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BMW Repair/Questions Answered by Expert John Kingery
| Subject | Date Asked |
| 2002 BMW 325 xi tailgate window | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: Out of the blue, the tailgate window on our 2002 325xi has begun opening at will. Sometimes in the ... A: I'm not familiar with that model, so much of this is just good procedures A good way to chase ... | |
| misfire 7-12 | 1/25/2011 |
| Q: I have a 1996 BMW 750il when i give it heavy gas i get a po300 with random misfire on 7-12 ... A: Sounds like you haven't determined if the random misfire is from one cylinder or bounces around the ... | |
| code | 1/17/2011 |
| Q: check engine light is on comes up p1174 what does it mean and how to fix it on 1997 bmw 318ti A: It's for a "Manufactured controlled fuel and metering". Most likely problems are the O2 sensor, ... | |
| BMW 2006 325i- gasket | 1/16/2011 |
| Q: I just bought my BMW into have the brake fluid flushed and changed(I have a maintenance contract so ... A: Something doesn't sound right Toni. Head gasket is the most expensive gasket to replace. However, ... | |
| E39 electrical..... | 12/3/2010 |
| Q: 37 degree am. I start and run the car to defrost front and rear windows. All good ready to pull off ... A: Kyle, Glad to have been of assistance. Suggest you "pay back" in the following way: Provide ... | |
| E39 electrical..... | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: 37 degree am. I start and run the car to defrost front and rear windows. All good ready to pull off ... A: Fuses 102 is in the trunk on the right side. Fuses 108 and 113 are under the carpet beneath the ... | |
| throttle position sensor | 12/1/2010 |
| Q: i have a 2001 bmw 740il and i would like to replace the throttle position sensor but dont know were ... A: I'm not positive they still used them in 2001 on the E38's, but if the did, follow this: - Remove ... | |
| electrical | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: 1995 525i instrument cluster went out ? costly or easy fix ? car runs perfect otherwise. A: not too difficult, but you need to have your dealer reprogram it. (Otherwise you could take a 200K ... | |
| E39 electrical..... | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: 37 degree am. I start and run the car to defrost front and rear windows. All good ready to pull off ... A: Wow! Rough day huh? OK. Looks like there are multiple things happening. Let's try to separate ... | |
| bmw 1999 e39 523i no heat, new thermostat | 11/28/2010 |
| Q: ve got no heat now, have tried bleeding with car jacked up got some air out, thought it would be ok ... A: They're tough to "burp", but not that tough. Sounds like you've bled it enough. Possibilities ... | |
| fan and heater control lighting | 11/24/2010 |
| Q: bmw 525 i the lighting be hind the 3 dials on climate control are there bulbs to replace if so how ... A: You haven't told me the year, but many of these are internal to the HVAC controller. Take out the ... | |
| drivers side window | 11/22/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1998 318is 2 door coupe, my drivers side window will go down but not back up, I worked on ... A: Unless ou found something broken in there (a clip along the mechanism), either the motor or the ... | |
| 2004 535i | 11/20/2010 |
| Q: The trunk open light comes on when you pull out and after coming to a stop the next time you pull ... A: There's a microswitch in the lock mechanism in the trunk. Sounds like that is set just on the edge, ... | |
| tranny bmw 323ci | 11/17/2010 |
| Q: this for me..im trying to figure if im being played for as fool with an independent repair shop.. i ... A: Yes, there can be special pliers to remove some of the retainers around the gears, so I don't think ... | |
| windshield | 11/12/2010 |
| Q: Yesturday I was driving down the highway and hit a bump. Nothing major or anything but just as I hit ... A: I have a hard time picturing that the glued-on mirror came off with a piece of glass. Are you sure ... | |
| bmw 323i | 11/8/2010 |
| Q: had my brakes down now my abs and tracktion control lights stay on ive tried changeing my sensors ... A: You said you changed your sensors. Did you change the rear wheel abs sensors on both sides? Also, ... | |
| 1999 528i Driver's seat rear panel removal | 11/7/2010 |
| Q: I need to get to the retainer for the driver's side seat panel for its removal and need to remove ... A: Not knowing which of 3 different seats you have, they all appear to have the back panels removed in ... | |
| problem with left rear window. | 11/5/2010 |
| Q: The left rear window of my 320i, 2000 model, is stuck, and it won't come up, i am a student ... A: Could be anything from the switch to the mechanism to the motor. First, does the window go up with ... | |
| 1998 BMW740 il | 10/31/2010 |
| Q: i have a 1998 BMW 740il just recently my passenger door stopped opening i didn't wreck or damage it ... A: Something likely either stretched or got in the way of the mechanism. See if it will open from the ... | |
| bmw cranking promblems | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: i have a 1986 bmw 325 in line 6, it had sat for 4 to 5 yrs and im in the process of fixing it so it ... A: If it will idle indefinitely but dies when you rev the engine, I'd look at the fuel filter or the ... | |
| BMW 1999 328I Sedan | 10/30/2010 |
| Q: I have a friend offering me a 1999 BMW 328I Sedan really clean looking and 85K miles on it. I have ... A: A couple of things...... First, to determine price, use the Kelly Blue Book value. Go to ... | |
| wiring a radio to a 1987 bmw 325 | 10/26/2010 |
| Q: hi him from Syracuse NY and was wondering how to wire a pioneer cd player model # DE-245 to a 1987 ... A: I don't have this information, but have used Crutchfield (also on line) before as a great resource ... | |
| Convertible Top Malfunction | 10/24/2010 |
| Q: I own a 2001 330ci and I live in te U.S. Today when I pressed the button to put the top down, the ... A: Very difficult to diagnose electrical over the web, and I'm not familiar with this particular model. ... | |
| E32 fan blower motor | 10/16/2010 |
| Q: As I'm sure you've dealt with before my fan motor only works on the high position. I am attempting ... A: The “blower resistor” for your E32 chassis (7-series 88-94) is actually a Final-Stage Unit. The ... | |
| radiator over flow and runs hot | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: my radiator over flows while the car is running then when I turn it off it all goes out then when I ... A: You have to understand that you haven't told me the year, model engine or country this car is in. ... | |
| BMW | 10/15/2010 |
| Q: I am asking a question on behalf of my mom...she has a 1996 BMW 318 covertible and is unable to ... A: Angi, Sorry, but I have to ask the obvious........Is the top down on the convertible? I'll assume ... | |
| 1997 318 ti | 10/13/2010 |
| Q: Does that model have a 'floor mat' on the passenger side containing electronics which would cause ... A: I think you are referring to the "butt sensor" in the seat. I thought this was on all BMW's of this ... | |
| brake light failure e46 bmw 323i 2000 model | 10/9/2010 |
| Q: the brake lights have failed yet the bulbs are fine and so is the fuse, the warning light is ... A: Check the wiring at the sockets to confirm power is getting there. A circuit tester between the ... | |
| 2001 BMW 330ci | 10/7/2010 |
| Q: I noticed that the temperature gauge is reading -40, my trunk sensor says that it is open and i can ... A: The temperature gauge reading -40 is an indicator that it is not working or unpluged. Check the ... | |
| bmw 530i shifter relay located at | 10/6/2010 |
| Q: I have a 94 BMW 530i And my instrument cluster gauges went dead and the shifter want come out of ... A: I don't have a wiring diagram for that car, but it sounds like one of your major fuses may be blown. ... | |
| 1995 BMW 325is window (US) | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: Drivers side window: Will not go up all the way and leaves a 1/4 inch gap at the top. There is a gap ... A: Both are doable, but take some time. If you can change your own oil and change your spark plugs, ... | |
| 1995 BMW 325is window (US) | 10/5/2010 |
| Q: Drivers side window: Will not go up all the way and leaves a 1/4 inch gap at the top. There is a gap ... A: Can't tell if motor or regulator from the description. One test is to apply force downward on the ... | |
| 1997 328i wont start... | 10/4/2010 |
| Q: i had autozone test both the battery and the alternator,which i was told were fine. The car randomly ... A: There is a relay in the starting circuit. It could be that this is dirty/marginal, and that when ... | |
| Help! | 10/3/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1998 328i. When driving the car it will lose power, like I have taken my foot off the gas ... A: Tough to diagnose this over the web, but sounds like you may have a bad wheel speed sensor. It ... | |
| 1995 318i bmw engine noise | 9/27/2010 |
| Q: 95 318i 180K 5 speed I put on new motor mounts (which were bad..down to metal) and a new radiator ... A: Doesn't sound major. Sounds more like you have a spark plug not hooked up, or something similar. ... | |
| stalling/clutch | 9/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1994 bmw 318i convertible I live in the USA. I recently had a new clutch put in. When I ... A: On the stalling, clutch popping back out, and the odor, it's hard to say what they did, but you ... | |
| 1997 bmw 528i electrical isssue | 9/25/2010 |
| Q: my 1997 bmw 528i has an electrical issue. my radio, turn indicators, and wipers stopped working. I ... A: Tough one. Only two things I can think of, though a dealer could tell you more. (1) The three are ... | |
| radio | 9/23/2010 |
| Q: however i have a 6 disc cd changer in the truck that i cant figure out which button on the radio to ... A: Push the 10th switch from the left, of the 12 available 6 buttons, left and right switches on each ... | |
| Air Comditoning | 9/20/2010 |
| Q: Heat comes out on the front passenger side of a 2003 BMW 325i when the air conditioning is turned ... A: When you have two zone A/C, the warmer of the two is achieved by opening that side of the heater ... | |
