Grumble...

Knoxes · 10-16-2014, 01:51 PM

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*

Knoxes · 10-16-2014, 01:52 PM

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...

whatcubed · 10-16-2014, 02:22 PM

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.

Knoxes · 10-16-2014, 02:58 PM

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.

XMetal · 10-16-2014, 03:22 PM

I'm assuming you have HID since you mentioned "adaptive"? If so, there are no "inboard" lights other than those "rings".

3002 tii · 10-16-2014, 03:43 PM

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

Knoxes · 10-16-2014, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XMetal

I'm assuming you have HID since you mentioned "adaptive"? If so, there are no "inboard" lights other than those "rings".

Yes, it came with the Premium package so Xenon headlights. So there's a housing, but no actual bulb?

Knoxes · 10-16-2014, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3002 tii

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

I didn't - went with Conti Extreme DWS. Couldn't find any posts favoring the RF's over NRF's once the change was made. It does ride much better and quieter, isn't tramming nearly as much, but it's not an apples to apples comparison to be fair. The RF's probably only had another 5-8k miles left in them.

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.

XMetal · 10-16-2014, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knoxes

Yes, it came with the Premium package so Xenon headlights. So there's a housing, but no actual bulb?

Correct. The inboard lights are just a dummy housing. The bulbs inside are just for the rings

Vanne · 10-16-2014, 11:08 PM

Welcome matey, congrats on the car.pics when u can please. Alignment will do wonders.. but didn't you do that after getting the new rubber?

StickMon · 10-17-2014, 12:52 AM

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.

JimG Z4 · 10-17-2014, 04:23 AM

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.

Knoxes · 10-17-2014, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XMetal

Correct. The inboard lights are just a dummy housing. The bulbs inside are just for the rings

How very un-German!

Knoxes · 10-17-2014, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanne

Welcome matey, congrats on the car.pics when u can please. Alignment will do wonders.. but didn't you do that after getting the new rubber?

Thanks!

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.

Knoxes · 10-17-2014, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StickMon

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.

I fiddled a bit last night and noticed that they will go through the pre-flight check if I switch them on IMMEDIATELY after starting the car. If I wait for more than a few seconds, they won't do it.

Huz-Z · 10-17-2014, 07:12 AM

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!

Knoxes · 10-17-2014, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimG Z4

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.

I think I have a can of that laying around somewhere - agreed, it's worth the effort.

In other news, I should learn to multi quote.

Shipkiller · 10-17-2014, 07:49 AM

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

Knoxes · 10-17-2014, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shipkiller

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.

Ah... ok. I assume this is in the manual somewhere...

Quote:

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

Ok, I've done some research on the SSS/Progman software. LOTS to learn there. Need to order an obd cable, I guess.

XMetal · 10-17-2014, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knoxes

I fiddled a bit last night and noticed that they will go through the pre-flight check if I switch them on IMMEDIATELY after starting the car. If I wait for more than a few seconds, they won't do it.

This will only verify the motors in the headlights are operational. You should still check the height sensor per "StickMon's" suggestion.

BTW...the car looks great

Knoxes · 10-17-2014, 01:56 PM

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.

Shipkiller · 10-17-2014, 02:33 PM

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...

10-16-2014, 01:51 PM	#1
Knoxes Private 5 Rep 54 Posts Drives: E86 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	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
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10-16-2014, 01:52 PM	#2
Knoxes Private 5 Rep 54 Posts Drives: E86 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	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
whatcubed Private 5 Rep 55 Posts Drives: e46 330ci Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: HTX iTrader: (0)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-16-2014, 02:58 PM	#4
Knoxes Private 5 Rep 54 Posts Drives: E86 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-16-2014, 03:22 PM	#5
XMetal Colonel 1125 Rep 2,860 Posts Drives: Anything Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [10.00] 2018 Audi S3 [0.00] 2004 X5 [8.50]	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
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2280 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) 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 __________________ Follow for latest mods
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10-16-2014, 11:08 PM	#10
Vanne Down Under!! 1621 Rep 4,294 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Dubai iTrader: (4)	Welcome matey, congrats on the car.pics when u can please. Alignment will do wonders.. but didn't you do that after getting the new rubber?
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10-17-2014, 12:52 AM	#11
StickMon My other car is on Mars 636 Rep 3,124 Posts Drives: 2006 MR Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Lo-Cal iTrader: (1)	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. __________________ Warning: May contain traces of nuts.
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10-17-2014, 04:23 AM	#12
JimG Z4 New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 2.5i Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Viera, FL iTrader: (0)	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, 07:12 AM	#16
Huz-Z Brigadier General 846 Rep 4,057 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0si, 328 XDrive, X5 35i Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	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! __________________ Huz-Z BMW Z4 3.0si Roadster. Montego Blue Metallic. Premium and Sport Package.
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10-17-2014, 07:49 AM	#18
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	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, 01:56 PM	#21
Knoxes Private 5 Rep 54 Posts Drives: E86 Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	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
Shipkiller Colonel 187 Rep 2,138 Posts Drives: Me Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Virginia Beach iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 BMW Z4M Coupe [8.50] 2003 BMW Z4 Roadster [8.33]	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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