E61 V8 Bearding

[ATM]

Don't some people just bin the whole thing and fit simple coil springs?

[d_a_n1979]

ATM said:

Don't some people just bin the whole thing and fit simple coil springs?

I'd say so; like folks do with their E39 tourings...

Then quite a few regret the move as they don't get the SLS functions when the cars fully loaded etc...

All depends on how the cars used and what it's used for; for me personally; having the SLS function is superb and I wouldn't want rid of it at all. If it needs fixing it needs to be done properly.

I think a lot of folk try and fix it with cheap aftermarket bags, cheap aftermarket sensors and when they still have issues; they throw in the towel rather than sorting it properly first time around

[ATM]

d_a_n1979 said:

ATM said:

Don't some people just bin the whole thing and fit simple coil springs?

I'd say so; like folks do with their E39 tourings...

Then quite a few regret the move as they don't get the SLS functions when the cars fully loaded etc...

All depends on how the cars used and what it's used for; for me personally; having the SLS function is superb and I wouldn't want rid of it at all. If it needs fixing it needs to be done properly.

I think a lot of folk try and fix it with cheap aftermarket bags, cheap aftermarket sensors and when they still have issues; they throw in the towel rather than sorting it properly first time around

I hate to tempt fate but I've had no issues with mine. I have once or twice seen the warning pop up when I start the car but then the next time I use the car its gone. I did lower the car a bit at the back via the software to match the lowered front and it did occasionally bottom out. Then my Indy reset it and its now sitting a lot higher than the front.

[ATM]

[Bebs]

Bebs said:

Just put my E61 Alpina B5 Touring up for sale if anyone fancies 516lb ft of torque

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10771197?c...

Now sold

[ATM]

Bebs said:

Bebs said:

Just put my E61 Alpina B5 Touring up for sale if anyone fancies 516lb ft of torque

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10771197?c...

Now sold

Well done

Feel free to stick around but obviously your views will be ignored.

[ATM]

[g3org3y]

ATM said:

What's the chat with the Stop Leak? Oil equivalent of K Seal/Rad Weld? Have you used it successfully before?

[ATM]

2 steps forward and then 3 steps back.

So I cleaned the air box base and refitted it.

I then put the new correct oil filter on the car and new sump plug.

Filled with correct Millers Oil and Millers anti leak snake oil type additive.

Fitted new PCV parts and then pulled off the breathers to inspect for blockages. They disintegrated immediately. Very brittle with no flax at all. So I need to either fashion my own from random tubing or replace with correct BMW parts.

I decided to remove the elbow off the engine where the top hose meets the engine. This obviously the thermostat housing. Obvious once its off. Not much water came out because the stat is closed. What a waste of time.

Replacing was fiddly and I only really started and then it felt like I threaded one of the mounts for the bolts. So I've left this detached while I source a tool to repair the thread and get some replacement bolts.

[ATM]

g3org3y said:

ATM said:

What's the chat with the Stop Leak? Oil equivalent of K Seal/Rad Weld? Have you used it successfully before?

First time

If I ever get the car back together I'll report back.

[g3org3y]

ATM said:

2 steps forward and then 3 steps back.

So I cleaned the air box base and refitted it.

I then put the new correct oil filter on the car and new sump plug.

Filled with correct Millers Oil and Millers anti leak snake oil type additive.

Fitted new PCV parts and then pulled off the breathers to inspect for blockages. They disintegrated immediately. Very brittle with no flax at all. So I need to either fashion my own from random tubing or replace with correct BMW parts.

I decided to remove the elbow off the engine where the top hose meets the engine. This obviously the thermostat housing. Obvious once its off. Not much water came out because the stat is closed. What a waste of time.

Replacing was fiddly and I only really started and then it felt like I threaded one of the mounts for the bolts. So I've left this detached while I source a tool to repair the thread and get some replacement bolts.

Working on one's own cars is such fun!

[james_zy]

Okay so please no one hit me, but since the E61 petrol market (let alone V8) has been quiet, take a look at this bad boy.

535i touring, well specced and owned by an enthusiast for the last 5 years.

And then, wait for it, it’s a manual! Not to everyone’s taste, but thought I’d share

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

[dom9]

Like that... but needs more V8!

[james_zy]

dom9 said:

Like that... but needs more V8!

Agreed - market is dry at the moment. Wonder if it will pick up into autumn

[d_a_n1979]

james_zy said:

Okay so please no one hit me, but since the E61 petrol market (let alone V8) has been quiet, take a look at this bad boy.

535i touring, well specced and owned by an enthusiast for the last 5 years.

And then, wait for it, it’s a manual! Not to everyone’s taste, but thought I’d share

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Like that, but wrong box for me... Can’t imagine driving a car like that with a manual... For me it goes against what the cars all about (as in a comfy mile muncher, a car to drive from one end of the country and back etc...)

Horses for courses I know

[james_zy]

d_a_n1979 said:

Like that, but wrong box for me... Can’t imagine driving a car like that with a manual... For me it goes against what the cars all about (as in a comfy mile muncher, a car to drive from one end of the country and back etc...)

Horses for courses I know

I would agree to be honest, but I do likely the rarity of it. I guess with the turbo all the torque would mean you could lazily short shift, but I agree you want an auto.

And a V8.

Preferably in E61 form...

[ATM]

ATM said:

Fitted new PCV parts and then pulled off the breathers to inspect for blockages. They disintegrated immediately. Very brittle with no flax at all. So I need to either fashion my own from random tubing or replace with correct BMW parts.

You can see I'm not the first person to deal with these brittle breather pipes.

[BigMacDaddy]

pewe said:

Following ^^
Whilst I'm on anyone know if there's an upgrade on the HUD?
Mine has taken to working intermittently since it went into local Main Dealer for electrical bridge recall.
I remember seeing talk about an upgrade but blowed if I can find it.
TIA.

I'd be interested to know this as well - my HUD has completely given up the ghost, pushing the on/off button doesn't work and the fuses all appear to be in order from what I can tell. It did spur me on to fit the android iDrive replacement at least as there was no longer any incentive to stick with the factory nav which worked on the HUD, but I do miss the speed readout as it goes....

[mondeoman]

Whats the market like for these now - I want to get rid of my 2009 550i Sport Touring, but cant get a handle on what price to pitch it at...

[d_a_n1979]

mondeoman said:

Whats the market like for these now - I want to get rid of my 2009 550i Sport Touring, but cant get a handle on what price to pitch it at...

One sold recently and was listed on eBay; if you go into advanced and select 'sold' and search BMW 550i you'll be able to pull it up; think it was listed for c£8k and had been extremely well looked after & maintained etc