What have you done to your BMW today?
Discussion
Thought it'd be a nice to start a thread for general chit chat re the bits and pieces we do to our cars on a daily basis
On Sunday I took the 630 for a short drive to charge the battery as it was due to be collected this week for some body repairs after someone reversed into the front of it before Christmas.
On driving, there was a terrible grinding/rubbing sound coming from the NS front. After 1 min of driving, the sound was accompanied by some rather nasty smelling smoke! Not great. I suspected a stuck/seized caliper secondary to the recent snow and ice. Disc felt warm but admittedly not significantly hotter than the other 3.
Thought I'd recheck things today as it's now much milder. Perhaps the warmer weather may have unseized things, however the sound was still there and worse.
Decided it might be prudent to have a good check over things: brakes, wheel and suspension.
A cursory glance revealed a notable abnormality
Snapped spring with the fragment lodged in. Spring seems to have come off the strut (probably damaging it too)
Normal side:
Got it jacked up to see if I could dislodge the fragment (mallet + pry bar). Unfortunately to no avail
Recovery booked for next week. The advantage of having more than one car is you've always got a spare to use.
What have you guys been up to?
On Sunday I took the 630 for a short drive to charge the battery as it was due to be collected this week for some body repairs after someone reversed into the front of it before Christmas.
On driving, there was a terrible grinding/rubbing sound coming from the NS front. After 1 min of driving, the sound was accompanied by some rather nasty smelling smoke! Not great. I suspected a stuck/seized caliper secondary to the recent snow and ice. Disc felt warm but admittedly not significantly hotter than the other 3.
Thought I'd recheck things today as it's now much milder. Perhaps the warmer weather may have unseized things, however the sound was still there and worse.
Decided it might be prudent to have a good check over things: brakes, wheel and suspension.
A cursory glance revealed a notable abnormality
Snapped spring with the fragment lodged in. Spring seems to have come off the strut (probably damaging it too)
Normal side:
Got it jacked up to see if I could dislodge the fragment (mallet + pry bar). Unfortunately to no avail
Recovery booked for next week. The advantage of having more than one car is you've always got a spare to use.
What have you guys been up to?
oldaudi said:
Well I managed to put my 630 in a hedge a few weeks ago. I joined a roundabout and accelerated onto my exit. I experienced what can only be described as a tank slapper and turned 180 , mounted a pavement and dumped it in a hedge. Got out and had a look around and everything mechanically is fine with the car but I now have a scratch on the wing and the paint is cracked on the plastic wing...... I blame the -6C temperature and my heavy right foot, together with 2 weeks worth of food shopping in the boot it acted like a huge pendulum!
I’d be interested to to see the before and after of your paint job as we have stratus grey and I’m tempted to get mine fixed
Glad you're ok! Easy to do. DSC didn't kick in at all? I’d be interested to to see the before and after of your paint job as we have stratus grey and I’m tempted to get mine fixed
Will get some photos up once the 630 is repaired. Hopefully the colour match will be decent.
As an aside, looks like Bimmer.Work is back doing free VIN decoder checks but you need the whole 17 digit VIN, not just the last 7 (as with previous decoders).
http://bimmer.work/
Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 17th February 22:20
E91 is absolutely filthy and the X5 is getting there too. Debated washing the cars today. Very short debate...
Also spotted a 2006 130i for sale in the village where I work. Manual box. Heated seats too. Non xenons though and a dodgy aftermarket stereo. 5.5k
Not sure I need another (N52 engined) BMW...
Also spotted a 2006 130i for sale in the village where I work. Manual box. Heated seats too. Non xenons though and a dodgy aftermarket stereo. 5.5k
Not sure I need another (N52 engined) BMW...
Court_S said:
g3org3y said:
Drove the 6 to work today. Surprising amount of compliments about it (from non car people in actual fact). Testament to the Bangle styling that a car of 15 years old still looks fresh today imo.
I think Bangle’s designs have aged well (other than the 7 which was ugly then and hasn’t got any better).
[/biased]oldaudi said:
What did the respray on the stratus grey come back like?
Still not done yet. Now that the suspension is sorted, can get the bodyshop to collect it.Deep Thought said:
g3org3y said:
Drove the 6 to work today. Surprising amount of compliments about it (from non car people in actual fact). Testament to the Bangle styling that a car of 15 years old still looks fresh today imo.
Good to hear its roadworthy again Yes, i really like the 6. There were never that many about thus i can imagine they do turn heads now.
I've a soft spot for a 630i to replace my 330i.
I keep an eye on this one but it feels a little expensive - borne out by the fact hes been advertising it since 31-10-20.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010315...
I might go poke him after lockdown. I like in NI so local options are limited. If i take the head staggers it might be worth heading to the mainland for the right car at the right price.
Re the one you've linked, yes does look expensive (but tbf I'm not familiar with NI prices).
It's a facelift model with the N53 engine so possible injector, coil pack and high pressure fuel pump issues.
E63/64 specs are generally pretty decent (certainly more so than equivalent E60/1s), so xenons and climate as standard.
Your example has the ProNav and heated seats (and the cup holder!). Combination of Davanti and Jinyu tyres I notice.
Other features worth looking out for:
The panoramic roof is considered a nice feature, but can be leaky.
HUD is a cool feature to have. You get used to it after a while and when you use a car without it you really miss it!
Pro HiFi option is worth looking out for. It's surprisingly good.
Folding mirrors can be helpful (it's a wide car). Our carpark entrance at work is very narrow and folding the mirrors makes it a lot easier to get in. Also worth considering if you plan to put the car in a (narrow) garage.
Check out fastbikes76's threads in the Reader's Cars section. He's got both a 630 and 650 (though iirc he's selling the former).
Pizzaeatingking said:
Quick wash, then off for a job interview in it.
How did the interview go?Court_S said:
Tested the beading on the fabric roof of the 125i. The Fabsil Gold is bloody impressive
Looks like good stuff. I was using the Autoglym kit on my Z4 (and previously on my E30 cabriolet)helix402 said:
FFS! 
Drove to work today in the E91 and didn't set on fire. I consider that a good outcome.
I was having these codes associated with an EML
When unplugging the MAF, car ran on a default map. No EML, but on searching of course an error code for 'MAF signal'.
Sorted with a new MAF.
E63eeeeee... said:
Drove it to Rochdale to drop off my Merc's calipers for a refurb, overall about 2.5 hours driving, so probably the longest trip it's done since I got it. Handled it beautifully and coming back with the roof down in the sun was pretty ace, no bother even at motorway speeds with the deflector up. EML came on - fuel trim was over 11% after I picked it up from storage so not hugely surprised, no helpful error codes so back to diagnosing vacuum leaks again. All the easy intake side stuff i replaced last year so might try swapping MAFs before dismantling anything - one definite benefit of having two of the same car.
MAF definitely worth a look.I was having these codes associated with an EML
When unplugging the MAF, car ran on a default map. No EML, but on searching of course an error code for 'MAF signal'.
Sorted with a new MAF.
Another Wednesday/bin day, 630 back on a recovery truck.
This time being collected to take to the bodyshop to get that light front end damage sorted. Fingers crossed they'll do a good job.
Same alloys as on the 320Si? Apart from those, what differentiates the LE over the normal M Sport?
This time being collected to take to the bodyshop to get that light front end damage sorted. Fingers crossed they'll do a good job.
Deep Thought said:
Does look great. 
Same alloys as on the 320Si? Apart from those, what differentiates the LE over the normal M Sport?Edited by g3org3y on Wednesday 3rd March 11:42
Used the foglights (quite legitimately) for the first time in ages on Tuesday.
Of course after 10 mins the OS bulb shat itself giving a headlight warning on the dash.
Looks like an H8 bulb and needs the arch liner removed to access.
Incidentally, were you guys aware that with the Check Control, if you hold down the BC button when the fault is on the dash, it'll give you a code you can look up. In this instance CC-ID 138
List here: http://mr-fix.info/bmw-cc-id-codes-fault-warning-m...
Presumably related to your post here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If only 2 years into a PCP, how comes you're using a specialist and not the BMW main dealer? At that age, isn't it under warranty anyway?
Of course after 10 mins the OS bulb shat itself giving a headlight warning on the dash.
Looks like an H8 bulb and needs the arch liner removed to access.
Incidentally, were you guys aware that with the Check Control, if you hold down the BC button when the fault is on the dash, it'll give you a code you can look up. In this instance CC-ID 138
List here: http://mr-fix.info/bmw-cc-id-codes-fault-warning-m...
