E61 V8 Bearding

E61 V8 Bearding

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ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Saturday 1st December 2018
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pewe

649 posts

220 months

Saturday 1st December 2018
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So guys I need some advice/help:-
The washer fluid on my MY2010 Touring is coming out from the left side of the high level brake light rather than the nozzle in the centre of the tailgate.
Before I start ripping it apart can anyone give me any "how to" advice on taking the trim around the top of the tailgate off or point me to a web-page please?
TIA, Pewe

ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Sunday 2nd December 2018
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I never use the rear washer because I read somewhere it can leak and I don't think the risk is worth the benefit. If it leaks it pours into the boot and ruins stuff - can't remember what stuff.

chrisgeary

93 posts

156 months

Sunday 2nd December 2018
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This guide should help:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1H8TOLfRMeORtlxHP...

Start from 'Now you’ll need to get the spoiler off'

That should get you into the area where the hose meets the nozzle. You'll find it has probably popped off and just needs reseating.

pewe

649 posts

220 months

Wednesday 5th December 2018
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Thanks for the link - excellent.

In fact once I'd sussed the tailgate is split (how did I not know that - only owned it 6 months FFS???) it was a relatively easy job.
Just be aware once the 4 retaining torx screws have been removed the spoiler slides backwards slightly to clear the top-hat locating clips and vice versa on re-assembly.
Feed pipe had disconnected so a simple push fit to click back in.
Being in a hurry I didn't use one of my favourites - self-amalgamating tape to effect a more permanent cure by wrapping the join but have it in mind if it happens again.

Safe motoring guys and keep a light right foot!
Cheers, Pewe.

smashie

685 posts

152 months

Sunday 16th December 2018
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Drove my 550 for the 1st time since it’s MOT on 1st November. Put the battery on 24hr charge the day before and gave it a good blast. 14mpg! Didn’t dawdle, just how it’s supposed to be done.

Hashtaggggg

1,780 posts

70 months

Monday 17th December 2018
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So after 2 months sat on the drive without an MOT I decided yesterday to pull my finger out and get it sorted out back on the road.


A few night runs last night across the moors were carried out and then this morning a call to book the test.

"We can do it now if you want"

So off I go expecting a list as long as my arm of failures.

Well it did not pass, but only failed on a track rod end and the emissions.

A quick blast over the moors sorted the emissions and the track rod is being done tomorrow.

Pretty pleased with that. I have known my MOT tester for years and was shocked how good a 14 year old car is with 120000 miles on the clock.

I was going to put it on ebay for 99p starting bid but think I may now keep it for another year of 2 and spend some money on it.




Spitfires

75 posts

81 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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I've been half heartedly looking for an E60 545 for a while to replace my 330Ci, though I can't decide if I'd miss the E46 or not if I changed. Most of my driving is motorway and often in traffic so I suspect not.

I've a few must haves of comfort leather (not grey and preferably not black), xenons and logic 7, not really fussed on exterior colour. Probably prefer an SE over an M Sport for a softer ride on our great roads, though would take either and maybe swap any M Sport purchase onto SE alloys.

I've yet to find one that ticks all the boxes let alone has decent history to boot.

My current 330Ci has had a fair bit spent on it (in the region of several of the V8 bills) so I'm in no real rush to change as I'd be passing on a car with all the jobs done having not reaped enough of the rewards. Trouble is there's a V8 itch that needs scratching!

I've read this thread from start to finish and followed since about 2016. I went to view an E61 550i earlier in the year with a colleague (not for me, for him) and sure enough it smoked the smoke of valve stem seals, something I wouldn't have known about were it not for you fine chaps here.

Keep it up, reading with interest whilst lurking.

ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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Spitfires said:
I went to view an E61 550i earlier in the year with a colleague (not for me, for him) and sure enough it smoked the smoke of valve stem seals, something I wouldn't have known about were it not for you fine chaps here.
The smoking is well known although I didn't know about it before I bought mine. I've had my car nearly 4 years and in all that time it has smoked. I wouldn't rule out a car that smokes because I think most of them do and ruling out most cars would make your search very difficult. My car hasn't got worse and most days you would never see any smoke. If you want one of these cars don't let a bit of smoke put you off.

Patrick Bateman

12,189 posts

175 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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If it's just a V8 itch that needs scratching then I'd strongly advise to avoid a BMW with the N62 and look elsewhere.

WarnieV6GT

1,135 posts

200 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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Spitfires said:
I've been half heartedly looking for an E60 545 for a while to replace my 330Ci, though I can't decide if I'd miss the E46 or not if I changed. Most of my driving is motorway and often in traffic so I suspect not.

I've a few must haves of comfort leather (not grey and preferably not black), xenons and logic 7, not really fussed on exterior colour. Probably prefer an SE over an M Sport for a softer ride on our great roads, though would take either and maybe swap any M Sport purchase onto SE alloys.

I've yet to find one that ticks all the boxes let alone has decent history to boot.

My current 330Ci has had a fair bit spent on it (in the region of several of the V8 bills) so I'm in no real rush to change as I'd be passing on a car with all the jobs done having not reaped enough of the rewards. Trouble is there's a V8 itch that needs scratching!

