The Joy of Running an Old Shed (Vol 2)

[aaron_2000]

Been up and the suspension lifts up spot on, my garage's heavy duty jump pack wouldn't get it going, just click click click. It barely had the power to lift the windows never mind crank the engine, gonna go and jump it off the Touareg tomorrow and stick a battery in it. Sills are very clean, it's a long owner car and been garaged over 16 years. Hopefully we get it started tomorrow, I just need to get some juice in it. The battery is 100% dead so I'll grab another tomorrow

[aaron_2000]

aaron_2000 said:

Been up and the suspension lifts up spot on, my garage's heavy duty jump pack wouldn't get it going, just click click click. It barely had the power to lift the windows never mind crank the engine, gonna go and jump it off the Touareg tomorrow and stick a battery in it. Sills are very clean, it's a long owner car and been garaged over 16 years. Hopefully we get it started tomorrow, I just need to get some juice in it. The battery is 100% dead so I'll grab another tomorrow. Always wanted an E39 Sport but they've left shed territory with senor manuel boxes and I'm not brave enough for an auto. That black one is spot on, I wish they were still cheap and plentiful.

[bearman68]

Hedgehog in the blower fan is a common failure, leading to the battery draining.

[aaron_2000]

bearman68 said:

Hedgehog in the blower fan is a common failure, leading to the battery draining.

My 1st E46 had that issue in the middle of winter which wasn't fun. The E39 has just been sat for many many months and I suspect the battery has had it, gonna give it a 20-30 min charge off the Touareg tomorrow then stick a battery in it if that fails. Last big diesel BMW I dragged out of months of sitting needed about 20 mins of charge before it would fire/glow up so fingers crossed it's the same with this one. I was speaking to the lad I got it from and he said it took about 15 mins for his X Trail to get it to start so we'll see

[aaron_2000]

E39 is running and driving. Smoked like mad coming home but it's cleared up now, goes in for the MOT tomorrow but up to the garage tonight to be dropped off. These front tyres and the engine light not illuminating are the only things I've spotted that might fail it, it drives spot on and rides great. Got a illegal parking on the hatched area pics on the way to the garage, fixed the write off damage in 30 seconds with a rubber mallet. Need to fixing the steering wheel controls, I refuse to live without cruise control

[ferrisbueller]

winning.

Cracked front plate? Might get a ding on the MOT.

[aaron_2000]

ferrisbueller said:

winning.

Cracked front plate? Might get a ding on the MOT.

Tape residue, plates were partially taped over from the insurance company. Getting their windscreen writing off was a pain too

[ferrisbueller]

aaron_2000 said:

ferrisbueller said:

winning.

Cracked front plate? Might get a ding on the MOT.

Tape residue, plates were partially taped over from the insurance company. Getting their windscreen writing off was a pain too

[aaron_2000]

ferrisbueller said:

aaron_2000 said:

ferrisbueller said:

winning.

Cracked front plate? Might get a ding on the MOT.

Tape residue, plates were partially taped over from the insurance company. Getting their windscreen writing off was a pain too

Not sure what the breaking point will be for me bill wise if it fails the MOT tomorrow. I think anything more than £300-£400 and I'll eBay no reserve it. I drove it hard on the way home to try and clear the smoke and it still averaged 27mpg. The 320d was quicker without a doubt but this thing rides near on S Class smooth

[bearman68]

Hedgehog in the blower fan is a common failure, leading to the battery draining.

[bearman68]

Sorry, tech error.

[g3org3y]

aaron_2000 said:

E39 is running and driving.

Very nice. Old BMW shedding FTW.

[aaron_2000]

It failed the pre MOT, a rear airbag is leaking slightly and a couple of subframe bushes. Not a major failure but a pain because the garage don't do air suspension stuff. Any idea of the labour cost of replacing both rear bags? Weighing up whether it's gonna be a fix for MOT or a stick on eBay situation.

[martin mrt]

The airbags on those are a handout to do if they are anything like an E53 X5, which I’d imagine they are

Unscrew the air pipe and unclip the bag, easier than fitting a rear coil spring.

[aaron_2000]

martin mrt said:

The airbags on those are a handout to do if they are anything like an E53 X5, which I’d imagine they are

Unscrew the air pipe and unclip the bag, easier than fitting a rear coil spring.

Yeah a few people say they're pretty simple. Pretty busy with work but I may give it a go if I get some time free

[Mr.Nobody]

I’m looking to buy something around £2000 - £2500 either an estate or saloon. I’m looking to store my power tools and hand tools in as I work as an engineer. Ideally a Petrol would be best but could consider a Diesel, prefer Automatic and would like it to be comfortable and relatively easy to maintain.

I think I’m best avoiding German cars and maybe focus on either Ford, Vauxhall, Skoda or maybe French. A friend of mine suggested a Rover 75 or MG ZT.

[757]

Mr.Nobody said:

I’m looking to buy something around 2000 - 2500 either an estate or saloon. I’m looking to store my power tools and hand tools in as I work as an engineer. Ideally a Petrol would be best but could consider a Diesel, prefer Automatic and would like it to be comfortable and relatively easy to maintain.

I think I’m best avoiding German cars and maybe focus on either Ford, Vauxhall, Skoda or maybe French. A friend of mine suggested a Rover 75 or MG ZT.

Well Skoda is German, VAG Group - personally a Vectra or Insignia petrol would suit you here, been an avid Vauxhall hater for years, but they make tremendous sheds as I have recently found out when I took the plunge and got a very shagged, and cosmetically compromised 2008 1.8 SRI Vectra for a grand, excellent no worries workhorse for all my work gear also.

[Ryyy]

Mr.Nobody said:

I’m looking to buy something around 2000 - 2500 either an estate or saloon. I’m looking to store my power tools and hand tools in as I work as an engineer. Ideally a Petrol would be best but could consider a Diesel, prefer Automatic and would like it to be comfortable and relatively easy to maintain.

I think I’m best avoiding German cars and maybe focus on either Ford, Vauxhall, Skoda or maybe French. A friend of mine suggested a Rover 75 or MG ZT.

What happeneded to the subaru??

[Mr.Nobody]

Ryyy said:

What happeneded to the subaru??

Well… it didn’t quite work out. Loads of paperwork issues and messing around with the seller.

[Hoofy]

Mr.Nobody said:

I’m looking to buy something around 2000 - 2500 either an estate or saloon. I’m looking to store my power tools and hand tools in as I work as an engineer. Ideally a Petrol would be best but could consider a Diesel, prefer Automatic and would like it to be comfortable and relatively easy to maintain.

I think I’m best avoiding German cars and maybe focus on either Ford, Vauxhall, Skoda or maybe French. A friend of mine suggested a Rover 75 or MG ZT.

I can't imagine that a French or British shed is more reliable for work purposes than a German car. That said, I'd only put my money on a Japanese car from Toyota or Honda if it's about reliability.