How big's your list?!

[e34.535i.sport]

Before I start this is not a whining thread (for once ;) )... I have a list of jobs 'to do' to get the car tip-top... Here it is (in some sort of order):

1. Valve adjustment + new Valve cover gasket (hopefully it'll improve the idle).
2. New radiator (top hose connection broke half off!).
3. Injector replacement [to 19lb ford boschIII] (noisy and possibly contibuting to rough idle).
4. New Crank Position Sensor (idle again).
5. Front shock replacement (passenger side vibrates violently over bumps!).
6. Replace power steering hoses (groaning noise)
7. Oil and filter change (normal service interval up)

This may require a small lottery win for me I think!

So come on, what's on your 'to-do' list?!

[BMWDriver]

In no particular order:

1. Investigate clinking noise, right rear axle, when hitting bumps (sounds like chains). Can't hear it with windows up.
2. Micro filter replacement.
3. Spark plugs, maybe (first get torque wrench or have it done by indy).
4. Vacuum interior thoroughly, clean carpeting
5. Paint front fenders (touch up, putty)
6. Remove sunroof and paint the back (remove rust).
7. Remove carpeting, check out foam.
8. Continue removing grime from engine bay - yuck !
9. Consider what to do to engine bay & rust (small hole by right wheel).
10. Wax after paint finished.
11. Anti-rust treatment.
12. Remove Pioneer CD-changer.

[repenttokyo]

It's a lot smaller after the order I made this weekend:

2 top control arms, both sides, with 750 bushings
2 rear pitman arms (dogbones)
two rear shock mounts
3 mm spring pads
2 front bushings for sway bar
2 rear bushings for sway bar
4 mounting clips for driver's door trim
1 left side front fender trim
1 serpentine belt
redline mtl transmission fluid
4 Bilstein Sport shocks
4 eibach lowering springs.

[healtoeit]

2. New radiator (top hose connection broke half off!).

Look into these guys, I'm sure they could get one of theirs to fit your car.
http://www.zionsvilleautosport.com/store/shop.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=6134&Category_Code=CCSE34

Boy o boy. My list.... in no particular order

1. Get the springs/shocks into my car
1.5 at the same time put the 540i front brakes in my car
1.75 stainless steel brake lines for the 540i calipers
2. New fog lights (both cracked)
3. Paint-less dent removal
4. Fix interior door panels
5. Roll cage (might be coming really soon!)
6. 2.8 stroker kit
7. UUC short shift kit
8. 3.46 limited slip
9. Headers + exhaust w/ custom CAT bypass pipe
10. dog bones
11. rear sub frame mounts
12. rear sub frame bushings

[bubba966]

In no real order...

Rebuild front EDC struts, install new springs & all related hardware

Get new foglights

Fix (or preferably get a new) the front bumper

Replace trunklid tail lights

Install 3.91 LSD I've got sitting around

Replace door handle surround gaskets

Ceramic coat exhaust headers

Powder coat the valve covers

Re-finish/powder coat wheels

Replace sunroof seal & adjust sunroof

Install Shadowline trim or paint the existing chrome trim satin black

Install seat heating

Replace steering wheel with a new OEM unit

Replace shift knob with a new OEM unit

Install rear headrests

Swap out the from ceramic pads with non-ceramic pads

Install tranny software I have sitting around

Look into getting EAT engine software to replace my Dinan software

Put an ESS supercharger on it

Install new thrust arms

Get a new set of PS2's


Obviously most of that list isn't really needed. But I really do need to address the front suspension, front bumper, fogs, and door handle gaskets. Suspension needs doing first, just gotta get the $ together to send the struts to the UK for a rebuild...

[healtoeit]

Get a new set of PS2's

I just love those tires! Great grip, work really nice in almost anything spring or summer can throw at them! Ok track tire too

[bubba966]

I just love those tires! Great grip, work really nice in almost anything spring or summer can throw at them! Ok track tire too

Yep, want to get PS2's again, yet keep thinking that Pilot Sport A/S's should go on. Can't make up my mind...

[healtoeit]

Yep, want to get PS2's again, yet keep thinking that Pilot Sport A/S's should go on. Can't make up my mind...
Do what I did! Get $200 steelies w/ new winter tires (Blizzak WS-50) on them! Then you can run great tires for each season

[repenttokyo]

In no particular order:

1. Investigate clinking noise, right rear axle, when hitting bumps (sounds like chains). Can't hear it with windows up.



sounds like exhaust hangers.

[Ross]

Why the injectors? Send your old ones out for cleaning. If they are making a nice sharp click that's good.

[e34.535i.sport]

Just ordered new Bilstein front shocks and a new radiator...

It's going to hurt handing the money over not long after the clutch job I can tell you. :(

P.S Thanks for sharing your lists... I don't feel so bad now! LOL! :p

[bubba966]

Do what I did! Get $200 steelies w/ new winter tires (Blizzak WS-50) on them! Then you can run great tires for each season

Not so interested in steelies. Really can't go for anything other than the stock T-Stars, or maybe a set of ACS Type II's. Not going to find the ACS's cheap or easy, and another set of T-Stars isn't cheap either.

Would love to have 2 sets of T-Stars for both sets of tires. But that's not going to happen anytime soon. Might just get both sets of tires and use the one set of rims. Just not as easy to swap tires when the seasons change is all...

[bubba966]

P.S Thanks for sharing your lists... I don't feel so bad now! LOL! :p

Glad to make you feel a bit better. Though you'd probably think I was crazy wanting to replace all of what I listed if you saw the car. My detailer is always impressed by the condition of the car every time he sees it.

[healtoeit]

Might just get both sets of tires and use the one set of rims. Just not as easy to swap tires when the seasons change is all...
If it works...Do it!

[Paul in NZ]

fix "intensive clean"
clean and wax
oil service
new tyres and alignment and balance
rear dogbones
new front bushes if 4 doesnt work

[DaFlameking]

Just registered to share my list

+ Sand and Paint over door rust (getting a professional)
+ Front fog side caps painted
+ EAT Chip
+ Microfilter
+ Bilstein Shocks & H&R Springs combo
+ Magnaflow Exhaust + Tip
+ Front Europlate holder
+ Front Europlate
+ Oil change
+ Transmission fluid change
+ Heavy clean and wax and mothers black on black shine on the black strips of my car.
+ Spark plugs change
+ Replace blown bulbs, put in HIDs and Hyper yellows
+ New Battery
+ Take off silver edges of my taillights

I pray that I can get this all done and have enough money to do so before Summer ends, which means 2nd week of august for the new semester of school. *Prays*

Heavy modification and changes for the better. Can't get myself involved with a relationship either. That'll be just a distraciton :p Gotta get a 2nd job while I'm at it. Wish me luck

[dave.o]

Ref your radiator replacement. I had the same problem on mine. Fixed it as follows - If you look at the top rad pipe there is a moulded lug to prevent the hose being pushed on to far. I took a file to that and removed it and squared off the broken end at the same time. This left me with more than enough to push the hose onto and get a good seal with hose clip.

[e34.535i.sport]

Ref your radiator replacement. I had the same problem on mine. Fixed it as follows - If you look at the top rad pipe there is a moulded lug to prevent the hose being pushed on to far. I took a file to that and removed it and squared off the broken end at the same time. This left me with more than enough to push the hose onto and get a good seal with hose clip.

You know what Dave, sometimes the most obvious things you don't see. I remember thinking when putting the hose back on - "I wish that peice of plastic wasn't there so it would go on a bit further...".

I haven't picked it up yet so I don't know whether to not change the rad now, and just do what you say. What do you think? After overheating I'm wondering if the plastic parts of the rad will be brittle r weakened, and I could have recurring problems popping up in different places. I suppose its better to be safe than sorry and change it, as I don't know how long its been in there.

Thanks for that Dave, I love it when people think outside the box... Your one of the lucky ones!

[e34.535i.sport]

find coolant leak
fix or probably replace alternator
belts
clean the rest of the p/s sludge out of the harder to reach areas
change ps fluid via turkey baster
exterior trim here and there
bend fps door so it fits the frame better hmmmm
leak at tranny seals
fuel pump probably soon is a very good idea
finish rear seat cd changer install
bypass factory amp to crossovers
replace front grill + kidneys
fix fog light wiring (gee, well one of them works at least, yes it's the wiring)
paint bumpers
bumper trim
sidemarker light
fog light lens (happened 2 days ago on the highway)
windshield, fuel tank (done, yesssssss)
washer fluid tank leak (probably gaskets at pump)
change wiper arm to one that was designed the way it should have been from the start... ok... now i'm whining....
lubricate all window trims and runners, aerospace all the rubber
lower door trim
door handle trim
underbody rustproofing
commence gradual atf change?
ignition cylinder (don't get me started on this one, but it's taken care of thanks Ross)
decide on some kind of reliable portable jack
clean rest of engine bay (it's not bad actually)
fix heated seats (or buy new seats that would be nice)
rear shocks and mounts
find the break in the wiring to my external temp sensor
drive down to burlington to pick up the floor mats i ordered in october
hub cap stickers
exhaust tips
paint would be nice esp on the hood

next year:
headlight washing system and intensive cleaning
a/c
small sub and amp i think
fridge

LOL! :D :D Nothing else??? :p

[525i winter driver]

So come on, what's on your 'to-do' list?!

find coolant leak
fix or probably replace alternator
belts
clean the rest of the p/s sludge out of the harder to reach areas
change ps fluid via turkey baster
exterior trim here and there
bend fps door so it fits the frame better hmmmm
leak at tranny seals
fuel pump probably soon is a very good idea
finish rear seat cd changer install
bypass factory amp to crossovers
replace front grill + kidneys
fix fog light wiring (gee, well one of them works at least, yes it's the wiring)
paint bumpers
bumper trim
sidemarker light
fog light lens (happened 2 days ago on the highway)
windshield, fuel tank (done, yesssssss)
washer fluid tank leak (probably gaskets at pump)
change wiper arm to one that was designed the way it should have been from the start... ok... now i'm whining....
lubricate all window trims and runners, aerospace all the rubber
lower door trim
door handle trim
underbody rustproofing
commence gradual atf change?
ignition cylinder (don't get me started on this one, but it's taken care of thanks Ross)
decide on some kind of reliable portable jack
clean rest of engine bay (it's not bad actually)
fix heated seats (or buy new seats that would be nice)
rear shocks and mounts
find the break in the wiring to my external temp sensor
drive down to burlington to pick up the floor mats i ordered in october
hub cap stickers
exhaust tips
paint would be nice esp on the hood

next year:
headlight washing system and intensive cleaning
a/c
small sub and amp i think
fridge

[whiskychaser]

1. Get it off the road by weekend so I dont get clamped
2. Put hex on person on ebay who 'bought' it but didnt
3. Transport to L1 then ring insurers (greenhouse base is in so the bury it under option is out, Ross)

[Jon K]

1) Everything
2) Everything again

[525i winter driver]

LOL! :D :D Nothing else??? :p
errr.... actually...

fan clutch thing i think
scrape urethane off rear-view mirror leftover from install wtf?
reconnect side mirror switch i left inside the door
figure out why one ashtray works in both rear doors and two ashtrays i've found at scrapyards don't in either even though they all appear the same
get another job
fix my bicycle
(no particular order)



4 mounting clips for driver's door trim


ben did you order these already? no big deal but i have piles of clips and things left over from when i replaced my front doors - you're welcome to them... sorry i missed this earlier...

[Elekta]

From the boxes in the garage:
Install clear corners
clear markers
business cd with dice adapter
sirius radio I got for xmas
remote key I've had since the 530iT
glove box adaptor for e39 (I have a lighter adaptor that only plugs into an e39 flashlight plug, but you end up with a second lighter adaptor in the glove box)
Rear sun shade door cards (need to combine these with my nappa leather door cards)
adjust rear window regulators to make perfect
fix the twisty seats and headrests
rear speakers swapped out with new ones
smiley headlights with adjusters (need to find place for headlight adjuster wheel as adaptive edc switch is in it's place right now)
install new third brake light and air dam piece.
replace window tint on rear glass
replace shocks for glass hatch
fix harness so rear key unlocks all doors
adjust rear wiper

New windshield
windshield trim piece that's broken
buy and paint tow hook trim for rear bumper
buy and paint cover for westy tow system
remove roof rails and refurb
paint roof panels and fix hail dents
paint lower trims on side skirts..fix minor rust area

rear subframe bushes
Center support bearing
dif seal and replace fluid
tranny mounts and guibo
new drive shaft if CSB shows ujoints are shot
fix EDC harness from right rear bushing cutting into it
re-level adjust self levelling and rear camber/toe-in
post chain tensioner
throttle body tune

detail engine

ROAD TRIP

[e34.535i.sport]

OK, ok, if we're detailing the lot then here we go... A few things have been checked off too now but new ones arise all the time! :p

Check out wobble/squeal on front passenger wheel -Bearing? :(
Explore intermittent light problem.
Change oil.
Valve adjustment and gasket.
Get tracking done.
Paint/Lacquer rust spot on sunroof.
Change small weird coolant hose.
Clean out boot its chocca with rubbish.
Treat Leather seats.
Change power steering lines and fluid.
Fix intensive clean.
Change washer jets.
Check exhaust manifold gasket.
Change rubber exhaust mountings (mid).
Change Wiper blades.
Clean Engine bay properly.
Remove sticker remains from rear window.
Get the chip on the windscreen sorted.
Pump tires up to correct PSI for once.

Can't think of the rest but bet I will when I drive it tomorrow... I'm going to use this one as my checklist now!

[bubba966]

smiley headlights with adjusters (need to find place for headlight adjuster wheel as adaptive edc switch is in it's place right now)

Why not get the trim piece that goes by the shifter that would normally hold the ASC & PDC buttons and put either the EDC switch in it, or the headlight adjustment switch?

[Elekta]

Why not get the trim piece that goes by the shifter that would normally hold the ASC & PDC buttons and put either the EDC switch in it, or the headlight adjustment switch?
I have never seen a manual with that trim piece. Would that piece fit? I was thinking about modding the ashtray and putting some lighter ports and maybe install the sirius/ipod stuff there...be easy to put the edc switch there afterward.

Looks like a new driveshaft is in order.

[Bo525i]

Replace shocks for glass hatch
Fix harness solderings so rear wipe stops where its supposed to and the driverdoor locks even when locking from rear or passenger door
Recheck my harness solderings one more time
Fix insignificant oil leak, no real dripping just moist around the oilpan area
Sand and paint the rusty spots here n there
Fix the annoying front passenger door rattle
Oil and filter change
Sparkplugs change
Clean enginebay

[dauchande]

1) Everything
2) Everything again
Hear that, It's probably easier to list the things I *don't* have to fix :(

[Sixdown]

For me? It's gonna take all summer at least to fix most problems that currently exist. Obviously others will appear over time.

In no particular order:

Finish radio Blaupunkt installation
Install bolts for clear corner signals
Differential fluid
Fix exhaust hangers/heat shield
Guibo
Bushings galore
Control arms
Replace engine T-clamps
Numerous vacuum hoses
Brake rotors and pads (front) pagid/brembo
Valve cover gasket
Head gasket
Valve adjustment
Fuel injector cleaning
2x radiator coolant hoses
Power steering leak/lines
Rear bumper cover
Washer pump
Paintless dent removal passenger side
Brake fluid change
Stainless steel brake lines
Spark plugs and wires
Glovebox rattle and clips
Passenger window creak
Wiper blades
Sway bar bushing
Strut bar
Rear Struts and all springs
Clean carpet
Reupholster/dye natur front seats
Proper Alignment
Questionable driveshaft condition
EAT chip!

Some of it is preventative, but most relate to a current problem. At least I enjoy working on the M30 engine.

[e34.535i.sport]

UPDATE!

Thought I'd let you all in on the current status of the dreaded LIST! I've done a few, got some things left to do and made some amendments...

1. Valve adjustment + new Valve cover gasket (hopefully it'll improve the idle). Yet to do... Need to research the job first.

2. New radiator (top hose connection broke half off!). DONE! It looks nice and shiny now!

3. Injector replacement [to 19lb ford boschIII] (noisy and possibly contibuting to rough idle). Need some £££ and time...

4. New Crank Position Sensor (idle again). CANCELLED!

5. Front shock replacement (passenger side vibrates violently over bumps!). DONE! So much better now, a LOT more comfortable.

6. Replace power steering hoses (groaning noise) May need new pump as it's groaning but not losing fluid? :(

7. Oil and filter change (normal service interval up) DONE - 4 green lights is always good!

(I've also recently changed upper control arms, lower control arms, front sway bar link and had the alignment done and wheels balanced.)

NEW!

