Just got a 1993 535 some questions

[gj1968]

I picked up the car today from a used car lot. It has a manual transmission with 133K miles on it. Unfortunately the previous owner put in a short shifter which I find PITA. It is black exterior with parchment interior. It has some service records on maintainance log from BMW dealerships.


1. I noticed that there is a rattling like noise coming from the transmission. I only hear it when the gear is in neutral. However when the clutch is depressed the noise disappears. Could this be a transmission or a clutch problem? Or possibly the shifter?

2. Since the engine is a M30 on this car, do I have to do the valves adjusment per the tips at bmw34.net website?

3. I drove home 40 miles today. I noticed via the comuter that I am averaging 19 mpg on the highway . How can I improve the mileage? Does a new 02 sensor help in this department?

4. One of the highbeam light as a crack. Where is the best place to buy a replacement?

TIA.

[granit_silber]

I picked up the car today from a used car lot. It has a manual transmission with 133K miles on it. Unfortunately the previous owner put in a short shifter which I find PITA. It is black exterior with parchment interior. It has some service records on maintainance log from BMW dealerships.


1. I noticed that there is a rattling like noise coming from the transmission. I only hear it when the gear is in neutral. However when the clutch is depressed the noise disappears. Could this be a transmission or a clutch problem? Or possibly the shifter?

2. Since the engine is a M30 on this car, do I have to do the valves adjusment per the tips at bmw34.net website?

3. I drove home 40 miles today. I noticed via the comuter that I am averaging 19 mpg on the highway . How can I improve the mileage? Does a new 02 sensor help in this department?

4. One of the highbeam light as a crack. Where is the best place to buy a replacement?

TIA.

1. I don't know but others will.

2. YES!

3. Try the valve adjustment first. Then new plugs. If the engine surges up hills in moderate rpm's change o2 sensor.

4. cheap = ebay. good = BMA Autoparts or other discount dealer. expensive = dealer.

Now, how about some more info in your profile.
-ashley

[Kalevera]

If it's actually a MY 1993 535/5 speed, then it's a very rare bird, indeed.

1) Layshaft bearing(s), given that fluid level and type (ATF) are correct. If there's noise in 1/2/3/5, also look at the input and output shaft bearings, as well as the throwout bearing. Pull the fill plug and see if there are any chunks of metal on there.

3) 19mpg on an OBC that hasn't recently been reset is excellent, especially for a manual. You didn't think this was going to be a gas saving car, did you?

You can find the answers to #2 and #4 by doing a search.

best, whit

[Dave M]

1. I noticed that there is a rattling like noise coming from the transmission. I only hear it when the gear is in neutral. However when the clutch is depressed the noise disappears. Could this be a transmission or a clutch problem? Or possibly the shifter?

If the noise is noticeable when parked, transmission in neutral and clutch engaged (not depressed), it may be the flywheel. My 525 does the same thing on occasion and after a bit of research, it seems that that (at least with the M50), the flywheel can develop a 'rattle'. For what its worth, I'm not overly concerned with mine (intermitent mind you) and will remedy when the cluth is done.

Is it also noticeable when you shut the car off? Have someone shut the engine off with the hood open if you need to.

Good Luck,

Dave M

[gj1968]

Yes it is a MY 1993 . I found on the glovebox the original window sticker. It came with a weather and memory package. Original cost was around $47K at that time. The car looks like it was taken good care since the external paint still looks shiny without any rust, oxidation or dent... just a couple of door dings. Interior is fairly clean too except for some cracking on the wood trims.

Oh one more question, the previous owner took the amp from the back but left a Kenwood HU. Any suggestion for an amp and sub?

[632 Regal]

47k in 93 is like almost 100 k now...take good care of that car and it will take care of you!

[romus]

Hmm i have same rattle on mine too. Neutral, clutch engaged. As soon as i step on the clutch pedal, the noise disappears. Noise is more like quick knocking, rather than rattle. Sometimes so quiet you almost dont notice it, sometimes louder - but not "worrying-louder". So far i only heard it 20-30 percent of times or less so i'm not alarmed yet.

Its always good to hear you're not alone :)

[kyleN20]

sounds like a nice car, i have a 535im, do valve adjustmenst, buy a lense on ebay, and get some laminx, if you dont like the SSK, i might be looking for one, why dont you like it?

[Adnan]

Hi,

The rattle is caused by the dual-mass flywheel. It will make that noise but typically it does not mean there's a problem as such. It is a combination of the flywheel and the input shaft gears "flicking". Some gearboxes will make more noise with the same flywheel as others (speaking from first-hand experience).

Most certainly, you'll hear the noise when you turn off the engine with the shifter in neutral and foot off the clutch. This is caused by a resonance at ~400 RPM.

