Questions tagged [bmw]
A luxury German auto & motorcycle maker producing such vehicles as 330i, 540i & x5
368
questions
23
votes
6answers
126k views
Does a timing chain need maintenance?
Does a timing chain (as opposed to timing belt) need any specific maintenance? In particular I'm talking about a BMW Z4
22
votes
1answer
29k views
LTFT and STFT values are off and don't make sense
Car is a 2015 BMW M5 and it has an aftermarket CAI and a catback (slip on) exhaust. No other performance mods or tunes.
About 6-7 months ago, I bought a Kiwi OBD-II reader, simply out of curiosity ...
16
votes
1answer
4k views
How do I find the correct pins in a CAN-BUS connector?
This question might be too technical for this forum, but I'll give it a go. I have a 2012 BMW R1200R motorcycle with CAN-BUS. I'd like to make an Arduino interface to the connector on the bike, but I ...
13
votes
5answers
35k views
Gasoline is dripping out of a rubber tube outputting on the bottom of my motorcycle - is this normal, or is it a problem?
What bike?
A BMW 650, 1996 model.
What's the problem?
I noticed a slow, but steady, drip of gasoline from one of two rubber tubes that output to the bottom of the bike. I think the other rubber ...
13
votes
2answers
2k views
How do I drain the brake fluid for a 1999 BMW K1200RS?
I need to drain the brake fluid for my 1999 BMW K1200RS with ABS in order to do some minor service on the Master Cylinder, but I don't have a service manual for the bike. How should I go about doing ...
12
votes
3answers
13k views
Cold air intake causing rich condition
This is a follow up question to my initial question which can be found here : LTFT and STFT values are off and don't make sense
Car is a 2015 F10 M5
Mods : Cold air intake, aftermarket rear ...
11
votes
2answers
5k views
Losing coolant fast after just fixing radiator
I have just got my coolant tank and radiator replaced after a leak in the radiator and a cracked coolant tank. I filled the coolant tank last month and now it is nearly empty. I am just wondering if ...
11
votes
1answer
313 views
What is this panel on the front of BMWs for?
I know the panels circled in yellow are headlight washers and exist on many cars now. However, on several BMWs I have noticed an extra panel, circled in red. It is not symmetric and I have only ...
10
votes
3answers
157k views
What is the difference between BMW 318i, 320i, 325i etc?
I'm wondering what the difference is between the different model numbers in the BMW 3-series. Also, what is the difference between the E30, E36 and E46?
10
votes
3answers
1k views
Change in exhaust note after extreme backfires--what did I break?
I had quite a morning with my 1986 BMW K75 this weekend. The plan was to ride the bike to a friends house to store it for the winter. The weather was pretty cold on this particular morning, perhaps 15*...
9
votes
3answers
1k views
2007 BMW Z4 won't start when my phone is plugged into the cigarette lighter plug
Sometimes when my cell phone is on charge in my 2007 BMW Z4 before I start it, nothing happens when I turn the key. The car is acting like it, as if I did not have the clutch pushed in - the key ...
9
votes
4answers
13k views
Jack points for a 2003 BMW 325i
So I know about the 4 rubber pads on the sides of the car. They make really stable points for my jack stands. Problem is getting my jack stands under the pads if I'm using them to prop up the car. The ...
9
votes
1answer
794 views
BMW 1 Series (2016) Bumper Repair
I recently got a new BMW 1 Series 116D (2016) on a 4 year PCP deal. A week in, I've managed to scratch the bumper.
Although it's a minor dink, I don't want there to be any risk of it devaluing the ...
9
votes
3answers
314 views
Why aren't my “street performance” pads performing well on the street?
Background
I drive a 1989 BMW 325i, and a few months ago I got a brake lining warning light. I gladly took the opportunity to upgrade from OEM rotors and pads to nice, shiny, new cross-drilled and ...
9
votes
1answer
2k views
Disconnected wires near battery in BMW e46
I noticed a disconnected wire dangling next to the battery in the trunk of my 2005 BMW 330ci. It was actually a red and blue wire that veered off from the thick red one in the middle of the image. ...
9
votes
2answers
2k views
How can I replace the perished seal around my rear lights on my BMW E46?
I realised today that the seal around the rear lights, where the drainage around the trunk runs over, has perished on both sides of my car. Right side is worse with a substantial gap missing. I ...
8
votes
3answers
12k views
Why are my wires melting together?