| overheating at idle | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: I have changed the thermostat and the coolant levels are full. What could be causing this problem? ... A: You can test the thermostat by putting it in a pot of water with a thermometer in the water. As the ... | |
| abs light and speedometer | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: few days ago I bought a BMW e36 318tis compact with m42 engine. It had a bad engine which I ... A: The easy one first: The ambient air sensor will read -40 when it's disconnected or bad. See if ... | |
| BMW318I 1992 MODEL | 9/10/2010 |
| Q: my power windows are not working,fuse is ok, the circuit breaker is on, power to the circuit comes ... A: the window switches on the late 80's/early 90's BMW's were prone to failures. They can be expensive ... | |
| headlights | 9/9/2010 |
| Q: .. when I turn on my headlights the idiot light for the low beams come on because the low beams do ... A: I don't know which model or what year your bmw is, so I'm shooting blind, but let's look at a few ... | |
| 2002 325ci 6cyl 2.5L | 8/31/2010 |
| Q: I have checked fluid levels, the coolant reservoir tank and ensured I have no coolant leaks, but my ... A: How quickly, how frequently, and under what conditions does it overheat? It could be anything from ... | |
| door remote is dead | 8/30/2010 |
| Q: i just read a response concerning the bmw 5251, 2001. i have one car key that has not been used in ... A: I don't recall answering the prior question, and am not aware that BMW used keys with batteries that ... | |
| Air flow problem | 8/27/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2001 BMW 325i with 140,000 miles on it. I just had it in the shop to replace the blower ... A: Was the volume of airflow "correct" before you had the motor and resistor replaced? Why were they ... | |
| Windows, locks dont work, interior lghts flash | 8/26/2010 |
| Q: I just picked my 95 325i convertible up from the shop for some suspension work. I unlocked the car ... A: Two thoughts, though not sure on either. There is a power window circuit breaker on the lower part ... | |
| Parking brakes | 8/23/2010 |
| Q: my 323i (2000) parkign brakes do not work properly. On a upward slant, after applying parking ... A: Can't tell from your description if the problem is in the brake handle/cable adjustment, or binding ... | |
| BMW 520i auto 1988 | 8/17/2010 |
| Q: nearside rear door lock jammed shut, how do you open door to get at the lock? BMW central locking ... A: Here are my two suggestions. You have to decide what you will try. 1. Have someone push against ... | |
| 95 BMW 525 I Soutnern California | 8/15/2010 |
| Q: I just bought my car about a month ago. I went a poured cooliant in my car this morning before I ... A: Never heard of a coolant level + message. Guessing it may have been indicating coolant level, plus ... | |
| warning symbols | 8/12/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2006 BMW 325I, when driving in the mountains, i was on a very long downhill section when a ... A: (Sorry...hit wrong button) I'd check it out with a BMW dealer, but I think what you have may not be ... | |
| rear window won't close on 323ci | 8/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2000 323ci coupe, the left rear window is stuck open. I hear no sound when i press the ... A: If there is no sound, and all the other windows work, it is likely the switch. If there are window ... | |
| CHARCOAL AIR FILTER LOCATION IN 1997 328I BMW | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: TO SAVE COSTS, I NEED TO LOCATE THE CHARCOAL AIR FILTER IN MY CAR. WHERE IS IT AND WHAT PRECAUTIONS ... A: The carbon filters filter the outside air coming into the cabin. Not sure exactly where they are on ... | |
| Transmission Service Warning Light | 8/7/2010 |
| Q: I own a 2000 BMW 323CI, currently with 131,000 miles. Today, while driving to get the tires rotated, ... A: First things first..... The transmission service warning could be a number of different things, ... | |
| 2005 bmw 325xi | 8/4/2010 |
| Q: why is it that my airbag and check engine soon lights are constantly displaying in the dashboard A: Your airbag light is likely on because there is a fault somewhere in your SRS system. Suggestion is ... | |
| BMW noise from air conditioner | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: I started to hear a noise like as though someone stick a wooden stick into the fan while it rotates- ... A: I'm assuming the "wooden stick" sound comes not only when the A/C is on, but also when the heater or ... | |
| fluid change in tranny???? | 8/3/2010 |
| Q: John Just want to get you input. I have a 2000 740 with a 128000 on it and I'm really getting ... A: I side with the folks who say don't change it. It's expensive to change...can't really drain it all ... | |
| 1998 BMW Electrical Oddity | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: 1998 528i when you open vanity mirror radio shuts down, steering wheel goes to position after you ... A: Sell it quick. If you're in the Minneapolis area, give me a call. Seriously, there is obviously a ... | |
| Sunroof Adjustment | 8/2/2010 |
| Q: The power sunroof on my 2003 530i started making a cranking noise when opening and closing. ... A: Adjustments to the sunroofs can be very tricky. Do a google search on adjusting them for an e39 BMW ... | |
| 2002 BMW 525i radio problem | 8/1/2010 |
| Q: John, My radio in my 2002 525i BMW is on and all fuses that run the radio are fine however I cannot ... A: Does the tape player or the CD work? Does the radio power up (display work)? If the tape player or ... | |
| Evaporator replacement 2005 X3 | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: my car needs to have the evaporator replaced, should I also get my receiver-drier replaced as well? A: Yes. Any time an A/C system is broken into the drier should be replaced. Unless the X3 is ... | |
| 1997 328i | 7/28/2010 |
| Q: My radio and windshield wipers recently quit working, I replaced the fuses and they blew ... A: On the windshield wipers and radio: - Did they both go out at the same time? Or did one go out and ... | |
| car doors | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2006 BMW 325xi and the door locks will not work...not from the remote key nor the interior ... A: I don't have a wiring diagram for this car. -If you're saying the remote key/power locks don't ... | |
| IHKA | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: My AC works great so long as I clamp off the hose from the Heater valve. Also the HEATER VALVE HAS ... A: I'm not familiar with the resetting of the baffles, but it makes sense. Reading elsewhere that the ... | |
| IHKA | 7/25/2010 |
| Q: My AC works great so long as I clamp off the hose from the Heater valve. Also the HEATER VALVE HAS ... A: You don't state which model this is, but the heater valve SHOULD come on in at least some models. ... | |
| transmission fluid level | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: transmission on my 2000 328i has a small leak where do u check fluid and where to add same, car is ... A: No dipstick or other means on these. "lifetime" fluid. There is a way to drain (don't!) and add ... | |
| Driver side rear window | 7/24/2010 |
| Q: Today I put the driver side rear window down and when I went to roll it up it made a clicking ... A: You don't identify the year or model of your car. Door panels are usually held on by a few screws ... | |
| bmw electric | 7/22/2010 |
| Q: i have a 2003 BMW 325 ci my fog lights wont turn on, my cruise control light is stuck on and my ... A: Unless all three of these started at the exact same time, I would treat them as three different ... | |
| bmw fualt problem | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: I got BMW 320i E36.it over flooding.after I put 5litre petrol it will just idle for few minutes then ... A: to go through 5 liters of petrol in a few minutes of idling has to mean it's going somewhere other ... | |
| Air condition | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: 2002 BMW 325 I, (Pennsylvania USA) The air conditioner will work fine , going down the road it will ... A: Not familiar with this model, but the center vents are usually separately controllable, and are more ... | |
| electrical prob. | 7/15/2010 |
| Q: 1997 328I BMW TURN SIGNAL %26 HAZARD LITE DONT WORK FUSE RELAY IS GOOD A: Please give me a bit more info: Do the lights go on but not flash? Do all lights act the same? ... | |
| Hello, I have a 03 325i. | 7/13/2010 |
| Q: I have a BMW 2003 325i (production date is 10/02) and it has about 101000 mileage. Recently, I have ... A: I wouldn't change the transmission oil. I don't put much stock in the "lifetime oil" claim either, ... | |
| ac 2001 z3 rodester 3.0 | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: ac compressor engages and gets cold but after driving 20 min or so starts to cycle between hat and ... A: Most likely freon is low. I'd start by assuring it's at a good level. On the high end of the range ... | |
| BMW X5 tranny swap | 7/12/2010 |
| Q: i was just wondering if it is possible and what are the steps on putting 6 speed manual transmission ... A: In a word, DON'T. These newer vehicles have a host of electronic and firmware that is very specific ... | |
| Overheating Problem | 7/10/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2000 328i sedan. Last weekend I was driving when all of a sudden my temp gauge started to ... A: Bleeding is extremely important on these.....and tougher than on most cars. Search the web for the ... | |
| Adding Refrigerant to A/C | 7/9/2010 |
| Q: I have a 2004 BMW 325i to which I need to add some R134 coolant to the A/C. The fitting on the can ... A: no adapter, no different can. There are two reasons I am aware of that this would not fit: 1, you ... | |
| Fan Blower | 7/7/2010 |
| Q: On my 2001 BMW 325i when the A/C is on the air flow coming out is very inconsistent and seems to ... A: For the blower motor, it sounds like either your switch or the relay is bad. Your varying airflow ... | |
| Fan Blower | 7/6/2010 |
| Q: On my 2001 BMW 325i when the A/C is on the air flow coming out is very inconsistent and seems to ... A: When you say the blower motor, I'm assuming you mean the heater/fan/AC motor. This fan will ... | |
