Heidi the Canadian E34 525i
Discussion
Hey chaps,
Thought I'd share my story as it unfolds.
Im currently living in Whistler, Canada. Its a ski resort in the mountains about 2 hours from vancouver. I've just finished the winter season and I've been looking at cars so I could get to rugby training, and also to get my head back together after a bit of a rough time.
Most north american cars are s
t, rusted, and generally dead. The japanese offerings in the price range I was looking at were going that way too.
But after much searching, I came across a well maintained if slightly scruffy 5 series which was going cheap due to a few faults-Radio won't turn on properly, and the locking is borked. I'm not too fussed about either of those given where I live, so for 1200 dollars I bought this:
Electric sunroof, heated leather seats with adjustable lumbar support, working air con, a ski bag that pokes through the rear seats when needed, and a brand new exhaust system.
Tyres are good too!
This car is going to be driving up alpine roads every week, and generally lording it over the sheds that everyone else around here drives.
I'm also taking bets as to how long it is before the cooling system pisses itself, like my e46 back home
Finally, this is my first 6cl car. It is ridiculously fast by my standards, and the soundtrack is amazing.
Thought I'd share my story as it unfolds.
Im currently living in Whistler, Canada. Its a ski resort in the mountains about 2 hours from vancouver. I've just finished the winter season and I've been looking at cars so I could get to rugby training, and also to get my head back together after a bit of a rough time.
Most north american cars are s
t, rusted, and generally dead. The japanese offerings in the price range I was looking at were going that way too.But after much searching, I came across a well maintained if slightly scruffy 5 series which was going cheap due to a few faults-Radio won't turn on properly, and the locking is borked. I'm not too fussed about either of those given where I live, so for 1200 dollars I bought this:
Electric sunroof, heated leather seats with adjustable lumbar support, working air con, a ski bag that pokes through the rear seats when needed, and a brand new exhaust system.
Tyres are good too!
This car is going to be driving up alpine roads every week, and generally lording it over the sheds that everyone else around here drives.
I'm also taking bets as to how long it is before the cooling system pisses itself, like my e46 back home
Finally, this is my first 6cl car. It is ridiculously fast by my standards, and the soundtrack is amazing.
Cheers for the positive comments guys.
I'l be honest, I get nervous when I drive the car. Money is tight at this time of the year in a seasonal resort town, and I'd rather not have to reach into my contingency fund to replace anything.
Now the cooling system-The coolant was quite low when I checked the other day. On the plus side, the coolant is pretty new, and its blue too. I topped it up to the correct level and after putting a couple of hundred miles on the car over the last few days, I'm relieved to say its not dropped by a noticable amount.
If I have to top up every now and then or throw an egg at the radiator I don't mind too much, but if it craps itself like my e46 did then that would be slightly annoying, to say the least.
To answer an earlier question it isn't the Xi version, its just regular RWD hilarity.
I'm still getting to grips with the handling. It isn't as sharp or precise as my e46, and the fact it is a decade older shows,
I'm also trying to be sympathetic to the engine and not overwork it but I had a race with an old el camino yesterday which was a good giggle. If you've ever heard 14 cylinders on full chat down a mountain road, you'll know why I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
I'l be honest, I get nervous when I drive the car. Money is tight at this time of the year in a seasonal resort town, and I'd rather not have to reach into my contingency fund to replace anything.
Now the cooling system-The coolant was quite low when I checked the other day. On the plus side, the coolant is pretty new, and its blue too. I topped it up to the correct level and after putting a couple of hundred miles on the car over the last few days, I'm relieved to say its not dropped by a noticable amount.
If I have to top up every now and then or throw an egg at the radiator I don't mind too much, but if it craps itself like my e46 did then that would be slightly annoying, to say the least.
To answer an earlier question it isn't the Xi version, its just regular RWD hilarity.
I'm still getting to grips with the handling. It isn't as sharp or precise as my e46, and the fact it is a decade older shows,
I'm also trying to be sympathetic to the engine and not overwork it but I had a race with an old el camino yesterday which was a good giggle. If you've ever heard 14 cylinders on full chat down a mountain road, you'll know why I had a smile on my face for the rest of the day.
So guys. I'll update you on what happened.
