Recommissioning an r56

[dirky dirk]

Senior management has been given a mini.
We will transfer our plate and use it as our main car I think.

However it’s not moved for two years, just ticked
Over.
Is there anything in particular I need to do to get it mot ready?
I Don’t expect it to be a money pit,
I was thinking of nursing it back home, a good wash, and taking it for an MOT, and
Then a mini service and whatever it needs to pass

Is there anything else I should be aware of ?

[stevemcs]

Check the oil, check the tyres, change the oil, make sure the brakes are free - the rears usually stick then whack it in for the mot and see what you have to deal with.

[dirky dirk]

Bloody things as flat as a dodo
Been round with the jump leads. It’s kind of gets in the throws to start but doesnt.
Any ideas

[stevemcs]

Does it sound like its going to start ? has it got fuel ? be careful to not fry the FRM module when jump starting.

[dirky dirk]

It’s dead without a jump start
With it it’s literally a 1/8th of a turn.
It’s not at the point where it’s catching

[stevemcs]

When was the last time it was started ?

[dirky dirk]

Over a month ago.
It’s got a new battery, but it’s not been started with the new battery very much if at all
Just left on the drive.
So it could be the battery’s had it

But it’s also not starting on a jump start either.
If I could get it going I’d get the battery tested.


Also can I get the paint code off the chassis no. ?
Wanted to order a touch up brush.

[Welshbeef]

dirky dirk said:

Over a month ago.
It’s got a new battery, but it’s not been started with the new battery very much if at all
Just left on the drive.
So it could be the battery’s had it

But it’s also not starting on a jump start either.
If I could get it going I’d get the battery tested.

Battery is in warranty if it’s faulty take it back.

Also can I get the paint code off the chassis no. ?
Wanted to order a touch up brush.

[stevemcs]

Clutch stuck ? starter motor ? can you turn the engine over by hand ?

[dirky dirk]

How do i do that?
I didn’t try to start it
I was on the jump starting car

[blue al]

Battery might need coding esp if different from factory spec

Better off trying to get some charge into the older unit if at all possible.

[dirky dirk]

I took the battery off and it’s a start stop agm one.
And the bloke said it needs a decent charger it’s just flat bit ok.
It was 11.4 volts and 34 amps, but he reckons it’s not knackered because its not 9 or 6 volts
So I’ve brought it a fresh new charger and conditioner and it’s on charge overnight
If it’s still flat then it’s knackered and I have the guarantee and it’s getting replaced.
And I’ll get my money back on the charger.
Free cars cost £110 so far 🤔

[blue al]

Google Bmw vin decoders, will tell you full spec of car as built

Or post a picture here with year date of manufacture (on drivers door pillar or under hood depending on year)

[dirky dirk]

Batteries still not charged
I think I’ll take it back at dinner

[E-bmw]

dirky dirk said:

And the bloke said it needs a decent charger it’s just flat bit ok.
It was 11.4 volts and 34 amps, but he reckons it’s not knackered because its not 9 or 6 volts

11.4 volts is flatter than a flat thing.

12v batteries are actually 6 x 2.1 volt calls in series so should be 12.6 volts fully charged, every 0.1 volt under that is 20% of its charge lost so 11.4 volts is completely flat.

[dirky dirk]

E-bmw said:

dirky dirk said:

And the bloke said it needs a decent charger it’s just flat bit ok.
It was 11.4 volts and 34 amps, but he reckons it’s not knackered because its not 9 or 6 volts

11.4 volts is flatter than a flat thing.

12v batteries are actually 6 x 2.1 volt calls in series so should be 12.6 volts fully charged, every 0.1 volt under that is 20% of its charge lost so 11.4 volts is completely flat.

Senior management took it back and exchanged it,
so it will have a new battery in it tonight, (the brand new one has also been on charge as well)
ive been and got oil and air filters for it, and ive got some oil and a few bits coming for it over the next few days,

[dirky dirk]

It lives!
Managed to get it home.
Started first time,
Near side rear brakes are sticking but other than thst it’s fine
A couple of dry Weekends will see it roadworthy
Can see the attraction with them

[dirky dirk]

I think its got the death rattle

I changed the oil, filter,air filter, pollen filter,
Autosol on the alloys, greased up various hinges, jenolite on a few bolts,
Tomorrows cleaning day,
Dont want to drive it until the belt and tensioner is done.
Nest week, ill book it in and get it an mot

[stevemcs]

Which belt and tensioner are you replacing ?

You can sometimes get away with changing the chain tensioner, it just depends how far its gone.

[rigga]

stevemcs said:

Which belt and tensioner are you replacing ?

You can sometimes get away with changing the chain tensioner, it just depends how far its gone.

Lasted 4 years or so on mine before I had the chain set replaced, might be worth seeing if it has the latest tensioner fitted, cheap enough to try that first.