) Boot only locks on central locking - Key lock has never worked!
10) If the boot lock button isn't pulled all the way out the car locks all the doors! (Got an embarrassed call from BMW once asking if I could fetch My spare keys because My car had locked them out while the keys were inside the car and they couldn't get back in. They were flummoxed by it until I explained what had caused it!
). 11) Rear spoiler sagging.
12) Hand sized patch of lacquer peeling on the bonnet.
13) Loose kidney grille.
14) Windscreen is touching the dashboard creating a rattle during summer months (It was a replacement windscreen that the AA deny fitting incorrectly!
).15) Drivers door rattling.
16) Clunks when putting it into 1st gear (gave up trying to sort that one out!)
17) Hasn't been serviced in 4 years!
18) I'm sure I'm missing loads more!
It's what the Americans would call a "beater", but you know what? - She's never let Me down and I love her to pieces!
Mine needs 2 front calipers
both siezing on. so currently driving the burds Clio 172.
on top of that,
No central Locking
Bonnet Cable broken
Rear boot trim missing
Lots and lots of panel rust- just need the time to prep and spray.
Other than that, I start a new job soon, so the 320i will get a break from the 400-500 miles a week its currently on. then I may actually get it sorted.
The 320d needs tyres and front suspension (bought for 99p on ebay) plus a brake line or two.
got to love them rusty old nails
both siezing on. so currently driving the burds Clio 172.
on top of that,
No central Locking
Bonnet Cable broken
Rear boot trim missing
Lots and lots of panel rust- just need the time to prep and spray.
Other than that, I start a new job soon, so the 320i will get a break from the 400-500 miles a week its currently on. then I may actually get it sorted.
The 320d needs tyres and front suspension (bought for 99p on ebay
) plus a brake line or two.got to love them rusty old nails
Sold my '95 E36 320i Touring last year with 240.000 km on it. Some scrotes had keyed it on all sides, and a few dings + rust on the hatch, but mechanically in rude health, using no oil whatsoever, straight 6 purring away, and steering and especially the extraordinary slick gear change was better than on my previous E39 M5. Was very relaxing to have a car that could be left parked anywhere, with no care for parking dings. Never should have sold it!
Had my 330ci sport for just over 9 years now. Up to 162k. Have it (oil) serviced at indi every 6 months so try to look after it.
Issues:
1.Passenger side electric door mirror goes up but not down with switch.
2.Kidney grille loose since I went in the back of another car last summer. Cheap repair with 2nd hand bonnet etc.
3.Passenger side front light loose from accident (passed MOT).
4.Rust on drivers side front wheel arch (other arches unaffected).
5.EM warning light comes on intermittently, but has done for years now. Checked out with indi; normally down to plugs.
6.Slow puncture on front passenger tyre. Good exercise pumping it up every other morning!.
7.Rattle in drivers door when window down (always done that).
8.Shake in wheel when braking from high speed (passes MOT) which I've learned to drive around over past 4 or so years.
9.Uses about 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles so within 'tolerances'.
Keep thinking about changing car but think I will drive it until it dies. Hope to see 200k. Worth peanuts now, cost me £21.5K in 2004.
Whats the highest mileage 330 petrol people have seen?
Issues:
1.Passenger side electric door mirror goes up but not down with switch.
2.Kidney grille loose since I went in the back of another car last summer. Cheap repair with 2nd hand bonnet etc.
3.Passenger side front light loose from accident (passed MOT).
4.Rust on drivers side front wheel arch (other arches unaffected).
5.EM warning light comes on intermittently, but has done for years now. Checked out with indi; normally down to plugs.
6.Slow puncture on front passenger tyre. Good exercise pumping it up every other morning!.
7.Rattle in drivers door when window down (always done that).
8.Shake in wheel when braking from high speed (passes MOT) which I've learned to drive around over past 4 or so years.
9.Uses about 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles so within 'tolerances'.
