atlantiskiwi

Not by name

a great result!

you know my sister?

However, I will be taking MAF sensor out and cleaning along with checking all my vacuum pipes and replacing the rocket cover gasket.

I took your advice and went to BM workshop for a full diagnostic. They were great as always! They concluded it was a dodgy fuel sender and that I had just run out of fuel....I little red faced I am. However the fuel gauge said 15l remaining. It has now been fixed and is reading correct. Apparently the injectors were showing low fuel readings which potentially confirms the diagnosis. Either way, full take of gas and full service/check over its running like a dream with the Bm guys saying it's an exceptionally tidy example.... With no other fault codes and car feeling as tight as your sister.

Hi Allan, you certainly hit it in the head there.

I suspect you'll have misfire codes for the cylinders, and a code for an oxygen sensor, or fuel trim. Depending on the scanner used, you'll either have a generic code, or a BMW specific one.

If you have an O2 cell fault, a mechanic should know the O2 cell MAY not be at fault - If you're talking about the M54 in the 530i, it's most likely a vacuum leak - most common is the intake boot. Running too lean (because of the leak), gives an O2, or fuel trim fault.

Cheers mate. I think I'm going to do O2 anyway and that spanner looks like the way to go!

yes, +1. You need the codes. And a diagnosis from someone in the know. As others have said, more likely a vacuum leak; could well be time for your PCV system service.

If it is your O2 Sensors, here's a more reasonably priced selection https://www.fcpeuro.com/BMW-parts/530i/Oxygen-Sensor?year=2003&e=180&m=20&page=1 though as noted, a duff O2 is unlikely to cause a misfire...

here's a video illustrating how much fun you can have changing out your O2.

cheers

PS - I jut did an O2 on my ovlov, using an O2 socket made the job easy - $20 well spent.

Thanks a lot guys! I really appreciate the help!!

^^^^ Listen to this guy.

Step 1 - GET IT SCANNED

Step 2 - replace all likely causes of intake vacuum leaks. Rocker gasket, CCV, DISA valve, secondary air pump (if you're unlucky enough to have one) oil breather lines etc

Step 3 - If that hasn't solved it, then go for the obscure stuff - injector o-rings, manifold gasket, secondary air rail o-rings etc. Could also need the Vanos seals replaced too.

I spent about 4 months tracking an intake vacuum leak that appears to have been the rocker gasket. Replaced a bunch of stuff that was borderline as well. Admittedly I do have the ability to scan for codes

M54s are chronic for intake leaks, the first sign of trouble is the 227 & 228 fault codes triggering the engine check light (Lambda Control Tolerance Bank 1 & 2) Once the DME detects unmetered air it goes to a 'safe' fuel map, overfuelling the engine, leading to the fault codes.

Blaming it directly on the 02 probes suggests your monkey mechanic isn't familiar with these cars. Take it to Glenn @ Botany Motor Worx or BM Workshop for a proper diagnostic and take it from there

Thanks. I have been reading up online and it would seem it's just as likely to be a vacuum leak or MAF sensor as it is o2.

Get the mechanic to diagnose it properly. It sounds a very random statement to be stating that an 02 is suspect. An 02 sensor out is not going to cause the issue you allude to. The car needs scanning properly & monitoring live data to correctly diagnose.

Thank you. Not sure what more i can do to be sure it's the issue? Swap the sensors around?

Can't help with any practical experience with these sorry Pelican has Bosch and genuine listed

11781742050 oxy sensor before cat Bosh $91.00 Genuine $260.75 US Dollars

11781433940 sensor after cat Bosch $104.50 Genuine $260.75

Their are four in total two before and two after the cats. Would make sure that it is these before replacing as those prices it is not cheap. Best of luck

That's what where thinking. Keen for your thoughts I'd you've had O2 sensor issue or know about it. Cylinders 1-3 missing. After a reset it come right for a while and then flies bad again...having said that, it came right driving home....?

A dead oxygen sensor left you stranded?

My car is massively missing in cylinder 123. The mechanic believes it's the O2 sensor? How many are there? 4 pre car? How much and where from? Really keen to hear from anyone who's had experience with this issue.

I need to replace my oxygen sensors on 03 E39 530i. Has anyone had experience with this? Where is the best place to buy quality sensors and roughly how much?

I got into trouble today with a dead oxygen sensor and needed to have car towed to closest mechanic. The guys at Car Lab waited for me and then proceeded to confirm the issue. If your looking for a mechanic in the city, I would highly recommend these guys!!

Hey mate, I'm going to get one of these. You keen?

I like. I think I will get.

10-15k depending on car.

But he really is fixed on NZ new. There are a number of cheap imports around...he wants to keep his long term.

However, if you want to send pics and details to Richardpaul@gmail.com feel free and I will pass it on.

Cheers,

R.

Yes Sorry.

WANTED - E36 M3. NZ new. 100-220km. Looking on behalf of a mate who is a cash buyer.

Am aware of the ones currently on TM.

He is also selling/swapping a very tidy and well built E30 320i race car with extras!!

Purchased this new a few weeks ago. Not needed anymore.

$20 - including delivery.

Hi, I have 8x carbon centre caps. 4 with the mag clips.

They are unused and come with original packaging.

$40 - set of 4 with mag clips.

$25 - set of 4 caps only.

Not sure what it's worth. But keen to move it on and would rather not throw it out.

Haha! That's my bosses original car. He had two, one group A and one Group N, he's still got the group N but sold the A to Jim Richards for a 120k. Look up John Sax Wellington Street Race on you tube.

Oh cool. I'm from HB. But living in Auckland now.

$330... Probably not me at that price. Is it tidy? Richardpaul at gmail com

Are you based in Hawkes Bay? I don't have a MTech 1, how much for your MTech 2?

Yep i have an mtech 2 wheel. Would be interested in tech 1 wheel with cash my way.

Anyone have an MTech 2 wheel?

I can personally recommend Sam. Honest and dedicated detailer who actually cares about your car!

I'm out at maraetai with the m3 chilling on the beach. But will be heading further up the coast for a spank later on. Anyone around and keen?