Heidi lasted me until my last week in Canada, where I sold her to someone who has a bit more money than me! Hopefully she will stay on the road but I doubt it. I think she had HG issues, to be honest.
On the 23rd of September I took her on a 800 kilometre roadtrip from Whistler to Vancouver island, which resulted in me celebrating my 21st in Victoria with a about 8 of my mates. She performed admirably, bar one issue:
After about 40 miles, the car died on an uphill section. We managed to pull her into a layby, and we opened the bonnet.
Aussie chap: "so er guys, who knows anything about cars"
British chap: "Well actually I used to be a BMW mechanic.."
SORTED!
Turns out there was crap in the fuel lines. Parked the car facing downhill, started it and gave it a massive rev, to see lots of soot come out of the exhaust. Drove back to the nearest fuel station, and brimmed the tank. After that, I never let it go past half empty.
The CD player never worked so I bought the biggest ghetto blaster in the hardware store, attached my Ipod (courtesy of my lovely girlfriend at the time) and we had enough Australian rap and lana del ray to last a week.
I drove to Vancouver island a bunch of times, and down to Vancouver more times than I can remember for rugby training. I still have a soft spot for e34s, but to get one in that spec (all the toys) you need to spend too much money in the UK. In the future I will have enough money for that to be irrelevant and I will have another Heidi.
Anyway, she is now in the clutches of a Canadian. I hope he put winter tyres on. I will upload some more photos when I get the chance. I will also add some more stories when they come to my memory.
Now-
I wrote off my 3 series.
So for a few weeks I was miserable and without a car. I really don't have much money at the moment. I've not worked since getting back from Canada as I was expecting to start Army Officer training next week. I just found out that I'm being medically deferred, probably to may.
Before I found that out, I thought I had better get a car so I can drive home on the occasional sunday.
So I didn't want another e46 because I knew for my small budget I couldn't get one as good as I had before and that would make me sad.
So I bought this, for under 700 quid, with T and t:
She is running a bit cool so needs a new thermostat. She also needs an oil change.
I would like a bit of advice regarding those two facts. I can't really afford to get those jobs done at a garage at the moment and I don't mind getting my hands dirty. Any step by step instruction guides?
But I've never been happier. 1999, 520i manual. High mileage at 160,000 but as you can see from my e34, that really isn't much. But to put my mind at rest I'd like to get the two little niggles fixed.
Heidi lasted me until my last week in Canada, where I sold her to someone who has a bit more money than me! Hopefully she will stay on the road but I doubt it. I think she had HG issues, to be honest.
On the 23rd of September I took her on a 800 kilometre roadtrip from Whistler to Vancouver island, which resulted in me celebrating my 21st in Victoria with a about 8 of my mates. She performed admirably, bar one issue:
After about 40 miles, the car died on an uphill section. We managed to pull her into a layby, and we opened the bonnet.
Aussie chap: "so er guys, who knows anything about cars"
British chap: "Well actually I used to be a BMW mechanic.."
SORTED!
Turns out there was crap in the fuel lines. Parked the car facing downhill, started it and gave it a massive rev, to see lots of soot come out of the exhaust. Drove back to the nearest fuel station, and brimmed the tank. After that, I never let it go past half empty.
The CD player never worked so I bought the biggest ghetto blaster in the hardware store, attached my Ipod (courtesy of my lovely girlfriend at the time) and we had enough Australian rap and lana del ray to last a week.
I drove to Vancouver island a bunch of times, and down to Vancouver more times than I can remember for rugby training. I still have a soft spot for e34s, but to get one in that spec (all the toys) you need to spend too much money in the UK. In the future I will have enough money for that to be irrelevant and I will have another Heidi.
Anyway, she is now in the clutches of a Canadian. I hope he put winter tyres on. I will upload some more photos when I get the chance. I will also add some more stories when they come to my memory.
Now-
I wrote off my 3 series.
So for a few weeks I was miserable and without a car. I really don't have much money at the moment. I've not worked since getting back from Canada as I was expecting to start Army Officer training next week. I just found out that I'm being medically deferred, probably to may.
Before I found that out, I thought I had better get a car so I can drive home on the occasional sunday.
So I didn't want another e46 because I knew for my small budget I couldn't get one as good as I had before and that would make me sad.