Keep thinking about changing car but think I will drive it until it dies. Hope to see 200k. Worth peanuts now, cost me £21.5K in 2004.
Whats the highest mileage 330 petrol people have seen?
2001 320i touring with 95k on it and not that knackered. the only thing not working is the heated rear screen as the electrodes are worn through where it rests on the seal which is a common fault.
I have replaced the rear discs and done plugs and the valve cover gasket. Bought it as a stop gap to decide on what to get next but enjoying the cheap motoring and a bit of tinkering with the oily bits.
I have replaced the rear discs and done plugs and the valve cover gasket. Bought it as a stop gap to decide on what to get next but enjoying the cheap motoring and a bit of tinkering with the oily bits.
Collectingbrass said:
How do the drivers seats hold up at these high mileages? I'm asking as my winter snotter is an 04 Mondeo on 150k miles which is costing me £70 / month on a chiropracter because the drivers seat has gone. It will get replaced at bonus time in a couple of months & I'm fancying a BMW, but as I do over 28k miles a year I dont think 2 year leases are an opotion & it would be into a 6 figure milage before I have finished paying for it.
I dont know if this helps, but I think BMW leasing allows around 30K a year1995 E34 525i, 115k miles
- Engine and running gear pretty good
- Bodywork has a few rust spots
- A couple of electrical gremlins
I tend to keep on top of essential maintenance, and pay less attention to cosmetics. On a car this age its an continuous process. There's always something to fix...
- Engine and running gear pretty good
- Bodywork has a few rust spots
- A couple of electrical gremlins
I tend to keep on top of essential maintenance, and pay less attention to cosmetics. On a car this age its an continuous process. There's always something to fix...
Here is my £275 325i with 150k after 230 miles hammering around Snetterton on Sunday with no issues whatsoever.
Also own a knackered 1985 635i CSi which runs but needs moT. The 2000 528i I had I just sold to the scrapman.
Previously owned old BMW include:
2000 530i sold with 185k
1994 525i touring sold with 230k which I may buy back with 250k now on the clock. Rough as old nails but still going.
Not that knackered. 55 plate E65, 106k miles.
Engine doesn't get up to temp, suspect new thermostat needed.
PDC has just packed up, new sensors ordered from local indie.
Adjustable steering column doesn't go up or down, suspect it needs a spot of grease.
Wheels need a refurb.
Was attacked by a large doormat that blew away in some recent gales, marking the rear driver's side door badly. Annoying that one.
Apart from that runs like a Swiss railway. Definitely the best car I've ever had an this far nothing I've driven as a potential replacement comes close.
Engine doesn't get up to temp, suspect new thermostat needed.
PDC has just packed up, new sensors ordered from local indie.
Adjustable steering column doesn't go up or down, suspect it needs a spot of grease.
Wheels need a refurb.
Was attacked by a large doormat that blew away in some recent gales, marking the rear driver's side door badly. Annoying that one.
Apart from that runs like a Swiss railway. Definitely the best car I've ever had an this far nothing I've driven as a potential replacement comes close.
Last BM was a 1999 E38 740 that everything worked on. Ran it from 75k miles 200k miles over 6 years. No rust. Only issue was it needed a new water pump, an ABS sensor and 4 tyres. Drove like new with no squeaks or rattles.
Current E63 650i: Run from 47k miles to 106k over the last 2.5 years. Plan is to run it to 200k over the next 4 years. Absolutely spot on and not a single known issue, although that could change
Current E63 650i: Run from 47k miles to 106k over the last 2.5 years. Plan is to run it to 200k over the next 4 years. Absolutely spot on and not a single known issue, although that could change
Edited by gf15 on Tuesday 21st January 22:33
gf15 said:
Last BM was a 1999 E38 740 that everything worked on. Ran it from 75k miles 200k miles over 6 years. No rust. Only issue was it needed a new water pump, an ABS sensor and 4 tyres. Drove like new with no squeaks or rattles.
