97 328i coupe - £650. Money pit?
Discussion
Good stuff!
Temp gauge - check bimmer forums for that fault Im sure I've read about it. You just want to check that your thermostat is in good order.
Airbag light- i've connected/disconnected my battery countless times for stereo installig and it's never thrown up any warning lights. I'd check the connector under the seats in case the interior has been swapped and someones forgotten to do up the plug, or else have a look on the forums for solutions.
One other thing I forgot to mention: 'check control' flashes and 'brake light circuit' on the Computer screen is a common fault and can only be cured w
by cycling the ignition. A £12 brake light switch is often the culprit and it's about an hours work to do. It can be safely left alone though.
Temp gauge - check bimmer forums for that fault Im sure I've read about it. You just want to check that your thermostat is in good order.
Airbag light- i've connected/disconnected my battery countless times for stereo installig and it's never thrown up any warning lights. I'd check the connector under the seats in case the interior has been swapped and someones forgotten to do up the plug, or else have a look on the forums for solutions.
One other thing I forgot to mention: 'check control' flashes and 'brake light circuit' on the Computer screen is a common fault and can only be cured w
by cycling the ignition. A £12 brake light switch is often the culprit and it's about an hours work to do. It can be safely left alone though.
wsurfa said:
Well, just picked it up (will do some photos after lunch).
It seems to drive ok, gear box seems fine, started immediately from cold, brakes seems good. Has 4 new tyres (ditchfinder special nankings), elec stuff works so far.
Some surface rust along the top of the windscreen (as listed in advert), I'll just Krust it for now.
Seats are worn a bit, but still seem firm.
Possible issues
Engine temp gauge doesnt move up from cold
Airbag warning light on (battery has been changed possible link?)
Sounds good for the cash. It seems to drive ok, gear box seems fine, started immediately from cold, brakes seems good. Has 4 new tyres (ditchfinder special nankings), elec stuff works so far.
Some surface rust along the top of the windscreen (as listed in advert), I'll just Krust it for now.
Seats are worn a bit, but still seem firm.
Possible issues
Engine temp gauge doesnt move up from cold
Airbag warning light on (battery has been changed possible link?)
Autobox suits the engine tbh (ignore the haterzzzz), very nice and smooth.
R6dug said:
Air bag light will need the bulb taken out
EFA....joke!
WeirdNeville said:
Good stuff!
Temp gauge - check bimmer forums for that fault Im sure I've read about it. You just want to check that your thermostat is in good order.
Airbag light- i've connected/disconnected my battery countless times for stereo installig and it's never thrown up any warning lights. I'd check the connector under the seats in case the interior has been swapped and someones forgotten to do up the plug, or else have a look on the forums for solutions.
One other thing I forgot to mention: 'check control' flashes and 'brake light circuit' on the Computer screen is a common fault and can only be cured w
by cycling the ignition. A £12 brake light switch is often the culprit and it's about an hours work to do. It can be safely left alone though.
Thanks - I'll check bimmer forums re the thermostat and airbag.Temp gauge - check bimmer forums for that fault Im sure I've read about it. You just want to check that your thermostat is in good order.
Airbag light- i've connected/disconnected my battery countless times for stereo installig and it's never thrown up any warning lights. I'd check the connector under the seats in case the interior has been swapped and someones forgotten to do up the plug, or else have a look on the forums for solutions.
One other thing I forgot to mention: 'check control' flashes and 'brake light circuit' on the Computer screen is a common fault and can only be cured w
by cycling the ignition. A £12 brake light switch is often the culprit and it's about an hours work to do. It can be safely left alone though.
No Check control/brake light messages (yet).
so fingers crossed it's ok
R6dug said:
Air bag light will need to be reset with the correct tool.
Is that like the £40 'tool' to reset the service lights that can be done with a length of wire?I'd understand if is does require a proper tool, or laptop, but most things can be reset by grounding the correct diagnostics pin for the correct length of time.
helix402 said:
Looks like a good one, I think I used to service it! Is that a Coombs/Vines of Guildford no plate? I was there from 94-04. I still service a 1997 328, they're one of the most reliable and best made BMWs.
Hi, yes it's a Coombs car and was serviced there regularly until 2004. I hope it then became a station car, as it had done about 150,000 miles by 2004/5 so 35,000 in the next 5 years seems a little unlikely. But if it all works - who caresEdited by helix402 on Sunday 2nd January 19:13
I like the line " Air-con - untested but compressor kicks in " as being economic with the truth. Translations is : aircon doesn't work but I had a look and can see the aircon compressor clutch working.
I believe the compressor cluth will only kick in if there is some pressure in the system. If it had zero gas ( think, big leak ) left in it then I don't think the compressor clutch would kick in when turning it on.
I bought a cheap E36 touring with exactly this, one refill can off ebay for £12 and perfect working aircon.
I believe the compressor cluth will only kick in if there is some pressure in the system. If it had zero gas ( think, big leak ) left in it then I don't think the compressor clutch would kick in when turning it on.
I bought a cheap E36 touring with exactly this, one refill can off ebay for £12 and perfect working aircon.
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