So I bought this, for under 700 quid, with T and t:
She is running a bit cool so needs a new thermostat. She also needs an oil change.
I would like a bit of advice regarding those two facts. I can't really afford to get those jobs done at a garage at the moment and I don't mind getting my hands dirty. Any step by step instruction guides?
But I've never been happier. 1999, 520i manual. High mileage at 160,000 but as you can see from my e34, that really isn't much. But to put my mind at rest I'd like to get the two little niggles fixed.
Oh, and to keep with the ski resort theme. Whilst I'm waiting for my eye to heal, I'm hopefully going to live in france or Austria as a ski technician again. Depending on where I go, I might take her with me!
I've not named her yet, so I'm taking suggestions for suitably teutonic names.
Oh, whilst I'm at it. I want to put some sort of nice sounding air filter on there. My e46 3er had a great induction noise, and I miss it. The exhaust won't be changed, because it's so quiet and peaceful, which is perfect.
I've not named her yet, so I'm taking suggestions for suitably teutonic names.
Oh, whilst I'm at it. I want to put some sort of nice sounding air filter on there. My e46 3er had a great induction noise, and I miss it. The exhaust won't be changed, because it's so quiet and peaceful, which is perfect.
Regarding the thermostat, some good information here although it's M5 specific, not sure if the parts are common:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Also this post from RichardM5 was very useful:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Also this post from RichardM5 was very useful:
RichardM5 said:
The engine should get up to temperature quite quickly, the oil takes longer.
When cruising the temp gauge should be just below 12 O'clock.
By far the most likely problem if you're running cool is the thermostat, they can easily fail within 6 months. If it's a genuine BMW part then it will be guaranteed for 2 years which includes parts and the labour to fit them.
Check the temperature using the hidden OBC menu, it should be no lower than 79C. Press and hold the right button on the cluster, after about 8 seconds it will show 'Test 01'. Click the right button until it says 'Test 19', click the left button. It will say 'Lock On'. Look at your VIN, add up the last 5 digits. Click the left cluster button until the number is the sum of your VIN digits. Click the right button, the menu is now unlocked and will say unlocked until you lock it again or disconnect the battery. Use the right button to select Test 07, click the left button and it will show 'KTEMP : xx C' monitor the temperature and see what it does. If it never reaches 79C the thermostat is faulty. If it goes above 79C and then drops back below 79C again, the thermostat is faulty. Cruising slowly (60-70mph) on a motorway when it's really cold outside is a great way to test the thermostat.
When cruising the temp gauge should be just below 12 O'clock.
By far the most likely problem if you're running cool is the thermostat, they can easily fail within 6 months. If it's a genuine BMW part then it will be guaranteed for 2 years which includes parts and the labour to fit them.
Check the temperature using the hidden OBC menu, it should be no lower than 79C. Press and hold the right button on the cluster, after about 8 seconds it will show 'Test 01'. Click the right button until it says 'Test 19', click the left button. It will say 'Lock On'. Look at your VIN, add up the last 5 digits. Click the left cluster button until the number is the sum of your VIN digits. Click the right button, the menu is now unlocked and will say unlocked until you lock it again or disconnect the battery. Use the right button to select Test 07, click the left button and it will show 'KTEMP : xx C' monitor the temperature and see what it does. If it never reaches 79C the thermostat is faulty. If it goes above 79C and then drops back below 79C again, the thermostat is faulty. Cruising slowly (60-70mph) on a motorway when it's really cold outside is a great way to test the thermostat.
Thanks R Evo, that's really helpful!
Borkfactor- I'm terrified of not having a car so I don't drive the 5er in the same way that I drove the e46. But the E46 certainly felt a lot sportier, especially on its M sport wheels. It felt light, and although it had a woefully underpowered engine, felt alert and provided you stirred the stick, you could make real progress.
The e39 in comparison feels like its been carved out of rock. The suspension is just sublime, it is noticeably larger and more comfortable, and crucially it feels like it was made to a higher standard.
The 2.0 6 pot is really quite lazy. Rev the throttle and the revs will slowly rise, and very slowly fall. It is quite possibly the most unresponsive throttle I've ever used, but maybe a bit of maintenance and care will rectify that.
On the whole, I love it. It inspires driving in a relaxed fashion, and it is a far better car than my e46. Even though my e46 cost 1650 and this cost a thousand pounds less..