Current E63 650i: Run from 47k miles to 106k over the last 2.5 years. Plan is to run it to 200k over the next 4 years. Absolutely spot on and not a single known issue, although that could change
Get out Current E63 650i: Run from 47k miles to 106k over the last 2.5 years. Plan is to run it to 200k over the next 4 years. Absolutely spot on and not a single known issue, although that could change
Edited by gf15 on Tuesday 21st January 22:33
My E46 330d is on 146k now, I would have had a lot more to contribute to this thread a couple of months ago, but after refreshing all the various couplings in the propshaft to get rid of a horrible vibration in 2nd, having a word with my mechanic and asking if he would mind fitting the rear shock top mounts his work experience guy fitted incorrectly and replacing the AC Pusher fan, I'm left with the following b0rk:
- Passenger side front wing has some serious corrosion going on. I know it's an E46 and they all do that (sir), but it's starting to need doing as the corrosion has broken the paint. Not fixable apparently, so if anyone has a corrosion free front wing for a Green Grey facelift E46 I'm all ears.
- Occasionally, it just will not start. Turn the key, and nothing. All the electrics switch on, but turning the key is greeted with silence. Take the key out and try again and it usually fires into life, bloody annoying though.
- Aftermarket stereo doesn't always connect to my mobile properly, resulting in an HF Error 68 and a yank on the faceplate to ask it to try again. Annoying, but not the end of the world.
- Drivers door skin/card has become detached at the bottom, meaining it rattles like buggery. I'll get round to fixing it eventually.
- Much like its owner, it takes a while to get going in the morning, especially if it's cold. Also like its owner, it smokes like a trooper until it's up and running - although this has been nowhere near as bad this winter as the previous one
- Multiple holes in the boot carpet thanks to suspension struts popping through the top mountings.
- Reversing sensors make all sorts of random beeps until they get in range of something, then behave normally
And despite all that, the fact it's been in a shunt at some point in its life and put back on the road, the complete lac of service history, and the smelly dirty fuel that powers it, I love it to bits. It's been to all 4 corners of the UK without breaking sweat, it soaks up the 25k a year I'm asking of it with only the odd request for TLC, it still goes like stink, yet uses little enough fuel that work don't shout at me for "strategically ignoring" one of the terms of the car allowance policy (engine must be less than 2 litres - as you can tell by my 2 colleagues with Discoveries). To my eyes it still looks pretty fresh for a 10 year old car, it's one of the last BMW's with proper indicators, hilarious fun on an empty A-road (B-roads are a bit challenging for the poor thing to try and direct the Aga under the bonnet) and I am buggered if I can think what to replace it with when it dies.
- Passenger side front wing has some serious corrosion going on. I know it's an E46 and they all do that (sir), but it's starting to need doing as the corrosion has broken the paint. Not fixable apparently, so if anyone has a corrosion free front wing for a Green Grey facelift E46 I'm all ears.
- Occasionally, it just will not start. Turn the key, and nothing. All the electrics switch on, but turning the key is greeted with silence. Take the key out and try again and it usually fires into life, bloody annoying though.
- Aftermarket stereo doesn't always connect to my mobile properly, resulting in an HF Error 68 and a yank on the faceplate to ask it to try again. Annoying, but not the end of the world.
- Drivers door skin/card has become detached at the bottom, meaining it rattles like buggery. I'll get round to fixing it eventually.
- Much like its owner, it takes a while to get going in the morning, especially if it's cold. Also like its owner, it smokes like a trooper until it's up and running - although this has been nowhere near as bad this winter as the previous one
- Multiple holes in the boot carpet thanks to suspension struts popping through the top mountings.