| 95 318i M42 2dr conv engine rattle on startup | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: 1. when cold on starting,this engine is knocking or rattle loud (best I can describe sound)..I ... A: 1. Could be motor mounts, but if so, I wouldn't expect it to stop when warmed up. Your motor ... | |
| aux port DIY installation on 2004 BMW 325i sport | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: I'm hoping you could help solve a little query. I have a 2004 BMW 325i and I would like to install ... A: Check Crutchfield.com or some other automotive electroncs site. Tapping into the wiring on a car ... | |
| Automatic transmission problem | 7/4/2010 |
| Q: I have a 1998 BMW 740i. The problem I am having is this; when I put the car in drive or any other ... A: It's possible your transmission fluid is low. These cars have "lifetime" fluid, and no dipstick, ... | |
| Car stalls | 7/25/2009 |
| Q: My 2000 BMW stalls out every time you start it. If you keep the gas pedal slightly pushed it tries ... A: The code says the idle speed control valve is stuck. You don't mention which model you have. I ... | |
| transmition code on dash | 7/23/2009 |
| Q: why , my BMW e-mail had a code come up reads safety start transmission. what does that ... A: You need to get it to a dealer. Something happened with the transmission, and it's in a safe mode ... | |
| car wont start | 7/22/2009 |
| Q: alright i got a 1995 bmw 740i the car turns but it wont start what could be the problem someone ... A: The fuel pump on this car is inside the tank, on the top. That sounds bad, but it's actually GOOD ... | |
| 2001 525 I Series...Wipers and Radio Not Working, Service engine soon Light on | 7/21/2009 |
| Q: I just purchased a 2001 BMW 525I Series. The car only has 54,000 and was supposedly bought at a ... A: Odds are you bought a very good car. There are a host of small items like these on BMW's. Stay on ... | |
| car wont start | 7/20/2009 |
| Q: alright i got a 1995 bmw 740i the car turns but it wont start what could be the problem someone ... A: Not aware of any free manual site for these. Best on-line source is www.roadfly.com, in the BMW e38 ... | |
| car wont start | 7/18/2009 |
| Q: alright i got a 1995 bmw 740i the car turns but it wont start what could be the problem someone ... A: When you tried to start it and it just clicked, there wasn't enough power getting to the starter to ... | |
| door lock and instrumenal cluster | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: okay i got a couple problems i bought a 1995 bmw 740i and the driver side door is missing the lock ... A: Lots of problems..... The drivers door lock: Sounds like it's there and a key can go in it. Try ... | |
| 2000 528i, auto trans. | 7/17/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a this 528i and the speedometer isn't working, the ABS light is on, the traction light ... A: Not familiar with that part, or that code. I recommend you stop by your BMW dealer, tell him the ... | |
| radio code | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: Hi my 97 Z3 with alpine stereo needs the code to operate again will you help ???? ... A: You need to have the code. When you turn on the radio, it will ask for it. Enter it through the ... | |
| Boot/Trunk Not Opening On An e36 | 7/15/2009 |
| Q: i recently purchaced a second hand 1995 BMW 318i e36 model and i am have trouble opening the boot. ... A: Electronics won't prevent the key from turning. COnfirm with the seller that the lock and key are ... | |
| bmw 5 series 2.3L 2000 england | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: how do i remove airbags from drivers side. i was told i would need a torx 30 to remove two bolts ... A: For both, DISCONNECT BATTERY FIRST. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST. ... | |
| BMW 530i 1994 with 37,000 miles | 7/14/2009 |
| Q: My rear left passenger window won't go up and down. The motor runs and it makes a loud snap sound as ... A: I'll buy it for $2000. send me a private message if you are really interested in selling it. ... | |
| power windows and heater blower | 7/5/2009 |
| Q: After changing the starter the power windows and heater blower stopped working. 1991 BMW 318is. ... A: I don't have a schematic of it, but it sounds like one of your main circuits got blown....likely ... | |
| 95 bmw m3 | 7/3/2009 |
| Q: my m3 has developed a low speed vibration in the rear end. the car has also worn out the left rear ... A: Sounds like it's time to go throught the rear end drive and suspension in detail. If you have the ... | |
| My BMW chimes, but no dash lights turn on. | 5/4/2009 |
| Q: My 96' 318i randomly makes a chiming noise whenever I drive it. I look down at the dash to see if ... A: I don't believe these will chime when the oil change is needed. I'm assuming it wasn't about 38F ... | |
| 2001 BMW 325i A/C problem | 5/3/2009 |
| Q: The passenger side ac blows only warm air. The driver side blows cold air but not the cold like used ... A: Likely freon needed. Check and see if the a/c compressor comes on (clutch engages) when you switch ... | |
| 318 motor swap | 4/28/2009 |
| Q: I'm thinking about buying this 93 318is and the motor has about 130k on it. everything else on the ... A: Engine swaps in newer BMW's (even '93's) are major projects, due primarily to the engine controls. ... | |
| E46 B20 low compression | 4/24/2009 |
| Q: I removed the engine of a friend's 2.0 2005 E46 4-cyliner B20 Engine to replace leaking seals - ... A: From your note, I'm assuming you didn't change anything that required distrubing the ... | |
| phone fell inside car's hood | 4/12/2009 |
| Q: My cellphone accidentally fell inside the hood of my car and I can't get it out. Should I take it to ... A: If your cell phone falls into a BMW, it will automatically call Germany, and your bill will be high. ... | |
| 2003 e46 won't start | 4/7/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2003 BMW E46 I live in canada(although this is a california car) and had my car sitting in ... A: First, try charging the battery longer on a 2 amp trickle charge.....a day or so. if the battery ... | |
| 2001 BMW 740 Il sport USA | 4/5/2009 |
| Q: I was sitting in traffic and I noticed the temp gauge starting to raise up, I started to drive and ... A: Three thoughts: Radiator cap not releasing pressure Doesn't sound likely though. Shouldn't be ... | |
| BMW 525i thermostat | 3/30/2009 |
| Q: How do you replace a thermostat on a 2001 525i bmw. Is it very hard? A: I haven't done one on this model. Whether or not it's "very hard" is a function of your skills and ... | |
| 97 BMW 318i leaks, manuals | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: US, bought used. Do not have access to vehicle at the moment so no VIN. Currently has 125K miles. ... A: The only manual to get is the Bentley. Period. It's well worth the extra $$. The others won't ... | |
| AC control head | 3/28/2009 |
| Q: I recently bought a 740IL. Had it inspected beforehand and mechanic said it would be a $200 repair ... A: I think that on things like this it's worth taking it to a BMW dealer. Independant shops are much ... | |
| Warning light | 3/26/2009 |
| Q: I just got a 2006 BMW 330ix w/out a manual. I had a light pop on this morning. It was a snowflake ... A: Sorry, not familiar with that model. BMW's flag you at 38F to let you know roads can be getting ... | |
| BMW 330ci Fan Squeal | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: I have a 2002 BMW 330ci convertible and recently started hearing a loud squeal from the engine ... A: I'd agree it's not your belt. Could be anything from idler bearing to waterpump to ps pump to ... | |
| bmw 730 e38 '96 (uk r/h drive) | 3/18/2009 |
| Q: could you advise where starter motor is located.having to go from underneath as locked out of car ... A: Not sure on the 3.0 liter engine, but on the US models it's on the bottom on your driver's side. I ... | |
| !995 540i rough idle | 3/14/2009 |
| Q: Have a 1995 540i.130k miles. Idle is a "little" rough. If A/C engaged...Smooth idle. Runs strong ... A: The Nikasil issue should have bitten you a long time ago if it was going to. Not likely this. A/C ... | |
| serpintine belt? | 3/13/2009 |
| Q: I noticed the lack of power steering only to follow with over heating as well as batt light on. with ... A: Best case? Serpentine belt broke. Likely case? Broke for a reason. Like waterpump failure. ... | |
| front shocks | 3/9/2009 |
| Q: how hard to replace front shocks A: How far to Denver? Sorry, but you give no clue as to the year or model of the car. I'll assume ... | |
| BMW 323i | 3/6/2009 |
| Q: I just bought a 323i and i have done lots of repairs on it. Currently it is showing "service engine ... A: you should be able to check this for free with an OBDII meter from most parts stores. They will ... | |
| 1989 bmw 525i heater control question | 3/4/2009 |
| Q: My E34 is in very good condition compare to the years of the car is very well kept from the date of ... A: Heater core replacements are big jobs, but nothing tricky. Take LOTS of pictures as you go, and ... | |
| Coolant gauge needle in RED zone | 3/1/2009 |
| Q: I have a 1998 BMW 740iL and recently the needle of the coolant gauage in the instrument cluster ... A: several possibilities, ranging from bad sensor to blown head gasket to bad dash unit....or the worst ... | |
| BMW 318i 1998 Melting fuses, | 2/27/2009 |
| Q: please can you help. 1998 BMW 318i started with fault on central locking, on one door and battery ... A: Welcome to electrical troubleshooting a BMW. Not sure on the 318, but the 1998 7 series have a ... | |
| electric window | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: The passenger window has stopped working. it wound the window up leaving it 2 inches short then wont ... A: You need to determine if the window motor is getting power. If it is, it's likely the motor. If it ... | |
| 1997 BMW 328i stalling | 2/20/2009 |
| Q: My 1997 BMW 328i (automatic) stalls when the steering wheel is turned to full lock. I had a mechanic ... A: Sounds like it might be the steering relief valve. When the steering goes to full lock, the valve ... | |
| white smoke from the tail pipe | 2/14/2009 |