Compared to the e34, it is quieter, more comfortable and feels better made, but each have their own virtues. For example I was driving a top spec 525i, compared to a medium spec 520i. The e34 had the most fantastic engine I've ever had the pleasure of driving, but the car itself was so shagged I can't really compared the rest.
Borkfactor- I'm terrified of not having a car so I don't drive the 5er in the same way that I drove the e46. But the E46 certainly felt a lot sportier, especially on its M sport wheels. It felt light, and although it had a woefully underpowered engine, felt alert and provided you stirred the stick, you could make real progress.
The e39 in comparison feels like its been carved out of rock. The suspension is just sublime, it is noticeably larger and more comfortable, and crucially it feels like it was made to a higher standard.
The 2.0 6 pot is really quite lazy. Rev the throttle and the revs will slowly rise, and very slowly fall. It is quite possibly the most unresponsive throttle I've ever used, but maybe a bit of maintenance and care will rectify that.
On the whole, I love it. It inspires driving in a relaxed fashion, and it is a far better car than my e46. Even though my e46 cost 1650 and this cost a thousand pounds less..
Compared to the e34, it is quieter, more comfortable and feels better made, but each have their own virtues. For example I was driving a top spec 525i, compared to a medium spec 520i. The e34 had the most fantastic engine I've ever had the pleasure of driving, but the car itself was so shagged I can't really compared the rest.
The first thing I did was clean the car. I forgot to take before photos, but the seats were almost black in places. I spent 3 hours scrubbing the seats and trim with leather cleaner and a brush, and eventually they turned out quite nice, and make the car look a lot newer.
The floor mats were also a disgrace, 15 years, over 150k, so I went to Halfords to see what they had. Was a bit put off by the 35 pounds for the decent mats, but then I saw the sale bin and found a set of four that fit absolutely perfectly, and only cost a tenner for the bunch! I would like to get some classier ones at some point but I'm a happy bunny with these.
Oh, and I bought a turtle that smells of pina colada to hang in front of the air vents. Don't judge me.
The floor mats were also a disgrace, 15 years, over 150k, so I went to Halfords to see what they had. Was a bit put off by the 35 pounds for the decent mats, but then I saw the sale bin and found a set of four that fit absolutely perfectly, and only cost a tenner for the bunch! I would like to get some classier ones at some point but I'm a happy bunny with these.
Oh, and I bought a turtle that smells of pina colada to hang in front of the air vents. Don't judge me.
Right, so down to the problems and so on where I need someone with a bigger beard than me.
I've come to the conclusion that there is probably a small air leak somewhere, as the revs do drop very slowly when blipping the throttle. I'm not a car god, but from my limited mechanical experience that could be a reason. It's not a big deal, but its now on my to fix list.
Having used the above advice, I checked the temperature of the coolant using the OBC and it reaffirmed what I already knew-The car cruises at about 50 degrees, but when pottering around slowly or when stopped, will gradually work its way up to 65. So faulty thermostat. Is there any danger to running a car cool? What will be the short and long term affects of driving with the thermostat as it is?
The Pina Colada turtle rotates too much when hanging from the mirror. I need to figure out a way of getting him to sleep/sit in front of the air vents, where he won't get quite so dizzy.
If anyone has a step by step oil change guide that would be great.
Also what sort of oil should I use to top it up in case it needs it, and what sort of oil should I pour in the car when changing the stuff. I presume (not checked yet) it started life on semi synthetic 5w30 but some people suggest changing to thicker stuff as a car gets older.
I also need to find some pillows with some sort of Bavarian flag on them to decorate the back seats with, extra points for a matching blanket.
I've come to the conclusion that there is probably a small air leak somewhere, as the revs do drop very slowly when blipping the throttle. I'm not a car god, but from my limited mechanical experience that could be a reason. It's not a big deal, but its now on my to fix list.
Having used the above advice, I checked the temperature of the coolant using the OBC and it reaffirmed what I already knew-The car cruises at about 50 degrees, but when pottering around slowly or when stopped, will gradually work its way up to 65. So faulty thermostat. Is there any danger to running a car cool? What will be the short and long term affects of driving with the thermostat as it is?