Mine is a '91 and she still runs strong as ever. That drivetrain is solid and enduring.

Regards,
Adnan

[NY535iManual]

Hi all - I've owned several Bimmers (2002, e30 325, e28 535is) in addition to the e34 535 I bought a few months ago. Am absolutely in love with the car, and I am glad others share my preference for the e34. Quick question, when you guys refer to a "MY" what do you mean, model year?

[bullyd]

Hi all - I've owned several Bimmers (2002, e30 325, e28 535is) in addition to the e34 535 I bought a few months ago. Am absolutely in love with the car, and I am glad others share my preference for the e34. Quick question, when you guys refer to a "MY" what do you mean, model year?

yes MY=model year i got confused, see my thread :-
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=13601

[octanejunkie]

That gearbox noise is almost without a doubt the layshaft. Happened in both e30 325s i had with around the same mileage. The cars still drove ok but the noise got worse with time. Eventually it'll need a rebuild. The parts are not dear but the labour is the killer. Get a second hand box if the noise really bothers you. This is normally a sign that the car has been driven hard in the lower gears. Luckily this is the only relativly weak point on these box's If you have trouble sourcing a box, Opel Manta gear box's are very similar.
19mpg on the highway is not great, mine will go up to 24mpg on a run (70-80mph) and 14mpg in town. Rich running is often the airflow meter at fault
When doing your valve clearances, be careful when tightening the bolts that the adjusters don't move as you tighten. I found the shaft of a small hex key in the adjuster hole was best for keeping things steady.

[peks]

locktite your oil spraybar banjo bolts while you're in there

[MSM]

It might be worth flushing the coolant system and filling it with BMW recommended stuff, so you know what's in there.

Unfortunately, this wouldn't necessarily prevent past owners coolant service interval transgressions from catching up with you eventually in the form of a head gasket failure.

[gj1968]

Thanks for the informative responses. My plan for next week is to change all the fluids in the car. The short shifter is still PITA but Im getting used to it day by day. Im used to the smooth but longer throw OEM shifter of my E39...but the short shifter is very precised when going from gear to gear. A manual transmission oil change might make the shifter smoother I hope.

This car came with a set of 17 inch AC Schnitzer (sp?) 5 spoke wheels. One of the wheel's paint is peeling off. Is there a site you guys can suggest that shows how to repair or clean up and paint these wheels? And one more question. Is it advisable for preventive maintainance to change the radiator at this time? The radiator looks clean but I don't know if this was already been replaced?

[jenfly00]

I'd check Ebay for the headlight. I had a cracked one too, and when I started looking every now and then, someone would list a single headlight for pretty cheap dough.




I picked up the car today from a used car lot. It has a manual transmission with 133K miles on it. Unfortunately the previous owner put in a short shifter which I find PITA. It is black exterior with parchment interior. It has some service records on maintainance log from BMW dealerships.


1. I noticed that there is a rattling like noise coming from the transmission. I only hear it when the gear is in neutral. However when the clutch is depressed the noise disappears. Could this be a transmission or a clutch problem? Or possibly the shifter?

2. Since the engine is a M30 on this car, do I have to do the valves adjusment per the tips at bmw34.net website?

3. I drove home 40 miles today. I noticed via the comuter that I am averaging 19 mpg on the highway . How can I improve the mileage? Does a new 02 sensor help in this department?

4. One of the highbeam light as a crack. Where is the best place to buy a replacement?

TIA.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Not sure which headlight you need, but here's one for sale, or a set of ellipsoids.
http://www.bimmer.info/forum/showthread.php?t=16108

Welcome, now we need some pictures!

[Incantation]

1. if it is manual.. and you hear that rattle it is likely to be a "throw-out bearing" .. i had the same problem in a previous car. small, cheap part but the labour might cost you $$

3. add some stp fuel injector cleaner... and check your air filter make sure it's not clogged

4. try a wrecker.. lots of e34's in there and you can get it cheap. as a last resort i can send you one if you aren't able to find one

[angrypancake]

1. if it is manual.. and you hear that rattle it is likely to be a "throw-out bearing" .. i had the same problem in a previous car. small, cheap part but the labour might cost you $$

3. add some stp fuel injector cleaner... and check your air filter make sure it's not clogged

4. try a wrecker.. lots of e34's in there and you can get it cheap. as a last resort i can send you one if you aren't able to find one



I thought stp was frowned upon...?

[onewhippedpuppy]

Techron is the only one that I have heard recomended by manufacturers. I've heard that both BMW and Porsche support it's use.

[octanejunkie]

Get Decembers issue of Total BMW magazine. In the tech section this month, they are renovating a set of AC Schnitzer wheels! Just don't spray them black like they have done yuuuk!!