I've read this thread from start to finish and followed since about 2016. I went to view an E61 550i earlier in the year with a colleague (not for me, for him) and sure enough it smoked the smoke of valve stem seals, something I wouldn't have known about were it not for you fine chaps here.

Keep it up, reading with interest whilst lurking.
I have the 545i, a non smoker at that and take it from me you won't miss the 330. The 545i is only 120kg heavier and your getting over 100bhp and a shed load of torque to make up for it, plus they handle very well for a car of it's size.

Mine is an m-sport but it rides very well on the 19in spiders. I think I have almost every option such as head up display, comfort sport seats which are heated front and rear with massaging bases, logic 7, pro nav with digital tv, rear blind, adaptive xenons etc.

But the ones I wouldn't want to do without would be the the comfort seats, heated seats - passengers love the rears heated but you don't see many, logic 7, pro nav and the adaptive xenons. Head up display is great when pressing on and for Sat nav instructions but I reckon I wouldn't miss it.

The SE's are a lot cheaper but I personally don't like the styling. If I could I would find a 550i but they command higher prices and normally have big miles.

Mine is like new inside and if looked after the interiors wear well but I've seen some right states that would put me off straight away. Its rare you get a well looked after car that has comprehensive service history so if you see one then don't hang about.

Spitfires

75 posts

81 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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Patrick Bateman said:
If it's just a V8 itch that needs scratching then I'd strongly advise to avoid a BMW with the N62 and look elsewhere.
I like BMW's as a rule and there's nothing else V8 shaped that really floats my boat and is within realistic budget or running costs. I looked at CLS500s and S4's but neither really appeal to me. M3's are out of reach and I do too many miles (circa 18k) to justify the running costs of a V8 M car even if I could stretch to one.

The earlier 545's are appealing as they're 4 door and spacious for when the family (sans dog) travel in it, they're well in budget and bar the possibility of a big bill don't break the bank on fuel or servicing. The leap from them to a 550i, as has been said, would cover rather a lot of the big ticket bills.

I'm still enjoying my E46 at the moment even after 2 years and 36k, which is rare for me, so I'm in no rush to buy anything else. Though if a 545 in my spec popped up close enough to warrant a look I'd be very interested, there's not much else I can see me changing mine for unless it dies in the meantime.

Spitfires

75 posts

81 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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@WarnieV6GT

Thanks for your insight over the 330, I didn't realise they were that close in weight!

Yours sounds a very good car with a great spec, so they must be out there. I suppose the good ones tend to stay with their owners longer and come up for sale less often than the poor ones that are passed on quickly.

Spitfires

75 posts

81 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
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@ATM, I also have a thing for 996's and am following your 911 thread, among others. Great reading thanks!

ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Wednesday 19th December 2018
quotequote all
Spitfires said:
Patrick Bateman said:
If it's just a V8 itch that needs scratching then I'd strongly advise to avoid a BMW with the N62 and look elsewhere.
I like BMW's as a rule and there's nothing else V8 shaped that really floats my boat and is within realistic budget or running costs. I looked at CLS500s and S4's but neither really appeal to me. M3's are out of reach and I do too many miles (circa 18k) to justify the running costs of a V8 M car even if I could stretch to one.

The earlier 545's are appealing as they're 4 door and spacious for when the family (sans dog) travel in it, they're well in budget and bar the possibility of a big bill don't break the bank on fuel or servicing. The leap from them to a 550i, as has been said, would cover rather a lot of the big ticket bills.

I'm still enjoying my E46 at the moment even after 2 years and 36k, which is rare for me, so I'm in no rush to buy anything else. Though if a 545 in my spec popped up close enough to warrant a look I'd be very interested, there's not much else I can see me changing mine for unless it dies in the meantime.
I don't want to poo poo Mr Bateman's comments against the N62. I suspect he has had a bad experience with an N62 engined car and as such decided they're not good. There are plenty of owners here who think the N62 engine is good. And as you say if you want a v8 BMW you don't really have a lot of choice do you?

Patrick Bateman

12,189 posts

175 months

Thursday 20th December 2018
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I didn't say it's not a good engine, it's a very good engine.

The issue is it's not good enough to warrant the hassle, especially in a barge.

What do the 550i cars not have to worry about that the 545i cars do? No water cooled alternator for one.

Maybe you'll be lucky but I owned one at the worst time possible it seems and wouldn't touch another with a barge pole.

ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Monday 24th December 2018
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Winter tyres on


ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Tuesday 25th December 2018
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My car was in a magazine article



Edited by ATM on Wednesday 16th January 08:29

ATM

Original Poster:

18,300 posts

220 months

Saturday 29th December 2018
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ATM said:
My car was in a magazine article

My eBay bought copy has arrived.

That other pic stopped working but is again now. Anyway this is my pic.



Edited by ATM on Wednesday 16th January 08:30

cerb4.5lee

30,699 posts

181 months

Saturday 29th December 2018
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ATM said:
ATM said:
My car was in a magazine article

My eBay bought copy has arrived.
I'd love to see a car that I own in a magazine like that, l bet you're well chuffed.