The Pina Colada turtle rotates too much when hanging from the mirror. I need to figure out a way of getting him to sleep/sit in front of the air vents, where he won't get quite so dizzy.
If anyone has a step by step oil change guide that would be great.
Also what sort of oil should I use to top it up in case it needs it, and what sort of oil should I pour in the car when changing the stuff. I presume (not checked yet) it started life on semi synthetic 5w30 but some people suggest changing to thicker stuff as a car gets older.
I also need to find some pillows with some sort of Bavarian flag on them to decorate the back seats with, extra points for a matching blanket.
Like it! I'm a '96 E34 owner. I'm typing on a smart phone so I'll have to be brief..
What is the atmospheric temp when the idle is playing up? Most likely a sensor as you suggested, or maybe it could be the old cold start high idle thing. Probably exacerbated by the fact your thermostat is stuck open. As suggested up there ^ you could probably do with changing water pump, thermostat as part of routine servicing and check the condition of the radiator. Relocating a turtle should be a relatively stress free procedure. Oil changes are simple, big 19mm sump bolt to drain, and the oil filter housing is accessible from the top of the engine, with the cartridge type filter located under a big circular 'lid'.
What is the atmospheric temp when the idle is playing up? Most likely a sensor as you suggested, or maybe it could be the old cold start high idle thing. Probably exacerbated by the fact your thermostat is stuck open. As suggested up there ^ you could probably do with changing water pump, thermostat as part of routine servicing and check the condition of the radiator. Relocating a turtle should be a relatively stress free procedure. Oil changes are simple, big 19mm sump bolt to drain, and the oil filter housing is accessible from the top of the engine, with the cartridge type filter located under a big circular 'lid'.
RE the air leak - is it making any noises when moving off? My E46 did that, turned out to be the crankcase breather which is quite a common fault on these engines supposedly. I was something like £200 to get it fixed at a local specialist, but if you are handy with spanners you could probably do it yourself. Lots of videos on YouTube showing you how to do it.
It can present itself in various ways, mine ran 100% perfect and only made the noise when moving off which got annoying and sounded awful. Others have idle problems etc.
It can present itself in various ways, mine ran 100% perfect and only made the noise when moving off which got annoying and sounded awful. Others have idle problems etc.
No noises, but the soundproofing is so good you can't even hear the engine when below 2.5k RPM so you wouldn't be able to tell anyway.
It's not a problem with the idle, its just that if you rev the engine, the revs hang on and drop very slowly. So I suspect an air leak somewhere in the system. But its not really an issue for right now.
Will go check atmospheric temp later!
It's not a problem with the idle, its just that if you rev the engine, the revs hang on and drop very slowly. So I suspect an air leak somewhere in the system. But its not really an issue for right now.
Will go check atmospheric temp later!
Regarding the suspected air leak.
I was talking to a fellow PHer with the same engine.
Turns out they are just really lazy engines with dire throttle response. Oh well!
I think the first thing I shall do is an oil change. Would like to do that before getting stuck into the thermostat which looks a bit trickier.
My neighbour has some ramps and jacks. Might ask if I can borrow them at some point.
I'm going to do an inventory of tools I have available to me next week. Will see if I have the tools to change the thermostat, if not I'll have to think about getting it done at a shop.
I am missing a piece of exterior door trim. Wasn't terribly bothered at first but the more I look at it, the more annoying it gets. This now needs to be sorted!
Car needs a proper wax and polish. Weather decided that's not happening.
So-
Any suggestions as to what oil I should use? Factory recommended or something a bit thicker given her age and mileage?
I was talking to a fellow PHer with the same engine.
Turns out they are just really lazy engines with dire throttle response. Oh well!
I think the first thing I shall do is an oil change. Would like to do that before getting stuck into the thermostat which looks a bit trickier.
My neighbour has some ramps and jacks. Might ask if I can borrow them at some point.
I'm going to do an inventory of tools I have available to me next week. Will see if I have the tools to change the thermostat, if not I'll have to think about getting it done at a shop.
I am missing a piece of exterior door trim. Wasn't terribly bothered at first but the more I look at it, the more annoying it gets. This now needs to be sorted!
Car needs a proper wax and polish. Weather decided that's not happening.
So-
Any suggestions as to what oil I should use? Factory recommended or something a bit thicker given her age and mileage?
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff