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It's 90% city driving for sure and I'm not particularly heavy footed - the opposite if anything - and I already use 95 not 91 so my feeling is there is a mechanical issue. It's been scanned recently and nothing unusual showed up, had a full service (all filters replaced, oil change, etc) and the engine runs perfectly otherwise (idles around 500-600rpm), no smoke or anything untoward. Incidentally, anyone know how to reset the L/kms counter on the MID. I can't find the manual for my version of the MID (only later ones). It's a 9/96 E39 528i.

Something's not right. Averaging 20.2L of petrol per 100kms at the moment. Insane. Going to dispense with the aftermarket cold air intake it had when I bought it, which should help but I don't think that can be the sole cause. Any likely culprits? Lambda sensor? Vanos seals? And anyway I can pinpoint the problem without a mechanic's help?

Since I started this topic I should probably say what I do. I work as a consultant to museums and art galleries to help them evaluate exhibitions and understand why visitors go and more importantly, why they don't go.... So, as you can see, probably not much use to anyone here. However, show me how to do anything once and I'll be able to replicate it badly many times afterwards.

For anyone/everyone looking Brent HARTGE535i's got a full set of brushed silver/ali trim from an '96 E39 523i.

*like* Not sure who the target market is - judging by the alliance with Ecoya it must be rich housewives (ed. housewives of the rich). The missus writes about health, beauty, travel and lifestyle stuff on the most part so I imagine they're targeting this one at the kind of people that read her stuff! I'm certainly not the target market... Not until it becomes a well-used 320d under $10K! hahah

Haha! Everyone's a critic in this golden age of information, eh, Allan?! The car turns up today, I'll take a few pics over the weekend to give everyone the opportunity to criticise a bit more! Can't say I'm in love with its looks and not sure how I feel about a new bimmer that won't cost me half my salary every month just to keep it alive! Where's the fun in that?

Do you mean the reversing lights? I think the E39 only has a single reverse light. The other one just has the clear lens on the tail light cover but no bulb.

Definitely a whistle rather than a squeal and the sound continued even when the brakes weren't applied. Weirdly, just had to nip out in the car and the sound had almost completely disappeared. Heard it faintly when I turned up in to a steep drive. Could it be suspension? Or power steering pump?

Drove for about 20 mins this morning with no problem. Then suddenly quite a loud high pitched whistling sound began. Can't pinpoint where from (front of the car I think). Seemed to be loudest at lower speeds, particularly when braking but not only when under brake. The noise can only be heard when the car is moving; it goes away when at a standstill or not in gear. The car's a '96 528i Auto. Any ideas?

Hmmmnnn...

It's starting to sound like by far the best option.

Cool, thanks. Just out of interest... I just had my ASC fixed (broken throttle cable or something). It seems from these instructions that this mod will permanently disable the ASC. That doesn't mean the ABS will be disabled though, right? What impact does the ASC being disabled actually have (other than the warning light staying permanently on)?

My mechanical skills add up to f*ck all. Would I be better getting someone who knows what they're doing to make this work?

This: + this: =

Is this the part your talking about? http://store.bimmerworld.com/bimmerworld-s...e36z3-p923.aspx Can't find one to fit my car though if it is.

Thanks mate.

If I go with the OEM box anyone know where I can get the silicone version of the flexible throttle body crunchy describes?

I think it's the exact same one. I saw it today. Not anticipating a thrill-a-minute weekend's driving but a full tank of gas courtesy of BMW so expect a decent thrash up the coast. I'm probably not allowed to drive it so I can sit in the passenger seat p*ssing about with the perfume sprays drinking soy decaf lattes.

If it's not on the outside I'm not too fussed about what it looks like as long as it's doing its job. If the OEM air box does a better job then that's what I want, regardless of looks!

Good idea... Worth a try at least!

From what I've heard it would have the same affect on your life if you did.

You lost me at "I can't..."! I've only once driven at over 160kph and that was on a circuit in some ugly porche years ago. My car rarely gets the opportunity to clear 80 as I mostly use it around town (unfortunately)!! Maybe when I get round to bring that box of Pures round you could take a look for me?

You know when you've had a few drinks and you order a kebab with a bit too much filling and you try and squash it together to eat it. Now imagine that kebab is a car and... Voila! An E30 with square headlights.

I want less noise not more! hah What noise is it supposed to make? I haven't noticed anything particularly hearty about the noise my car makes but then, I'm mostly sitting inside it and BMW do make thick doors.

Is it difficult/expensive to replace? I guess what I'd really like to know is would the benefits of restoring the OEM box with a decent filter outweight the cost of doing it?