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10-16-2014, 01:51 PM | #1 |
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Grumble...
So I just bought this E86 with 50K miles. I had a e30 years ago and I've been eager to get back into a BMW ever since. It's a brilliant car - black over black 6 speed. And in my over-eagerness, I didn't even drive it before making an offer. I know, I know... I've never done that before, but felt like I couldn't miss the opportunity. Now I guess I'm paying for that impulsiveness.
First, the RF were crap and had to be replaced immediately. That was $800. During the tire install, found that the front pads were almost to the rivets, so I had to order new pads and hardware ($60!! for Akebono's - that's pretty reasonable!). Actually looking forward to that install - should be easy and straight forward. Then the oil meter tells me it's time - haven't bought that stuff yet. There's a whistle coming from the driver's side leading edge of the window. Bought some German rubber conditioner for that ($15). Fingers crossed that this works. People have been flashing their lights at me at night and the adaptive system doesn't seem to be working at all. Interestingly, neither are the inboard lights - just the outboards. And I'm pretty sure the a/c compressor is toast because the climate control can't seem to get the temps down and stable. *sigh* |
10-16-2014, 01:52 PM | #2 |
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Oh, and it's got a slight pull to the right - requires just a bit of counter clockwise pressure to go straight on the freeway. And it still wanders a bit, so some toe-in is probably in order...
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10-16-2014, 02:22 PM | #3 |
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Aside from the A/C compressor, sounds like a little general maintenance and upkeep. Always best to at least drive a car before purchase, if not possible then get it PPI'd. At least nothing catastrophic like engine failure! Hopefully after the initial bugs get worked out you'll be set to enjoy the car.
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10-16-2014, 02:58 PM | #4 |
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And I'm finding it a bit difficult to find information on DIY. I mean, I can pretty much figure out how to change the oil, but things like the adaptive headlights and the a/c issues - not finding much out there about these...
It'll probably help once I have the TIS in hand. |
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10-16-2014, 03:22 PM | #5 |
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I'm assuming you have HID since you mentioned "adaptive"? If so, there are no "inboard" lights other than those "rings".
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10-16-2014, 03:43 PM | #6 |
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Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75]
E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.20] |
The pull could just be the low profile runflats (assuming you replaced the RF's with new RF's) but an alignment can surely help. I find FCPEuro has the best rates for maintenance stuff with free shipping over $99
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10-16-2014, 03:51 PM | #7 |
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10-16-2014, 03:55 PM | #8 | |
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Thanks for the link on that - working on building up sources for parts. Found the Akebono's dirt cheap on RockAuto. They are the low price leader, IMO, but god forbid you ever have to return anything. |
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10-16-2014, 10:21 PM | #9 |
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10-17-2014, 12:52 AM | #11 |
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Doesn't sound like major problems, just some fun things to play with.
The ride height sensor for the lights is connected to the right rear trailing arm with some little ball joint linkage. Make sure it's intact, then disconnect the linkage and with the headlights on, move the lever up and down and see if the headlights move.
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10-17-2014, 04:23 AM | #12 |
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As for the A/C - if there is little or no refrigerant in the system your high and/or low side (Shrader) service valves might be leaking. Replace these valves. Go to Walmart and pick up two cans of R134C refrigerant and recharge the system. The system capacity is 1.63 lbs. It's a $40 gamble but it worked for me.
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10-17-2014, 07:07 AM | #14 | |
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It was tramming so badly when I bought it that I didn't even notice the alignment issue. And it's not very far off, so it honestly took a few miles on the freeway to convince me - a bit of turn-left pressure is required to stay straight. Pic as requested It's in really nice shape inside and out. One owner. |
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10-17-2014, 07:11 AM | #15 | |
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10-17-2014, 07:12 AM | #16 |
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If your car still has run flat tires, most folks here have replaced them with a conventional tire for greatly improved steering and ride characteristics. I've got Hankook Ventus V12's on my 3.0SI but there are other tires that are as good or better.
It sounds like your car could benefit from new tires and maybe an alignment and corner balance. Your BMW dealer can do the corner balance for around $200 I think. I find that my car's steering is very sensitive to tire pressure. If one of the fronts is off a few pounds, the steering feels out of whack. Check that first. And welcome! Sounds like you just have a handful of minor issues to address after which you'll be grinning from ear to ear! EDIT - your car looks great!
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10-17-2014, 07:14 AM | #17 | |
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In other news, I should learn to multi quote. |
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10-17-2014, 07:49 AM | #18 |
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The Xenon headlights perform an initialization/test (what you call pre-flight) every time the key is turned to Pos1. The lights do not have to be on for this to happen.
Also, before you start replacing Freon or the compressor, have your car checked to make sure you are not in ‘Transport Mode’. It may be that simple |
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10-17-2014, 09:23 AM | #19 | ||
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10-17-2014, 09:31 AM | #20 | |
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BTW...the car looks great |
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10-17-2014, 01:56 PM | #21 |
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Thanks.
It seems this site is mostly populated by the M cars. Love them, but I couldn't quite bring myself to seriously consider it for a daily driver, 70 mile-mostly-freeway-round trip commute. |
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10-17-2014, 02:33 PM | #22 |
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You also, could just have the light assemblies out of adjustment.
There are X and Y adjustment screws just behind each headlight assemblies. The Xenon lamp (in each assembly) illuminates at one output. When the high beams are selected, a solenoid operated shutter is rotated out of the beam path, providing more 'beam'.... Driving an ///M everyday is a great commuter car... |
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