| Q: my car is A 1993 BMW MODEL. I HAD THE WATER PUMP REPLACED DUE TO OVERHEATING. 3 DAYS AFTER THE ... A: You blew the headgasket. Coolant is getting into the combustion chambers, burning, and exiting as ... | |
| battery keeps going dead | 2/13/2009 |
| Q: My car wouldn't start this morning at all. It doesn't make any sound when I try to start it. It ... A: Something is draining the battery. If you have a volt-ohm meter, put it in line with the battery ... | |
| trans. ? | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: My 99 540i; 5 speed auto; sometimes violently bounces after stopping. Seems like transmission is ... A: Not likely the tramsmission. Possibly the torque converter. More likely one of these two: ... | |
| 94 BMW 740iL Rough idle/no power | 2/10/2009 |
| Q: Just had oil change, reset idiot lites, smog test (passed)and drove home fine. Rinsed out/lightly ... A: Washing the engine can create all kinds of this sort of thing (yet I still wash mine too). Doubt it ... | |
| 1996 bmw 318 i | 2/7/2009 |
| Q: 96 bmw 318i daughter slid into snow bank. car towed home. engine turns over but won't start. sprayed ... A: You are on the right diagnostic track. Check and see if the fuel pump is running when you are ... | |
| bmw | 2/4/2009 |
| Q: My Bmw had been chugging a lot on a journey and suddenly cut out with the battery light coming on. ... A: You say electronics are fine, but the battery light is on. Could be battery is bad: A bad cell ... | |
| 99 528i power steering reservoir 90K miles | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: My powersteering oil reservoir is cracked and leaked oil, damaging the pump. Fluid is grey and pump ... A: Yes, I would use a rebuilt, from O'Reilly or ???. You can do better on line for price. For the ... | |
| Advice on 2001 BMW 325ci | 2/3/2009 |
| Q: Unfortunately, this car has been like the rest of the rabbit after you cut off the lucky foot. The ... A: Not at all unreasonable for a 7 year old car with 120K miles. I have found with BMW's you trade ... | |
| bmw radiator's fitting | 12/29/2008 |
| Q: I have a bmw 540i, 1995. The top plastic or metalic part that get inserted into the hose is ... A: I believe you are talking about the large top fitting, that goes into the a main radiator hose. You ... | |
| noise when I start the car and move the steering wheel (not all the time) | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: Does my 2004 BMW X-5 have a power steering resevoir? If so, where and what do I put into it? I think ... A: Not sure about where it is on your particular year and which X5 you have, but I believe it's on the ... | |
| Overheating E38/M62 | 12/28/2008 |
| Q: Merry Christmas John. My 1997 740iL continues to overheat. I replaced the fan clutch. Helped but ... A: I bought an e38 last year as a project car. After clearing a number of issues, I wound up with the ... | |
| starter | 12/27/2008 |
| Q: car ran fine ,then it wont start all of a sudden,had battery fully charged and still wont ... A: Fuel. Air. Spark. Timing. Check these. Is your starter turning the engine? Are you getting ... | |
| coolant for 2008 bmw x3 | 12/27/2008 |
| Q: I accidently put a small amount of coolant in the wrong place. I put it in the place directly ... A: Ouch. You put coolant in the Power Steering reservior. Running it will create problems in your PS ... | |
| overheating question | 12/21/2008 |
| Q: I have a BMW 330xi, 2001 w/ about 106K miles. The radiator light just came on and then the heat ... A: (I'm in MN, and understand your cold!) First, are you sure it has adequate antifreeze? If it does, ... | |
| Fuel Injector's for 1986 BMW 325e | 12/20/2008 |
| Q: How do I replace fuel injectors after a mechanic replaced engine and pulled injectors out for me to ... A: Each of the injectors has orings on them (get new if you don't have), and are held onto the fuel ... | |
| repair costs | 12/19/2008 |
| Q: i am considering purchasing a 1984 bmw 325e but am concerned about repair costs. how much more ... A: how much more than what? BMW's DO cost more to maintain. If you do all your own work, they take ... | |
| Injectors/crank shaft | 12/16/2008 |
| Q: I bought a 1999 BMW318i three months ago.Two days after purchase i noticed a slight tapping noise ... A: The information has been confused somewhere. The injectors can't tap on the crank....they are in ... | |
| 1995 BMW 325i will not go into gear | 12/15/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1995 BMW 325i with about 157K on the speedo and automatic trans. I had to replace the gear ... A: Sorry to ask, but you're sure your foot was on the brake when you tried shifting? If that's not it, ... | |
| need to know whats wrong with my 1997 540i | 12/10/2008 |
| Q: once i turn on my car alot of smoke from the exauhst is comming out but i mean alot and i think its ... A: Depends what the smoke is. If it's white and clear or sweet smelling, it's likely coolant and ... | |
| Start proplem | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: I will try to explain to problem with my 96 740iL. It takes up to 20 seconds to start. After turning ... A: Those are the first ones I would have checked. I wonder if it might be a cold start vs. a warm ... | |
| 98 740il not starting | 12/9/2008 |
| Q: I drove my car last night and it was fine, however when I went to leave the engine cranked extremely ... A: I agree with the ignition issue and cruise happening at the same time, it's suspect. Can't figure ... | |
| 528 driver door issue | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: 1997 BMW 528i driver door will not open, all other doors are ok. This has happened before during ... A: The fact you have power going to the locks hints that it's more likely mechanical than electrical. ... | |
| PVC valve Freeze up on E39 | 12/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a BMW 530I 2001 (made in June 2001) and on a 10 degree F day I driving home I noticed a major ... A: Not familiar with that kit, but know the part. It's a fairly big, but straightforward project. I'd ... | |
| 528 driver door issue | 12/7/2008 |
| Q: 1997 BMW 528i driver door will not open, all other doors are ok. This has happened before during ... A: (If she's a widow, would she sell the car to me cheaply?) Can't tell enough from your description. ... | |
| engine light and runability problems | 12/1/2008 |
| Q: i replaced the computer in my 540 after being told by the dealer i needed to along with the spark ... A: Too many options to diagnosis on line, but here's your next steps. In spite of your e39 being a ... | |
| 1996 e 38 control panel | 11/30/2008 |
| Q: in the winter i get heat drivers side..ice cold passenger side changed control panel still the same. A: Sounds like a marriage joke, but I'll pass on that...... There are two separate heater cores tied ... | |
| power steering fluid | 11/20/2008 |
| Q: My wife mistakingly added regular power steering fluid(prestone)to our 1997 740i what damage will ... A: I would flush it. There are differences in PS fluids, and BMW (as well as the other German ... | |
| E46 heater | 11/14/2008 |
| Q: I have abmw e46 318i 2000 on which i have replaced the FSR which worked for about 3 weeks. The ... A: The pixels in BMW's are a long running problem. But to have all of them out is unusual. Does the ... | |
| Z-3 Control Arm replacement | 10/9/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2000 2.3 Z-3 that needs front ball joints and bushings. Is it worthwhile to replace the ... A: Go with the complete cotnrols arms. Much, much, much easier. Prices seem high. Check on-line ... | |
| bmw fuel smell | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: i have a 1997 bmw 523i.when it is ticking over at traffic lights etc there is a strong smell of ... A: A couple of things to check. 1. Does your car drip any fluids. Check if you are dripping gas when ... | |
| 1990 Bmw 535i | 10/7/2008 |
| Q: I cant seem to get my passenger side head rest to go back down. Any ideas on how? Seems it was ... A: This is a relatively common problem on BMW's from this era. Essentialy the cable slides out of the ... | |
| 2003 bmw 325i | 10/3/2008 |
| Q: my car will randomly not start. when it happens it will not turn over or make any sound. all ... A: Most frustrating kind of problem. You'll need to determine more to help the dealer find it. Likely ... | |
| 740i Water pump | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I'm needing to change the water pump on my 740i. As I size up the job, I find 2 things that don't ... A: The rule on the direction of the fan nut is that it will always try to tighten itself. So PRETEND ... | |
| Washer dropped into oil filter housing | 10/2/2008 |
| Q: I dropped the washer from the long bolt for the cap to the oil filter housing down into the center ... A: Try fishing with a strong magnet. If it hasn't moved too far, you may be able to retreave it. might ... | |
| 2003 BMW 325ci Oil Change | 9/30/2008 |
| Q: I have always changed my own oil. I recently purchased a 325ci conv., purchased the Castrol ... A: You got the right oil. Not positive on the 03 325, but most BMW's have canister oil filters that ... | |
| Lower arm controls? | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: As new tires were being installed the Firestone dealer said the wheels can be easily shaken when the ... A: Very likely your lower control arms. You don't mention what model you have, but $1200 may be ... | |
| 530i Battery Drain within half an hour | 9/29/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2001 530I the battery run down in about half an hour after stopping. this car do not sleep ... A: These are time consuming to track down. Sounds like you know the use of electronic meters, and are ... | |
| 1998 740il electronics gone mad | 9/27/2008 |
| Q: Weird thing happened yesterday morning. I noticed the cruise control wasn't working in my 98 740il, ... A: The good news is this is weird enough, and prevelant enough, that it is likely something big and ... | |
| No Start | 9/25/2008 |
| Q: Recently replaced the ignition cylinder on my 1995 740iL. Car ran fine for 2-3 weeks. Left my key ... A: Great diagnostics so far. Here's my two cents: 1. replace the fuse. 2. pull the stater, and ... | |
| airbag light | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1999 740IL BMW and my airbag light is constatntly on now. I have not hit anything nor did ... A: The airbag light should not be on when the car isn't running, so it shouldn't drain your battery. ... | |
| Intermittent Reverse in 323i BMW | 9/20/2008 |
| Q: We have a 2000 323i BMW experienced an intermittment problem with it going into reverse (acted like ... A: Take it back to who rebuilt it. Something is up with that. Follow-up: I apologize if my answer ... | |
| 1999 BMW 328i electrical system | 9/16/2008 |
| Q: I seem to have a problem with my electrical system but I'm not sure if the problems are related. ... A: Whether or not these three are related, there appears to be a problem with your electrical system. ... | |
| 2000 323i window issues | 8/26/2008 |
| Q: I have had multiple issues with the power windows over the life of my 323i. They were always fixed ... A: It's not too dificult to remove the door panel, but I don't believe you will find anything in there ... | |
| BMW 540 e39 Waterpump replacement | 8/25/2008 |
| Q: I am looking for a guide on how to replace the waterpump on my ´97 e39 540i auto. ANSWER: Check ... A: The valley pan is the part that covers the area between the two banks of cylinders on the V8. ... | |
| 2002 330I Front Signal | 8/24/2008 |
| Q: John, I have a 2002 330i and have problem with the front right signal light. I checked the bulb by ... A: Two things: 1. Replace the bulb. These often have a damaged filament that can make and break ... | |
| 2001 bmw 325 Cic | 8/23/2008 |
| Q: I had bought a used 2001 325Cic from a friend's mother car that had been sitting in the garage for ... A: Fix of alternator sounds appropriate. Why wasn't the Firestone mechanic able to fix? Same reason I ... | |
| BMW 540 e39 Waterpump replacement | 8/21/2008 |
| Q: I am looking for a guide on how to replace the waterpump on my ´97 e39 540i auto. A: Check www.roadfly.com. Good source for info. Essentially: Remove the fan. Remove the belts. Drain ... | |
| 2001 BMW 740IL over heating | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: Yesterday (8/9/08) evening around 6:30 PM my 2001-740IL over heated with the cooling level low ... A: The white powder may or may not lead you to where the problem is. These engines are strong, but ... | |
| 1991 bmw 318is - window down ... | 8/10/2008 |
| Q: for some time there has been an unsettling clunking sound as i raise or lower the passenger window. ... A: Though I haven't taken apart this model, the interior door panels usually come off by removing a ... | |
| 1999 BMW 328i overheating | 8/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1999 BMW 328i that was overheating up to 75% of the gage while at a stop and would go back ... A: There is an electrical cooling fan that comes on when hot and all the time the AC is on, and the fan ... | |
| BMW electrical problems 740i | 8/7/2008 |
| Q: after having the battery on my car disconnected while I was away traveling the sunroof does not ... A: The sunroof has a reset sequence. I believe it's push and hold the switch for 15 seconds, but I ... | |
| bmw engine m60 | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: do anyone have a good picture diagram of the bmw 740i m60 engine showing the right cylinder head ... A: send me your email address. Mark question as Private, so email is protected. I will scan and send ... | |
| 96 BMW 318i A/C Problems | 8/6/2008 |
| Q: I am in the U.S.A.F. stationed in Germany so i drive a BMW 318i Euro spec car. The A/C is an auto ... A: First, thanks for serving. Most Americans really do appreciate it. Sounds like your air control ... | |
| 2000 BMW 740il | 8/3/2008 |
| Q: After a rainstorm,when I go to start my car,idle is a little rough,brakes are "soft"(feel slow to ... A: Likely nothing. Idle should actually be a tad better in the rain. You may be more sensitive to it ... | |
| 1987 325is just stopped running | 8/2/2008 |
| Q: Yesterday afternoon I came to a stop sign and the car just died, like I turned off the engine. I ... A: It could be many things, and if you're not too familiar with auto mechanics, diagnosing it could be ... | |
| yellow engine light on | 8/1/2008 |
| Q: I wonder if you could help...the yellow engine light has come on on my 2006 BMW 318SEi having driven ... A: Yes, you are paranoid. However, most of us BMW owners are. Give the independant mechanic a try. ... | |
| E-38 | 7/31/2008 |
| Q: John, Was getting rough running with some fuel trim codes on my 97 740iL. The mechanic discovered an ... A: It's always tough to diagnosis anything over the web, and especially to contridict a mechanic who is ... | |
| No speedomter and ABSC -Brake light on | 7/18/2008 |
| Q: My wife 2002bmw 330i air condition is not function correclty, so i check the FUSE BOX... play around ... A: What went wrong? You messed with your wife's BMW! Best advice: 2 dozen long stem roses, and a ... | |
| a/c | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: 2000 528I has freon in it and wont take any more but still blows warm air any suggestions A: Is the compressor working? The pulley will run all the time the engine is, but if you see the front ... | |
| A/C | 7/16/2008 |
| Q: I HAVE A BMW 1986 535I. MY A/C JUST STOP WORKING, MY SWITCH LIGHT IS ON, IT HAS ELECTRICITY TO ... A: since the compressor doesn't kick in, I'd start there. Not sure sight glasses are valid. Is your ... | |
| '96 328i | 7/15/2008 |
| Q: I have 1996 328i with under 60K miles. It is leaking fluid. I see under the car where its leaking ... A: Sounds like it's power steering fluid. Power steering fluid leaks very easily. Could be from a low ... | |
| A/C in my 2002 BMW 325xi stops blowing air all of sudden. | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: A/C in my 2002 BMW 325xi stops blowing air all of sudden. Sounds like the compressor kicks on but no ... A: First off, never mess with the thermostat. If you were told it needs to be replaced, do it. BMW ... | |
| 1995 540i intake manifold problems??? | 7/13/2008 |
| Q: I own a 95 540i with 190,000 and it is running like crap. I just replaced the o2 sensors and I fear ... A: Your husband's right...it's a money pit. Better sell it to me right away........... (Sorry) A ... | |
| 1994 BMW 530i | 7/11/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 issues with this vehicle. 1st, with the AC on the car shakes at slow speeds, but is fine at ... A: A/C is a heavy load on an engine. The load may be causing it to stumble. I would also advise ... | |
| 1994 BMW 530i | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 issues with this vehicle. 1st, with the AC on the car shakes at slow speeds, but is fine at ... A: Does it shake with the A/C off at the same engine speeds? If not, it may just be loading down the ... | |
| 95 BMW 325i | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: We just bought a used BMW 325i and are really enjoying it except the AC is being flaky. The air ... A: If it's blowing cold enough, there's enough freon. Is the fan blowing full speed? If it's not, ... | |
| 840ci Sport Air Intake | 7/8/2008 |
| Q: I have noticed that one of the air intake's situated between the bumper and the head lights has been ... A: Sounds extremely dangerous. I recommend you sell the car to me at once. (Sorry......I'm in the ... | |
| DSC light in 323i | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2000 323i. I had the control arms replaced a few months ago at a BMW certified shop and ... A: (4 WHEEL alignment, not 4 way.) Did they do an alignment when they did the control arms? If so, ... | |
| Help! my 1993 bmw 325i won't start | 7/7/2008 |
| Q: Please help me with this problem. It was driving fine yesterday and all of a sudden when i went out ... A: There's a wierd problem with the 325's (I have a '92). I'm not sure its ever been fully figured ... | |
| Just purchased 318i Touring 1996 - How much will a complete service be? | 7/6/2008 |
| Q: Just wanted to know how much a complete service will be for this car, also if you can recommend any ... A: A couple of answers, but not much help I'm afraid. I don't take my BMW's to the dealers enough to ... | |
| 2002 BMW E46 M3 STARTING PROBLEM | 7/5/2008 |
| Q: I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY BMW 2002 E46 M3. IT STARTED AS AN ITERMITANT FAULT BUT IS NOW PERMINANT. ... A: Is the battery fully charged, and sound? An undercharged battery, or one with a bad cell, will ... | |
| transmission oil change | 7/5/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1999 323i, and was told that the transmission fluid was life time. Is that true, if not how ... A: Lifetime. leave it alone. Always a hot topic of discussion on message boards. Those who change it ... | |
| 97 328i coolant overflow reservoir | 7/4/2008 |
| Q: I was sitting in my 97 328i BMW on Monday talking on the phone while the car was idling and all of a ... A: Ahh.....good question. First, do you have AAA? You can have them tow it for free, up to a certain ... | |
| 2004 325ci | 7/3/2008 |
| Q: Whenever I drive over any type of rough or semi rough road I hear what appears to be something ... A: Likely either the exhaust or a shock mount. See if the exhaust can be made to move to hit ... | |
| BMW 528i 2000 | 7/1/2008 |
| Q: There was a penney in the cigarette lighter and my son replaced the fuse in the truck. Now the truck ... A: A good way to tell if the fuses are in the correct locations is to look for metal where the prongs ... | |
| BMW 381i 1997 | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: I just purchased a 1997 BMW 318i and the gentleman said it needed a clutch. Before I do so, I ... A: Mary Anne, This car sounds like it needs a lot of work. I strongly recommend you take it to a ... | |
| 1997 740i e38 auto tranny not working | 6/30/2008 |
| Q: well when I parked my car it would not go into park. the dash showed it was stuck in 3rd gear. i was ... A: Pure guesses on this one...... Sounds like either your linkage or your sensors are off. Since it ... | |
| E46 CD Player Anti-Theft light indicator | 6/29/2008 |
| Q: when i install the radio Cassette back it works fine when i lock the car but wen i re install the ... A: Sounds like everything is working exceptit doesn't show the light. If that's true, I would leave it ... | |