I'm currently neck deep in an electrical issue with my BMW 316i – I think I have a short circuit.
I found the wires that are blowing my fuses, and it's bad. Like at least 5ft of 8 or more wires fused ...
8
votes
4answers
642 views
What is a shock absorber?
I was told that I need to replace the shock absorber in my 1992 316i BMW. When I attempt to visit a web site to order the part it does not list any of parts with this name. I know nothing about cars ...
8
votes
1answer
6k views
What's the difference between BMW 320i SE and Non SE?
My Dad gave us a car, but we don't know the exact model of it. We know that it's a BMW 320i imported from Japan. The year is 2006.
There's a letter "M" on the steering wheel.
Some pictures: http://...
8
votes
2answers
5k views
How can I diagnose intermittent low boost on a turbocharged diesel?
When driving around 120/140 kmph and applying max gas, normally the force/torque can be really felt from the turbo. However sometimes its just not there / no extra pull, also the consumption meter ...
8
votes
3answers
9k views
Shouldn't my post-cat O2 sensors (lambda probes) be reporting varying numbers?
On my 2002 BMW E46 330Ci, I've been getting error codes 202 Lambda regulating limit Bank1 and 203 Lambda regulating limit Bank2. Here's the angry sensor readings from the INPA software:
I understand ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
BMW M52 coolant refilling
I have a BMW 328 -98, or in other words, an E36 with the M52 engine. I cannot for the life of me understand how the coolant system works on this engine, and therefore not how to properly top it up ...
8
votes
1answer
2k views
Bluetooth module causing interference with aftermarket setup
I am fitting a new soundsystem in my bmw (e46).
There's an amplifier in the boot (mb quart onx 4.80/500).
A line out converter converts the high level inputs from the OEM headunit, into the low level ...
7
votes
2answers
1k views
Distinguishing between mechanical and electrical failure in ignition diagnosis
After a month and a half of not driving the car, yesterday I tried to turn it on, however the only sound that I heard was the rotation of the starter, which is not engaging the flywheel (the engine is ...
7
votes
2answers
54 views
93 325i E36 - help with tires
So I have 2 different rims in the back. One is wide and the other is thinner, along with two different size tires.
It pulls hard to the left.
Is there a way to fix this without having to get ...
7
votes
2answers
7k views
Power steering noise that goes away
My e46 M3 is making the tell-tale whining and groaning of a power steering pump that is either out of PS oil, or gasping it's last breath. The oil level is fine, so I immediately jumped to the ...
7
votes
2answers
2k views
Exhaust Backpressure and Its Impact on LTFT Values
This is a follow-up from my initial question which can be found here : LTFT and STFT values are off and don't make sense.
Car : BMW 2015 F10 M5
Modifications : Eisenmann Race Catback Exhaust, ...
7
votes
1answer
1k views
Car can't start after rocker gasket change
I have a 2008 BMW 120d LCI with N47 engine. Recently was diagnosed with some oil leak on the rocker gasket near the injector area. Were advised to change the rocker gasket seals. So I did change the ...
7
votes
5answers
19k views
Intermittent “low coolant” light. What to do next?
In the last few days the "low coolant" light has been intermittently turning on on my friend's BMW X3 (2007 ~70K miles). The light is not constantly on yet.
I checked the coolant reservoir and float ...
7
votes
1answer
2k views
BMW E90 pre facelift - REST heat button / fuse
In my E90 I have a REST button:
It seems not to work, when I press it, the LED won't light and the heating won't work. Could this be a defect fuse? And if yes, which one (could it be 15 and/or 67)?
...
7
votes
1answer
244 views
How to reach bolt at the rear of BMW M41 Engine?
I can't manage to properly reach the top right screw (zoom picture of it on the second picture).
How could I do that ? (the tool I have is too long to be able to go on the rear, there is nearly no ...
7
votes
2answers
8k views
BMW 530xd e60 2008 diesel engine turns but won't start
I have a problem with my BMW, just bought it, previous owner hasn't been facing such problems. When the engine is cold for e.g.: after night. Outside temperature is about -4 to +1 degree, engine won't ...
6
votes
4answers
3k views
How can I move my push-to-start car with the starter?
When I learned to drive, I was told that if ever stuck in a dangerous position (e.g. a train track, middle of a road) when the car won't start, I should place it into gear and hold the starter motor ...