Jodie2021 said:
Today a bmw specialist told me to run a mile from my car and get a new one ??
Presumably related to your post here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
If only 2 years into a PCP, how comes you're using a specialist and not the BMW main dealer? At that age, isn't it under warranty anyway?
Edited by g3org3y on Thursday 4th March 08:44
Got some bits for the E91
Looks like the OS rear shock has shat itself. Handling has become v wayward, especially in left corners. Had a look underneath and it seems the shock is leaking. Will get the wheel off today and see if the spring is ok.
Went for OE BMW top mount kit, as it includes the metal plate. OE Sachs dampers and Febi bump stops and lower rubber mounts. Have ordered the bolts that attach the lower rubber mount, £3 each x4, collecting from BMW dealer later today.
V windy out today. Might just soak the nuts in PlusGas and have a go tomorrow. Now the 6 is back, looking forward to driving it.
Looks like the OS rear shock has shat itself. Handling has become v wayward, especially in left corners. Had a look underneath and it seems the shock is leaking. Will get the wheel off today and see if the spring is ok.
Went for OE BMW top mount kit, as it includes the metal plate. OE Sachs dampers and Febi bump stops and lower rubber mounts. Have ordered the bolts that attach the lower rubber mount, £3 each x4, collecting from BMW dealer later today.
V windy out today. Might just soak the nuts in PlusGas and have a go tomorrow. Now the 6 is back, looking forward to driving it.
Court_S said:
I’d agree that the gaps aren’t equal.
In terms of my cars, a brief wash whilst fighting the showers. Also fitted some wrapped trim to the 125i. Slightly marmite given its carbon but I think it’s a big improvement on the glacier silver trim it came with
I've contacted the bodyshop, they've emailed back v apologetic and they'll get something sorted. It's only 2-3mm difference but obviously when panel gaps are so precise, it makes a noticeable difference.In terms of my cars, a brief wash whilst fighting the showers. Also fitted some wrapped trim to the 125i. Slightly marmite given its carbon but I think it’s a big improvement on the glacier silver trim it came with
Did you wrap the bits yourself?
(I must be one of the few people that likes wood in their car
)Court_S said:
g3org3y said:
I've contacted the bodyshop, they've emailed back v apologetic and they'll get something sorted. It's only 2-3mm difference but obviously when panel gaps are so precise, it makes a noticeable difference.
Did you wrap the bits yourself?
(I must be one of the few people that likes wood in their car)
That’s good that they’re going to sort it. It’s one of those things that once you see it, you’ll never un see it.Did you wrap the bits yourself?
(I must be one of the few people that likes wood in their car
)Anyway, I've been driving the 630 to work last couple of days...it really is a step up over the E91 (as expected). The E91 does have superior heated seats though - much quicker/more effective than either the 630 or the X5.
Front tyres need replacing on the 630, so going to make the change to non RFT. The right rear seems to lose air every 2-3 weeks. I'm worried it could be cracked so will need to check that over at some point before I commit to the RFTs on the rear.
Is the car going to handle terribly with non RFT at the front the RFT on the rear?
Court_S said:
g3org3y said:
Is the car going to handle terribly with non RFT at the front the RFT on the rear?
I’ve never done it, but there are others who have and said it was fine / they didn’t die in a ball of flames which is what many will say will happen. A friend has done it in his MINI and BMW’s and didn’t seem to notice too much difference.Worst case is it’s crap hand you have to ditch the fronts as well. They’re awful things; my other half’s 125i was transformed with a swap to normal tyres.
What I don't want to happen is put the 4x Michelin PS4s on the car, and the right rear goes flat and damages the tyre. I know the 19s on this are prone to cracking.
bodhi said:
I wouldn't personally, as BMW's have never got on very well with mismatched tyres front to back, and I can't imagine the variation in sidewall stiffness will do it the world of good.
I swapped all 4 on mine, and I had the same issue with my front left leaking air, would get the warning light every 3 weeks. The place I got them fitted cleaned the rim, now it's every couple of months or so.
If it's just a poor seal, I'd be delighted. I suppose the best option is to take it to a tyre place so they can take the have a look at the wheel properly with the tyre removed and see what's what.I swapped all 4 on mine, and I had the same issue with my front left leaking air, would get the warning light every 3 weeks. The place I got them fitted cleaned the rim, now it's every couple of months or so.
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