| Radio stopped working | 6/28/2008 |
| Q: Might help to tell you it is a 1996 328i. Thanks. A: As you are probably aware, it sounds like the unit may be going bad. Some BMW radios have a fuse on ... | |
| emissions | 6/18/2008 |
| Q: I am a new owner of a 2003 M3 with 42K miles. It failed NY emissions due to check engine light on. ... A: Very, very, very few BMW dealerships/mechanics are unreputable. There's just too much to risk for a ... | |
| Rear Window won't stay up | 6/16/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2004 BMW 530i and the rear window will not stay up. When I roll the window up and it hit ... A: My guess is it's going up and when it gets closed, it's sensing there is an obstruction, and ... | |
| 97 740i, missing mirror cover_noise in dash_faulty digital display | 6/15/2008 |
| Q: 1) I've been trying to get a hold of a driver side mirror cover (just the outer plastic cover) for ... A: 1) Try eBay. If nothing, contact a dealer. 2) The gurgling is water in a drain hose from the A/C. ... | |
| Battery drained | 6/13/2008 |
| Q: I have a 97 bmw 740il. i don't know "What's wrong with it"?. For some reason, when i turn on the ... A: Sounds like your alarm system is kicking the electrical system out of it's "sleep mode". This car, ... | |
| 1995 BMW 740i e38 | 6/12/2008 |
| Q: CAN i use"PENTOSIN ATF" for my transmission A: 1. I wouldn't change the fluid except after a rebuild. BMW made these such that they couldn't be ... | |
| 1994 Speedo Cluster | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1994 BMW 325 Convertible with a manual trans. The speedo cluster does not work but the car ... A: Possibly, but not very likely. Have the battery checked somewhere....Sears, most any car parts ... | |
| E38 - 1998 740 Fuel Tank | 6/11/2008 |
| Q: Hope you can help. I have a 1998 740 with close on 200k on the clock. I hit a very bad pothole ... A: Your repairman is right. It's a very major job. There are products that are made specifically for ... | |
| 1994 325is | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1994 BMW 325is and when i drive it and only when the engine is warm, when i try to ... A: Tough to diagnosis this one without seeing it, but I would guess fuel filter, injectors, or vacuum ... | |
| 1995 BMW | 6/8/2008 |
| Q: How do add freon to air conditioner. Also drivers door will not open. Is it possible it could be ... A: For the A/C, buy a kit from any autoparts store....freon (actually R34A, not freon) and a hose with ... | |
| 1997 Z3 start up problems | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: i have a 1997 bmw z3 with 70000 miles on it that ran perfect for me over 6 years.recently it would ... A: I would be concerned that if they have gone this far without finding it, they are likely to spend a ... | |
| 1997 Z3 start up problems | 6/7/2008 |
| Q: i have a 1997 bmw z3 with 70000 miles on it that ran perfect for me over 6 years.recently it would ... A: I know you're probably thinking the same, but this is one of those few times when it would have been ... | |
| coolant | 6/6/2008 |
| Q: today my coolant level light came on shortly followed by the coolant temp light.then the needle went ... A: Means your engine overheated. Could be anything from a broken belt to a bad thermostat to a failed ... | |
| fuel pump of BMW | 6/5/2008 |
| Q: Do you know where the fuel pump is located on a 2002 BMW 530i? Do you know what causes one to quit ... A: Fuel pump is in the fuel tank, accessible from the top of the tank. Usually you can get to it by ... | |
| convertible top problems | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: I've got a 1996 318i convertible and the top no longer works. BMW have told me that the computer ... A: Almost declined to answer as out of my area of expertise....but then had a thought.... I'm not ... | |
| X5 2002 SUV | 5/19/2008 |
| Q: The fail safe engine light comes on and prevents me from accelerating. The service engine light is ... A: Actually, as much work as I do on BMWs myself, I'd take this one to a dealer. Running on failsafe ... | |
| main relay staying energized | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: John, 97-328i. Main relay right next to fuel pump relay energized all the time. Even with key out. ... A: I like your debugging....except not sure what you mean by "not fall under bulletin date code". I'd ... | |
| 2000 323i 100,000+ won't start | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: I trailered this car from FL to WI in Dec. It ran when I left FL but when I got to Wi it wouldn't ... A: I'll start by assuming the coolant was sufficient for WI winters, and you didn't freeze the engine. ... | |
| Radiator 1998 740il | 5/18/2008 |
| Q: Yes....I have disconnected all the hoses and top snap type clamps in an effort to replace the ... A: I believe on that model there are two rubber mounts, about half way down, one on each side. The ... | |
| Daughter's 325i | 5/14/2008 |
| Q: My daughter's finace bought her a 1995 BMW 325i shortly before he deployed. She did not check the ... A: This engine holds 6 quarts of oil. If you were more than 4 quarts low, all kinds of damage could ... | |
| bmw e38 dead battery | 5/12/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1995 BMW E38. My 5 year old battery recently died. I replaced it 3 months ago and I ... A: You need to check the electrical drain on the system. Using a meter, determine the drain on the ... | |
| 2001 BMW 740iL Starting Problems | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: I am having some problems starting my vehicle. It takes 2-3 times to start...I finally noticed that ... A: DOnt' know on the legality, but doubt it's iilegal. Likely the two sensors. Good news is they're ... | |
| BMW 740I Electrical | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: My seat and mirror controls on my 93-740I run things backwards. Left goes right, up goes down etc. ... A: Key question is whether this just started or if it was this way when you bought it or when you did ... | |
| AC Fan | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2002 BMW 325I. The AC fan doesn't stop when the engine is turned off. Could it be the ... A: I assume it still runs when the key is turned to the off position. Motor unlikely. no sensor tells ... | |
| Intermitant windsheild wipers | 5/7/2008 |
| Q: Intermittent windshield wipers I have a 2000 540i. Recently the windshield wipers and washer have ... A: I had a similiar problem on a 325i I had. Chased it forever, before finding a relay that was flaky. ... | |
| 97 bmw 740il instrument cluster/poower window won't funtion | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: I have 2 problems. 1-my instrument cluster shows the number (digital) all not clear. 2-rear right ... A: 1. I don't understand what you mean by "number (digital)all not clear". Are you missing pixels? ... | |
| Idle | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: Car starts but dies right away. Have checked for vacuum leaks but have not found any. Have checked ... A: Fuel, air, and spark. Fuel, air, and spark. Fuel, air, and spark. Is your fuel line clean? ... | |
| Z3 battery | 5/6/2008 |
| Q: Z3, 2001, 2.5L, with dead battery, probably original. Garaged all year, particularly winter, just ... A: I don't have record of a 2.5L in 2001. Is it something other than a US model? Or is it a 2.8 or ... | |
| 99 528i bmw | 4/21/2008 |
| Q: i have a 99 528i bmw.the check engine, eml,and the asc+t/dsc lights turned on.when this happens my ... A: You'll need to know more about it before you can decide if it's something you can do or not. I ... | |
| '01 325i white smoke | 3/27/2008 |
| Q: Car has just started emitting a lot of white smoke. Coolant level is fine, no sign of coolant in ... A: Could be a couple of things other than head gasket, but not as nice.....cracked head, cracked block. ... | |
| Mirror Cover Removal | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: I have an '97 740i (E38) I have purchased chrome mirror covers with blinkers inside of them. I am ... A: Tilt the mirror housing out. Grasp the outer edge of the mirror and pull firmly to diengage it. ... | |
| BMW | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: few days ago i bought a BMW 528i e39, the car is in the best condition but suddenly i discovered ... A: Second one is the easy one: Don't change transmission oil. It's lifetime. changing is pretty much ... | |
| 1995 740i...Coolant smell? | 3/17/2008 |
| Q: John. I'm not quite sure what e24, e36 or e38 is, but I hope that this vehicle applies. :o) Like in ... A: e38 is the 740 and 750 model line that ran from '95 to ~'01 Your coolant smell is most likely one ... | |
| automatic climate control | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: I have a 98 540i e39 chasis. The ambient temp intermittently drops to -40 and sends the climate ... A: I think you're on the right path: It's the sensor. Not sure the wiring you repaired, but I would ... | |
| outside mirror wiring | 3/16/2008 |
| Q: Can you tell me where I can get a wiring diagram for my outside mirrors on my 1997 528i? I would ... A: Best place, bar none, is a Bentley repair Manual. Their manual for the e39 is absolutely tops. If ... | |
| Removing air filter cover z3 1996 | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: I've unsnapped 3 clips but it still is stuck/attached to the area more at the center of the car. ... A: I am assuming you have the 4 cyl engine. There are four clips. I am not a believer in the K&N ... | |
| 2001 740 il sunroof malfunction | 3/15/2008 |
| Q: Kingery, Thanks for taking the time to share your expertise. The subject car is a 40,000 ... A: Ouch. The sunroofs on BMW's are a pain. Probably same with most cars, but I've dealt with 3 on ... | |
| E38 trunk soft close | 3/14/2008 |
| Q: On occasions when the trunk is opened the actuator motor continues to run on for a time before ... A: There's a relay behind the glovebox for the softclose hydraullic unit, but I think you're talking ... | |
| 1987 BMW 325IS only drives in reverse | 3/6/2008 |
| Q: I recently bought a 1987 bmw 325is with 160k miles from a friend for 200.00, He changed the auto ... A: You could cover your headlights with red film, and put in white taillights, and continue to drive it ... | |