6
votes
5answers
8k views
Engine on BMW G650GS 2011 does not start when it's hot
I have a rather strange problem with my BMW G650GS. In the morning, when the engine is cold, it starts fine with a single crank. There is no problem with riding, the engine works fine and never chokes....
6
votes
2answers
3k views
AirbBag and 4x4 light is on after changing BMW X3 battery. Why?
After I changed my BMW X3 2008 battery at home the 4x4 and AirBag light is on. Any ideas why?
Some people claim that changing BMW x3 battery is not straight forward, however, they don't explicitly ...
6
votes
3answers
26k views
How to determine if a wheel is bent
My E46 M3 vibrates moderately at highway speeds (> 60 MPH), but it can can only really be felt through the seat, and not through the steering wheel. My guess is that a wheel is bent (out of round) or ...
6
votes
2answers
4k views
BMW X5 E53 - Bord computer / AWD issues
Last week we bought a used car (BMW X5 E53 3.0L Diesel) from a private person. It looked fine and there seemed to be no major issue, only the regularly oil service was due.
On our way home the 4x4 ...
6
votes
3answers
2k views
Car stored for 6 months shows low oil level after 300 miles
Just bought a car from a BMW dealer and the guy told me it was sitting for almost 6 months before I came to purchase it. When I left the dealership the oil was above the min mark showing green. Drove ...
6
votes
2answers
8k views
Car I test drove had a high clutch engagement point; why?
I test drove a 2002 BMW 325xi with 80,000 miles on it the other day and while it didn't have any major issues cosmetically or mechanically from what I could see, there was something strange about the ...
6
votes
2answers
230 views
Adding audio accessories that are always powered (independently of ACC)
BMW E46 Android head unit
A little context:
I have a head unit, that I want to have constant power through ACC. Basically, it's an android tablet customized for my car, but the manufacturer (...
6
votes
2answers
2k views
Bmw E46: strange problems with automatically closing windows and broken light warning
I have had a couple of strange problems and I can't really make sense of it. When I parked the car, I locked the doors as always with the windows closed (I am absolutely sure about this; it was ...
6
votes
1answer
1k views
How to store a just rebuild automatic transmission
I bought a BMW e39 with a bad transmission (ZF 5HP18). I bought another one in a junk yard and I plan to rebuild myself the one that came with the car and keep it as a spare. My question is: after I ...
6
votes
4answers
20k views
Clutch pedal suddenly doesn't go deep enough to engage gears
I was driving normally (no problems, everything going smoothly; never had felt any problems with the clutch, was catching on well etc.) and all of a sudden, with no warning sign or anything (no shock, ...
6
votes
5answers
4k views
BMW E90 M47TU2 EGR clean
I have a BMW E90 2007 with a M47TU2 engine, Can anyone tell me where the EGR valve is?
How to get it off, howto clean it and what cleaning materials are required.
Thanks
6
votes
1answer
14k views
BMW 320d B47 2014+ Did they fix the timing chain failure on the B47?
The 2013 BMW 320d N47 was known to have timing chain failures
vs 2014 BMW 320d B47 2014 or newer.
Did they fix the timing chain failure on the newer engine B47 (2014 +) ?
What to avoid doing in ...
6
votes
1answer
293 views
Why does the air conditioning suddenly blow cold air?
I have a BMW 320i 2008. When I turn on the hot air and Automatic recycle, after a point, it blows cold air for 5-10 mins, then back to hot and so on.
This doesn't occur when I put the recycle on.
Any ...
5
votes
4answers
2k views
Is this tyre damage a problem?
I just noticed this distortion on my rear left tyre that must have been caused by hitting a pothole or something - there's an even smaller distortion on the front left tyre. It's barely perceptible ...
5
votes
3answers
1k views
Can the warning chime tone of a 2007 BMW 525i be changed, or shortened somehow?
Can the warning chime tone of a 2007 BMW 525i be changed, or shortened somehow?
The chime of this car comes from the computer and is used for most warnings such as seatbelt, temperature, door-open, ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
Manually shifting an automatic transmission?
My car has been rather sluggish lately - both ABS and TCS lights are on, which means there is a sensor error somewhere. I haven't had the time to look for and fix said error, but I have had to drive ...
5
votes
5answers
5k views
Leaking(Cracked) Water Pump
So today i've been told that the reason of leaking coolant fluid is my water pump(again). It is over 400$
The car is 535xi 2008 year. It's second time in a year that waterpump cracked.
I cant ...
