MISS BM

Bugger on the bit late parts.. But Yeah at HellBm, and so far doesn't look to be a major (note the so far part). Ray's been excellent (again big ups for the fantastic service!) and completely trust his 'what to do', so that's exactly what I will be following.. Going to try replacing Cam Sensor and then see where that will take us

Haha! Thanks for the laugh. Blaming the fact I grew up with E30s coming out of every corner of the house..

Cheers - going to require some man power on that one then. Benefits of being a female into Bmw's - None..

No warning lights etc came on this morning when she started up. It was only after she had been driven for a while and was warm that she couldn't restart without stalling after 3 secs. Hoping not a major

Took some quick photo's before sending her off.. Extremely excellent condition for the age, can't really get much better. Pity about this now, might see her up for sale sooner than I hope as just don't have the spare cash lying around to put into. Last BMW costs me $2500 in repairs before she was happy to run sane... But I was prepared to pay that, not really sure this time around! Maybe it's my darn luck with cars!

Car started fine, OBC not working, but have driven it straight to HellBm.. Got the work car for a couple of days so at least have transport.. Sort of a slight grrrr sound coming on and off as i was driving, left hand side up by wheel area.. I noticed that when it made this sound car power steering began to lack and would dip in revs (slightly) In Rays trusted hands now, will see what he says and go from there.

It did actually remind me of when my E38s pump went.. That was $700 to fix. Just confused as to why the electrics are affected also. I popped fuel in about 20ks after the light came on.

a98.. Only use 98.. Reckon they could of had it on 91? Unsure, didn't think to ask as thought common sense to only put the good stuff in.. Hope it starts fine this morning, still yet to check, don't want to touch it (haha)

I wish, I told them about the problem and they turned around and said good luck, and that they never had any problems with it. Reason for sale was too many cars, which I could see! So reason + good condition inside and out, and handled my test drive of being a maniac, I figured it was okay... What does my head in is that I turned it on/off popped gas in, took a mate back home, drove it 100ks and it does it as soon as I enter my driveway!

Dude had a minor water leak, (could be possible dirt from that mixed with a bit of grease? Didn't smell bad, and was just like dirt/grease to touch) but hence the cooling system was done, Radiator, Water Pump, Fan AC belts all done 2000ks ago. Receipt for work in excess of $1000, wasn't due to over heating problem, showed me photos of the issue beforehand.

Righto, list of Symptoms. Haven't started it up to for the morning - as once I do and if it works need to head to closest shop! Rough idle, turns on for 3 seconds, jumps around, makes some odd sounds, revs up and down then stalls, even if I rev it/change gear. OBC, interior lighting doesn't work - temperamental though. From last night - hot hot left engine bay, especially around Oil filter and thee (I think, correct me) the strut bearing thing (Metal round object in engine associated with suspension) and it was making some pretty awful sounds around that area too... Need to get it scanned, but thinking it could be: Camshaft Pos sensor Crank Pos sensor (I think these two are somehow linked?) Vacuum Leak MAF/AFM sensor Idle Control Valve... How much is this going to set me back? Might be up on trade me before too long...

Needs a bloody good engine detail.. Okay so once turned off, Oil filter (I hope Im right) was stuffing hot. Thinking could be Vacuum Leak, MAF.. As its messing big time with the onboard computer (internal light flickering, radio on/off, dash screen not working, back blind temperamental.. And this is all I have noticed so far. Perfect timing, cheers car!

Thinking it will work as was cold when tested it, and now that its warmed up it's not interested.

Well I did it. Went out and bought a 540i. Excellent condition, Inside and out. I checked oil, checked for leaks, checked the basics, even jacked it up and checked the bloody bushes. Test drove the sh*t out of it, has one warped Rotor, sweet no biggy. Bring it home and it stalls out dead in the bloody drive. I drove it about 100k before it conked out. Feel like crying, I did the general checks, I even got under the bloody thing for this bullshit to happen, Popped the hood and its severely heated over the right hand side of engine bay, like waaay to hot to touch. No smells etc. Have attached picture... Anybody? I think its computer related, as I turn it on, Revs up then stalls straight away. Got no spare cash to spend fixing it up so out of options.

Generally do - but have noticed things to start conking out the higher the ks are. In two weeks after hitting 170ks my E38 needed a new starter motor and Fuel pump, so a bit on the careful side when looking at higher ks Ahh sweet, thanks for that

Got a few I have my eye on - ESM918 - Towbar already on, saves me some $$, so leaning towards this one.. High Ks so a bit mmmahhh. FPY709 and 535i 695446121 - no Number plate.

How much extra will this set me back - Shouldn't be towing more than 1200kg, but could possibly on the odd occasion...

Bugger Ray, you know me too well lol. Sweet, hoping to have a nosy at it, and will ask them if I can bring over to you guys (can't see any reason why they would say no!) Just going through a list of things that I know can/could go wrong and too look for, Anybody feel the need to add to it? Radiator Necks - Cracking Cooling system, 02 Sensors Worn Bushes (My 728i cost me an arm and leg for failings its wof everytime on this!!) Gearbox smooth running And generally good condition, ticking over nicely, not dripping oil or burning oil. Not worried on the pixels in the dash or pity things that won't affect the cars performance or well being

My E38 and Dad's old E320 Merc had this - was great. But I think it's only E39 wagons that sport the SLS? Or as you say, if it was optioned.

Thank you I would of been the one to bank on the Pre-Facelift Idea. Ta

Cheers for that pointer - good idea to check if it already has one. What's the suspension like for hopping a load on the back of a 540i? Don't want it dragging it's ass on the ground :/

Thanks for that - I am going to ask a blonde question, but all the E39s sport a 4.4L yes/no? I believe the facelift one is slightly quicker with about 440NM? Would it be worth pursuing a Facelift model, or just keep with the general M62B44? (I think that was the engine in post 1996 740i/Ls) Or are there also 4L E39s?

I am going from the 728i, which I found for a cruiser was awesome, had a little power there when I had those lead foot days. Opinions on the 535i? I see there is one on TM pretty reasonable price. I have heard they are amazing cars, and the past 740iL I had with the same engine as the pre 98s, was just amazing, and so reliable. Never ever had problems with it... I am leaning severly towards 540i now!

I did the deed and sold my old E38 baby (*snuffles*) and am looking for something to pull a trailer load occasionally (my E38 was too low) I know the best is SUV/4WD but I have owned nothing but a BMW and really don't want to look the other way... So I ask you fellow forum members, for opinions on the E39. I have found a really nice 540i that I am keen on, but what are the benefits to the others (528i, 530i, 535i) and it will need to be able to pull a braked trailer load of 1200kg occasionally.. So the things I know are the basics, bigger engine, more NM and HP/KW, but what about reliability, consumption and the lot. It will be my daily drive. Ups and downs, personal experiences etc all welcome