| bmw 323 2000 model | 3/3/2008 |
| Q: i left the water cap off when i was toping it up, the car then overheated whist driving i got the ... A: Not likely the battery. Would be an unusual coincidence if it failed at the same time as your ... | |
| bmw getting hot | 3/2/2008 |
| Q: .i have 1997 bmw 740il and is was getting hot, i change the water pump.thermostat,auxiliary fun and ... A: Sounds possible. I recommend getting it tested by having the coolant checked for hydrocarbons ... | |
| E39 97' 523i Faulty Bulb warning light on dash | 3/1/2008 |
| Q: prompted by the dash I have replaced bulbs not working and checked all others but I still have both ... A: These bulb warning systems are sensitive to the current flowing. Have you hooked any accessories ... | |
| BMW525i 1995 | 2/29/2008 |
| Q: My car wouldn't start. I had it towed to a service station. They said the fuel pump, gasket, and ... A: Not starting was probably due to the fuel pump. The gasket is probably the valve cover gasket, as ... | |
| Airbag light | 2/27/2008 |
| Q: Recently, on my 325i 2002 the airbag light came on. I scanned and it gave me these 2 codes... ... A: I am not an expert in this area, but my understanding is that the danger is more that the airbag ... | |
| coolant light/cold air question | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2000 328ci that has a problem with the coolant light going off/on and the heater blowing ... A: Not sure what the "final stage unit" is. Replacing thermostat makes sense, as does the subsequent ... | |
| front passenger lock & glove box hinges | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: I'm writing from Ireland. I have a 318i/se saloon late 1996. the problem i have is that the front ... A: Lock: Not sure from your question, but it sounds like the front passenger door won't unlock when ... | |
| 97 328ic overheating | 2/26/2008 |
| Q: recently bought car and drove for 2 weeks w/o any problem--did notice a slight ballbearing type ... A: We can start with the easy, or start with the worst-case-scenario.....let's start with the easy. ... | |
| 2003 BMW 525i | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: 2003 BMWi Vin: WBADT43453GY99350 85,000 Miles my car moves (shakes) side ways. The rear seems to ... A: If the dealer's mechanic didn't feel anything unusual, it may be that it's something you're not used ... | |
| 2001 325i repairs | 2/25/2008 |
| Q: My 2001 BMW 325i has 89,000. I bought it new with the idea of keeping it until it had 150,000 ... A: My personal guideline is when you no longer trust the car. I've got a'92 325 with 160K, a '95 740 ... | |
| screeching belt | 2/19/2008 |
| Q: me again. My serpentine belt was replaced less then 2 yrs ago and lately it has had this horrible ... A: Possible it's the belt again, but 2 years is pretty short life. You don't say what your car ... | |
| bmw 325 auto to cluch | 2/18/2008 |
| Q: and i was woundering i could change the transmision from auto to a stick shift. and how much that ... A: You can, but I would guess it would be significantly cheaper to sell yours and buy one with a stick. ... | |
| 1998 318ti help, unknown light lit, missing buttons, speaker question. | 2/17/2008 |
| Q: Ok, I have a 1998 318ti, there is an light light in my dash and no one knows what it means. i ... A: Sorry, the link to the pictures didn't work. I don't know the ti, so can't answer the "easy one" ... | |
| e36 howling noise | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: howling noise sounds like it comes from rear end when im low on gas. what could this be? thanks A: Only two thing I can think of that would happen when low on gas is less weight. If it's repeatedly ... | |
| e36 bmw 328ic | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: engine light comes on and off and interior smell of gas fumes sometimes. ANY IDEA WHAT THIS COULD ... A: Find out what the engine light is. Get it diagnosed at an auto parts store. If the light and fuel ... | |
| Loss of power/misfire around 1500 rpm; no codes. | 2/16/2008 |
| Q: Got one for you. 2000 540i (6 speed/Dinan intake/ecu/exhaust) I've been throwing a CPS code and ... A: Always start with the easy ones. Are air and fuel filters good? Next go with the air leaks. Check ... | |
| BMW 528i oil consumption | 2/15/2008 |
| Q: I have an E39 528i, 1996 model which has done 150,000 km. Recently one of the cylinders stopped ... A: If you're not smoking, I question if it's rings or valves. are you seeing leaks? the rate you're ... | |
| BMW 318i engine warning light and SRS light | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: I currently have the SRS light that is on. What could be the problem? I addition my engine warning ... A: SRS is for the seat belt /airbag system. Could be anything from a switch on the seat to a seatbelt ... | |
| adjusting camshaft | 2/13/2008 |
| Q: i own a 1991 318is bmw. i heard its possible to advance the intake cam 6 degrees. could u tell me if ... A: Leave it alone. Between the microprocessors and the BMW engineers, you're not going to be able to ... | |
| cooling sytem problems | 2/12/2008 |
| Q: the other day I had a belt break on my 2000 328i this caused the car to overheat and my expansion ... A: Fill the radiator to the normal(or higher) level. Open the vent by the radiator cap....a quarter ... | |
| replacing thermostat on 95 525i | 2/11/2008 |
| Q: how to replace thermostat on my BMW 525i 1995? A: The thermostat is located where the hose goes into the engine block on the top. Drain the ... | |
| 95 525i will not start | 2/10/2008 |
| Q: Hey John! I have 95 525i. Never had much problems with the car until today. It just do not want to ... A: Good analysis so far! Key questions are always: Is there spark? Is there fuel? Need to answer ... | |
| Longevity of 10 year old 540i | 2/9/2008 |
| Q: My baby has a lot of little niggles wrong with it: cosmetic (crushed front fender), suspension (tie ... A: OK......Ready? First, YES, you do have a great car! And fortunately, I have a LOT of experience in ... | |
| water pump 2000 740il | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: steps to change the water pump? A: In no particular order..... Drain coolant Remove hoses Remove belt driving waterpump. Remove ... | |
| e46 | 2/8/2008 |
| Q: I want to replace the corner lights, side markers and rear tail lights. I'm thinking about getting ... A: I am unaware of the TX laws, and am unaware of how this manufacturer wires his lights. Most of the ... | |
| CD changer | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1997 BMWic with factory installed CD changer. Sometimes my homemade CDs don't work. In ... A: This is more of an audiophile question than a BMW question. There are differences in types of CDs, ... | |
| e46 | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: I want to replace the corner lights, side markers and rear tail lights. I'm thinking about getting ... A: If you are asking how hard they are to change, you're probably not going to be able to do them ... | |
| manual transmission oil change | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: I want to change my standard transmission oil in my BMW 318i, 1997. I noticed it is controlled ... A: Just read through the Bentley manual on this procedure. If you have ever changed transmission ... | |
| BMW Window button | 1/28/2008 |
| Q: My cars driver side window button seems to be malfunctioning. The window works fine, but button ... A: You don't say what model of BMW this is, but for most, the switch comes out of the panel, and is ... | |
| 2000 BMW 323i Misfire on cylinder 3 | 1/27/2008 |
| Q: My Check Engine Light came on my 2000 BMW 323i. I checked the code and it sayed misfire on clyinder ... A: Does the car drive normally? If so, reset the error code and see if it comes back. If you are ... | |
| BMW 328i Stalls When Cold | 1/25/2008 |
| Q: John, I recently purchased a 328i with 70k miles and i have been having a problem with the car ... A: I'd check for air leaks in your air intake system. Cracked hoses, loose clamps, etc. Second, clean ... | |
| 94 BMW 325i fuel pump circut problem | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1994 BMW 325i and I am not getting power to the fuel pump and when I add external power to ... A: A couple of questions for clarity: I think you say - You have power to the fuse - You have power to ... | |
| 528I - Check Engine Light | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I have a 1998 528I BMW. The "Check Engine" light sometimes stay on for 2 days and then goes off. ... A: You need to get your OBDII read, and it will tell you what it is. You can go to the dealer and pay ... | |
| idler pulley removal | 1/24/2008 |
| Q: I am trying to replace the idler pulley/pulleys on the Alternator belt in a 1998 740iL they are ... A: You're lucky! I replaced an alternator on a friend's '97 740iL a week ago, so still have it fresh ... | |
| BMW 525i 1994 Intermittent fault on wipers | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: When the wipers are on continuous, and the lights are on, changing the electrical load causes the ... A: yikes. I had problems with mine on a '92 325i, and replaced the motor and mechanisms with a ... | |
| 2001 325i seat heater | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2001 325i with a cold weather package. My driver's side seat heater is not functioning ... A: No overheat sensor or circuit breaker on these. The heating module in the seat base is a weak ... | |
| BMW blow motor | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: I drive '95 318ti. The blow motor made some strange noises and now completely stoped.Can I access it ... A: Wrong, and that's good news! The blower motor on the e36's is accessed by going in from the engine ... | |
| 2001 325i seat heater | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2001 325i with a cold weather package. My driver's side seat heater is not functioning ... A: Nothing in the system should be impacted if the car is warmed up or not You say it seems to work ... | |
| 1990 e 30 motor 325I model overheating | 1/23/2008 |
| Q: I have done the following. At idle for 10 minutes the gauge goes into the red. Driving say 3- 4 ... A: The first thing to do on almost any coolant issue is change the thermostat. Cheap, and relatively ... | |
