BMW and M Power Owners

Uncle_Gravy said:
After small research with potential problems that possibly could go wrong with my Z4, Any things I should look/hear when it comes to the Vanos? The car is on 87k right now and unsure if its ever been sorted previously.

Cheers.
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Which engine is it? The below is based on my experiences with the M54B30 (330ci).

If the VANOS seals are the same material as used on the E46 (and probably many other models), they're probably long past it already. From memory, early E46's had running issues when the seals detoriated, which prompted BMW to release a software update which allowed the engine to run without noticeable issue.

I can almost guarantee that the old seals will be past it. Beisian systems reckon the original material isn't good enough and they will deteriorate, but the ECU will compensate to the point where the driver won't really know there's much up.

From memory again, the main symptom was a loss of low end grunt, and from personal experience, there's a 'shunt' of power when you go over 3-3.5k RPM.

They're reasonably easy to replace, if not a little fiddly, and I'd probably recommend changing the rocker cover gasket if it's not been done before. I6Automotive do a seal kit which is well regarded, and a full guide with pictures can be found here:

http://www.beisansystems.com/procedures/
 
If you're getting no symptoms then I wouldn't touch the vanos seals.

It's a total pain in the arse as the studs / bolts are a ridiculously low torque and incredibly easy to shear.

I guess if you're going to do the rocker gasket and plug seals anyway you might as well keep going - but otherwise just leave it alone.
 
I have been trying to find my dad a 6 GC but its not been that easy as I want a really good spec but don't want to pay :D

So I want a 640i/d MSport
Heads up
H&K sound
surround view
Glass roof
comfort seats

Paying no more than 35k (37k max) ideally a car that has had the mini LCI with the new steering wheel.

Most seem to be early 40's so I think he will have to wait until early next year for them to call to a price point he is willing to pay.
 
The dreaded coolant light has popped up on my E46 330Ci when cold, and turns off shortly after. I've owned the car for almost two years and some 20,000 miles, there's no history of work being carried out to the coolant system to my knowledge.

Currently the car has 110,000 miles and is a manual.

What's first on the checklist? I am not particularly handy with mechanics and would rather the job done right. Is it time for an overhaul of the system?

Thanks.
 
wingman said:
The dreaded coolant light has popped up on my E46 330Ci when cold, and turns off shortly after. I've owned the car for almost two years and some 20,000 miles, there's no history of work being carried out to the coolant system to my knowledge.

Currently the car has 110,000 miles and is a manual.

What's first on the checklist? I am not particularly handy with mechanics and would rather the job done right. Is it time for an overhaul of the system?

Thanks.
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^^ Had the same with my 330i earlier this year

Get it really hot so the system is pressurised, and check with a torch so you can shine it around the engine bay for any little bits of ****ing coming from the coolant expansion tank. Mine had a hairline crack in it, totally not visible to the naked eye and it didnt leak when not right up to temperature. The black plastic is rubbish and goes brittle over time.

The same could apply to the radiator too, the edges of it are that same black brittle plastic.

The good news is that the parts costs buttons and are a DIY job to change out, having never done it before and classing myself as very DIY able but a complete mechanical novice, i swapped the radiator and coolant expansion tank in a morning. You dont even need to raise the car up, its all "up top" :)
 
Thanks for the reply Jez, that has put my mind at ease!

I will go out later and perform the test as you say, see what's what.

Where did you order your parts from?
 
eBay i think (powerseller buy it now type), there or Carparts4Less/Eurocarparts whichever was cheapest at the time :)
 
Good info Jez, I had a hairline crack in mine so I couldn't see where it was leaking from either but a torch showed the coolant steaming out and the occasional few drips/bubbles.

I went Meyle HD for the expansion tank, and Nissens for the radiator (mine was banana shaped at the bottom so figured I'd replace it at the same time. Don't cheap out on the rad, I did the first time round and it lasted about 4 months before leaking like crazy. I also swapped out the water pump and thermostat. Most bits cost peanuts so it's a few hundred all in :)
 
[TW]Fox;28658836 said:
What more do you want though, everything you would put on the must have list is standard really.
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It was more a comment around the advert where its states loads of options...not that it needed many. Steering wheel may have been swapped as well depending on the build date.

Mine only has M Sport + and Surround view, doesn't feel like it missing much though :D
 
I don't get the prices of these, it seems they all cost £30-40k irrespective of age or spec. Why can't you buy an early 2012 pre LCI one for sensible money yet :D
 
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