- Reversing sensors make all sorts of random beeps until they get in range of something, then behave normally
And despite all that, the fact it's been in a shunt at some point in its life and put back on the road, the complete lac of service history, and the smelly dirty fuel that powers it, I love it to bits. It's been to all 4 corners of the UK without breaking sweat, it soaks up the 25k a year I'm asking of it with only the odd request for TLC, it still goes like stink, yet uses little enough fuel that work don't shout at me for "strategically ignoring" one of the terms of the car allowance policy (engine must be less than 2 litres - as you can tell by my 2 colleagues with Discoveries). To my eyes it still looks pretty fresh for a 10 year old car, it's one of the last BMW's with proper indicators, hilarious fun on an empty A-road (B-roads are a bit challenging for the poor thing to try and direct the Aga under the bonnet) and I am buggered if I can think what to replace it with when it dies.
1994 325i coupe with something like 182,000 on the clock. Rusty bonnet, front wings, rear wings, driver's door, bootlid and panel running across the rear of the car beneath the lights. Water leak in the boot (from the rust) which goes right through to the passenger and driver footwells front and back resulting in a damp interior.
Coolant sensor kaput. Airbag light stays on for about a minute before finally extinguishing. Clutch judder when hot or cold. Alloys in desperate need of a refurb. Fourth gear a little notchy and the leather on the gearknob is badly worn and cracked. Driver's door catch not quite in the right position. Bit of oil leaking from engine cover.
Rust work being looked into, it still gives 30mpg and the engine is as smooth as ever.
I'll never sell it.
Coolant sensor kaput. Airbag light stays on for about a minute before finally extinguishing. Clutch judder when hot or cold. Alloys in desperate need of a refurb. Fourth gear a little notchy and the leather on the gearknob is badly worn and cracked. Driver's door catch not quite in the right position. Bit of oil leaking from engine cover.
Rust work being looked into, it still gives 30mpg and the engine is as smooth as ever.
I'll never sell it.
This last month I have had a purge on our two, firstly a 54 plate E46 320d Touring, clutch, flywheel and prop centre bearing replaced as the flywheel was rattling. It then developed a mysterious, serious oil leak but only under boost. This turned out to a blocked rocker cover breather, now replaced with modified part. Replaced all 4 hub bearings trying to track down a bad bearing hum, it's looking like it might be the tyres after searching a bit on the net. Currently looking to borrow a set of wheels/tyres to test the theory.
Next up was the 99 M5, full respray carried out a couple of months ago with new oe wings and facelift lights fitted. Changed the clutch, flywheel, centre bearing and guibo last week along with a short shift and a new knob. MOTd aswell which only needed 2 exhaust clamps. Changed all of the coolant temperature sensors, sump oil level sensor, oils, filters and rocker cover breather hoses as they were perished. Its driving great now with the new parts, next up is a precautionary bigend shell replacement along with cam chain guides and tensioner also maybe a look at the vanos.
Next up was the 99 M5, full respray carried out a couple of months ago with new oe wings and facelift lights fitted. Changed the clutch, flywheel, centre bearing and guibo last week along with a short shift and a new knob. MOTd aswell which only needed 2 exhaust clamps. Changed all of the coolant temperature sensors, sump oil level sensor, oils, filters and rocker cover breather hoses as they were perished. Its driving great now with the new parts, next up is a precautionary bigend shell replacement along with cam chain guides and tensioner also maybe a look at the vanos.
Edited by Ritchie335is on Wednesday 22 January 11:49
This thread makes me feel alot better! After spending nearly a grand in the last year trying to get my e46 330 up to scratch its still constantly getting new problems almost every other week so i might as well just give up and drive it till it dies which from a few posts on here sounds like it may go on for a long time yet!
E39 B10 V8 Touring, 130k. Everything works except the absolutely stupid designed-on-a-hangover-with-no-protection-from-any-water-ingress-whatsoever tailgate mounted button for the hydraulic tailgate - feckin thing.
E34 B10 4.6 Touring, 133k. Everything works save for the Cruise Control I retro-fitted to the existing loom; cock alone knows what it is as I have no way of testing it except a little voltage check here and there.