| 88 325is NO FUEL & NO SPARK | 1/16/2008 |
| Q: what causes this condition? A: I'll assume you mean besides empty tank and dead battery..... Can I also assume the engine turns ... | |
| 1992 318i A/C and heater problem | 1/15/2008 |
| Q: I'm having a problem. My A/C and heater does not work. My A/c doesn't work and my rear defrost ... A: OK, let's walk this through at least part way: Your A/C, heater, and rear defroster are three ... | |
| 1994 bmw 318 i | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: So we took it to the shop for them to do a diagnostic on it and code 41,201 came up. They also told ... A: Sorry, I don't work with the codes enough to know much. The valve cover gasket would have nothing ... | |
| 95' M3 E36 Cooling Problem | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: Greetings, I have a 95 M3 that is having a problem cooling. I've done a few tests to lead to a ... A: A bad waterpump could give you the jacuzzi.......but a head gasket could too. Just replaced ... | |
| Radio controls | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: My car radio function buttons on the radio and steering wheel aren't working, tried changing fuse 7 ... A: This kind of wiring problem is almost impossible to diagnosis remotely. You've done a good job of ... | |
| 95' M3 E36 Cooling Problem | 1/14/2008 |
| Q: Greetings, I have a 95 M3 that is having a problem cooling. I've done a few tests to lead to a ... A: e36's had a very bad waterpump design. If your's hasn't been replaced, (or if you don't know) it's ... | |
| Hasitation | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: My 2001 740il hasitate when I step on the gas especially at around 3000 rpm and will not shift ... A: First comments: When you release your foot, doesn't the blood rush from your leg? Second, why are ... | |
| no air from front vents | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: 97 328i 172K No air (hot or cold) from direct facing vents on driver/passenger/center vents. Air ... A: Not certain, but I believe there's a unit that controls the air going to either the defrost or ... | |
| 318i 1996 Electrical Issue | 1/13/2008 |
| Q: I am a little confused and wondering if you can help me or point me in the direction i need to look ... A: I've read this a couple of times, and want to make sure I understand. 1. has the back light in ... | |
| MY bmw 325i 1994 wont start | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I drove it and everything was perfect until i left it for a week. I wanted to start it but when i ... A: Check fuse 28, and fuse 10 if its a later '94 unit. If it;s an automatic, there is also a ... | |
| BMW 535I | 1/11/2008 |
| Q: I'm looking for a little perspective. I have a 1992 BMW 535I with a blown head gasket. Oil is ... A: Interesting question. I own a '92 325, and just replaced a headgasket on a '96 740iL. First, are ... | |
| BMW 840 (4.4 litre) | 1/10/2008 |
| Q: i have a 1998 BMW840 with 80K miles. I only use the car at weekends. Last weekend the the ... A: Easy part of the question deals with the battery: No, that's not how the system is set up. I'd ... | |
| 87' 535i Won't STAY Started If Cold | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: My 87' 535i runs like a champ always, UNLESS IT'S COLD, then it won't even start. It was doing this ... A: Aa few thoughts: Your temp gauge not working won't impact the car....IF it's the GAUGE that's not ... | |
| Wiring Harness: DME to Auxiliary Fan | 1/8/2008 |
| Q: Nathan, I have a 2000 328ci and recently my Service Engine light came on. BMW service informed me ... A: If you are willing to do the work yourself, get a wiring diagram of the car and trace the wires ... | |
| Warning light on dashboard | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: I have a 2003 BMW 325i . I've misplaced my owners manual. Recently a warning light has come on ... A: This is the charge light. It means your alternator isn't charging the system as much as the other ... | |
| Instument Cluster | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: John, I have a 93 325i with an automatic transmission. It has about 190k on the car and 130k on ... A: First, double-check fuses 23, 45, 3, and 47. These all impact the OBC. 27 and 31 are for the ... | |
| fog light bulb replacement | 1/6/2008 |
| Q: i own a 1990 525i. i bought a replacement bulb h1 55 watt. i can't figure out how to change it! i ... A: Not sure about the '90 525, but on later ones, there is a "hinge" on the outside side of the light, ... | |
| cup holders | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: My cup holders in my 528i 98 will not go back in and stay in . I would like to know how to get ... A: Sorry, can't help much on that one. Not familiar enough with the e39 series. HOWEVER, as a BMW ... | |
| 98 740il | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: I recently had the expansion tank replaced. When I turn off the car, the display shows "check eng. ... A: mechanic is correct. I would burp it a couple more times and see if that's the issue. Here's the ... | |
| e36 320 j reg, rear suspension | 1/5/2008 |
| Q: Please help, I bought this BMW sold as seen and noticed a severe knocking noise whenever i ... A: This is more serious that I would diagnose on-line. Somethng has broken in your rear ... | |
| 1993 bmw no start | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: 1993 BMW 325is (e36) i had bought this car of a kid that did not take care of this car at all he ... A: I wouldnt jump all the way to the DME yet. Two things are needed....fuel and spark. You're telling ... | |
| 93 bmw 525i wont start | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: I'm not sure what the letter/number (e36) signifies or if I am dealing with one of those models. If ... A: Sorry, I have to plead ignorance on this car. Let me suggest you do a search on www.roadfly.com. ... | |
| Front hood grill replacement | 1/4/2008 |
| Q: Would u pls let me know how to replace Front hood Grill? I have 2001, 325i 4 door sedan (E46) Thank ... A: Remove the black plastic cover at the front of the engine compartment to gain access to the back of ... | |
| charging system | 1/3/2008 |
| Q: alt. new and tested, blubs all good, new battery. 86 735i. charging system has no output. can you ... A: OK, so if the warning light isn't lighting, you either it is either burned out (unlikely), or the ... | |
| 2001 BMW 325ci | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: My blower motor started working and not working. Now it doesn't work at all. The digital settings ... A: Yes, could be the lower relay, resistor, or motor. I'd recommend getting a voltage tester. ... | |
| 328i interior lights flashing, windows inoperative | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: just recently, the electric windows stopped working. at the same time interior lights flash like a ... A: Since all your windows won't work, it's something upstream, common to all the windows. First, did ... | |
| M43 engine does not start. | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: I have a nov 97 316i with m43 engine. Engine cranks but does not start. Compression has been checked ... A: Not familiar with the m43, but basically two things are needed for combustion.....fuel and spark. ... | |
| charging system | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: alt. new and tested, blubs all good, new battery. 86 735i. charging system has no output. can you ... A: If the alternator was tested, it has to be charging if it's rotating. Is the belt loose? Is the ... | |
| turn signals? | 1/2/2008 |
| Q: only my driver-side turnsignals work? I got new relays, checked the fuses, checked all bulbs and ... A: I suggest getting a voltage tester (basically a light in a probe with a wire to ground). Should be ... | |
| 328i interior lights flashing, windows inoperative | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: just recently, the electric windows stopped working. at the same time interior lights flash like a ... A: There's a circuit breaker reset button on the lower dash for the power windows. Check that first. ... | |
| central locking malfunction | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: i bought a 1995 bmw 318i and it's absolutely great. there's just one problem. the previous owner ... A: I've seen locking problems on the e36's, but always the other way....NOT locking. First thing is ... | |
| BMW 740i 2000 | 1/1/2008 |
| Q: There is an intermittent thumping coming from the right rear of the car, I think the tire or wheel. ... A: Most likely something in the rear suspension (assuming you've ruled out your boss in the trunk). ... | |
| 320i transmission | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: ok, i have a 1987 320i bmw and the transmission is pretty much gone, and i would just like to know ... A: I came across this, which is probably a good clue to what your transmission is also used in: BMW ... | |
| Door Lock | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: I attempted to open my drivers door on my 1999 BMW 740IL. It would not open, all other doors locks ... A: Let me ask an odd question first.....what part of the country are you in? Is it possible that the ... | |
| BMW 540i 2000 (E39) - minor electrical nuisance | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: This is what's happening and I believe they are all related to the same source. I just do not know ... A: Interesting. I wouldn't assume all are caused by the same thing, though it's possible. First thing ... | |
| 320i transmission | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: ok, i have a 1987 320i bmw and the transmission is pretty much gone, and i would just like to know ... A: Tough one..... Let me get a few answers from you before we go further.... 1. Is it an automatic or ... | |
John Kingery
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
BMW Repair (e24, e36, e38, e39)
Experience
Owned/maintained 5 BMW's, plus friends. Done exhaust systems, head gaskets, fuel systems, brakes, suspensions, electrical, seats, etc., etc.
Organizations
BMW Club
Education/Credentials
degreed Mechanical Engineer, w/20 years experience
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