E24 M635CSI, 118k. In pieces for a glass out full respray - it was all working when I sent it in but.....
E24 635CSi, lots of miles, see speedo below, but I suspect at least 180k. Just received it back after a 6 year hiatus in storage/crap respray/lost/forgotten about/surprised to be handed it back. Hardly anything works.
OBC - dead.
Central locking - dead.
Electric aerial - sporadic/random/game of chance.
Stereo - occasional but turns off when you turn hard left.
Headlights - working but like candles in a storm.
Rear shocks - gradually loosening off.
Indicators - worked for the MoT but getting through some bulbs so some hidden gremlins there.
Speedo - occasional with percussion engineering still proving the best fix.
Cruise control - linked to the speedo so not a chance.
Sunroof - broken bracket causing it to sag in.
Bonnet shocks - job number 1 as I don't appreciate 16 square feet of double skinned Munich metal on my head every few minutes.
Wipers - lethargic/mortally wounded through years of slumber/coma.
Headlight wipers - oh, come on, they didn't work a few months after they were brand new - what chance have they after 33 years.
Tyres - retaining air - for now.
Brakes - just enough for an MoT - not confidence inspiring though.
Exhaust - the Lord himself only knows how this retains gas for the entire length - I suspect imminent failure.
Engine electrics - weird. You can't turn it off! Connect the battery and the dash lights up without a key. Insert and turn key, and and the car starts really quite easily. Turn the key off and ..... it keeps running. Extract key and.....it keeps running. Disconnect rear of ignition switch and ....can you see a pattern. All the previous and disconnect the battery .... yep, the alternator is one item still stubbornly working and the car keeps running. Surely unplugging the Motronic power supply relay should.... nope, it still keeps going. Stall it! Nope, it's an auto....
Feckin thing.
Thank God it's pretty though - otherwise I'd burn it.....
E34 B10 4.6 Touring, 133k. Everything works save for the Cruise Control I retro-fitted to the existing loom; cock alone knows what it is as I have no way of testing it except a little voltage check here and there.
E24 M635CSI, 118k. In pieces for a glass out full respray - it was all working when I sent it in but.....
E24 635CSi, lots of miles, see speedo below, but I suspect at least 180k. Just received it back after a 6 year hiatus in storage/crap respray/lost/forgotten about/surprised to be handed it back. Hardly anything works.
OBC - dead.
Central locking - dead.
Electric aerial - sporadic/random/game of chance.
Stereo - occasional but turns off when you turn hard left.
Headlights - working but like candles in a storm.
Rear shocks - gradually loosening off.
Indicators - worked for the MoT but getting through some bulbs so some hidden gremlins there.
Speedo - occasional with percussion engineering still proving the best fix.
Cruise control - linked to the speedo so not a chance.
Sunroof - broken bracket causing it to sag in.
Bonnet shocks - job number 1 as I don't appreciate 16 square feet of double skinned Munich metal on my head every few minutes.
Wipers - lethargic/mortally wounded through years of slumber/coma.
Headlight wipers - oh, come on, they didn't work a few months after they were brand new - what chance have they after 33 years.
Tyres - retaining air - for now.
Brakes - just enough for an MoT - not confidence inspiring though.
Exhaust - the Lord himself only knows how this retains gas for the entire length - I suspect imminent failure.
Engine electrics - weird. You can't turn it off! Connect the battery and the dash lights up without a key. Insert and turn key, and and the car starts really quite easily. Turn the key off and ..... it keeps running. Extract key and.....it keeps running. Disconnect rear of ignition switch and ....can you see a pattern. All the previous and disconnect the battery .... yep, the alternator is one item still stubbornly working and the car keeps running. Surely unplugging the Motronic power supply relay should.... nope, it still keeps going. Stall it! Nope, it's an auto....
Feckin thing.
Thank God it's pretty though - otherwise I'd burn it.....
Edited by E24man on Thursday 23 January 12:07
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