8. Find/fix cause of front clunk noise.

9. Find/fix cause of rear clunk noise.

10. Sort out this weird o2 sensor problem.

Does anyone else ever get anywhere near done - because i know I don't! :p

[Paul in NZ]

UPDATE!

Thought I'd let you all in on the current status of the dreaded LIST! I've done a few, got some things left to do and made some amendments...

1. Valve adjustment + new Valve cover gasket (hopefully it'll improve the idle). Yet to do... Need to research the job first.

2. New radiator (top hose connection broke half off!). DONE! It looks nice and shiny now!

3. Injector replacement [to 19lb ford boschIII] (noisy and possibly contibuting to rough idle). Need some £££ and time...

4. New Crank Position Sensor (idle again). CANCELLED!

5. Front shock replacement (passenger side vibrates violently over bumps!). DONE! So much better now, a LOT more comfortable.

6. Replace power steering hoses (groaning noise) May need new pump as it's groaning but not losing fluid? :(

7. Oil and filter change (normal service interval up) DONE - 4 green lights is always good!

(I've also recently changed upper control arms, lower control arms, front sway bar link and had the alignment done and wheels balanced.)

NEW!

8. Find/fix cause of front clunk noise.

9. Find/fix cause of rear clunk noise.

10. Sort out this weird o2 sensor problem.

Does anyone else ever get anywhere near done - because i know I don't! :p

i am tempting fate...but mine is running really nicely at the mo.....some small issues(sagging headliner,and occasional clunk from the right rear,heater sometimes comes on by itself).A guy took it for a drive with a view to buy..he says he could not fault it mechanically..:) 250 ks now

[attack eagle]

valve cover gasket
(eventually! after 2 years I still haven't bothered with it)

headliner
EU fogs

smoke the highs

wheat bulb for the vent/warm selector on the center vents.

drive it.

[525i winter driver]

Does anyone else ever get anywhere near done - because i know I don't! :p

i'll be done soon 'cause i've just about spent all my money. actually did pretty well with my list ...

DONE
find coolant leak
replace alternator
belts
clean the rest of the p/s sludge out of the harder to reach areas
change ps fluid via turkey baster
exterior trim here and there
bend fps door so it fits the frame better hmmmm
leak at tranny seals
finish rear seat cd changer install
bumper trim
sidemarker light
windshield, fuel tank
washer fluid tank leak
change wiper arm
door handle trim (now my manual unlock doesn't work wtf?)
commence gradual atf change?
ignition cylinder (don't get me started on this one, but it's taken care of thanks Ross... errr... well i got spare keys now at least)
decide on some kind of reliable portable jack
rear shocks and mounts (just did the mount on 1 side actually)
find the break in the wiring to my external temp sensor
hub cap stickers (summers)
fan clutch thing i think (not done i think it's ok tho)
lubricate all window trims and runners, aerospace all the rubber (3/4 done)
reconnect side mirror switch i left inside the door
fix my bicycle

+ removed po's half-installed alarm system (shoulda done that a long time ago)+ awesome summer seat covers (pics coming)

THIS WEEK
rear brakes
fuel pump probably soon is a very good idea
door panel refit (getting there...)

NOT DONE
figure out why one ashtray works in both rear doors and two ashtrays i've found at scrapyards don't in either even though they all appear the same
bypass factory amp to crossovers
replace front grill + kidneys (have parts need to paint a bit again first + fix aux fan (see NEW))
fix fog light wiring
paint bumpers (front done pretty much)
lower door trim
fog light lens(es)
underbody rustproofing
fix heated seats (or buy new seats that would be nice) (wtg me i'm so proud of myself - i bought a busted pair at least they look a bit better)
clean rest of engine bay (it's not bad actually)
drive down to burlington to pick up the floor mats i ordered in october
exhaust tips (yeah right i'll get right on that...)
headlight washing system and intensive cleaning (just tore the whole thing out - i'm calling it a fix)
get another job
small sub and amp i think (actually i think probably not)
a/c
shocks
fridge

NEW
auxiliary fan
laminex headlights
2 snow tires
hubcap stickers + paint for winter wheels
hood shocks (need them pretty bad i think) ought to replace the latch as well
front pass speaker wiring... somewhere...
cover or paint rear seat plastic trim

that was probably more fun for me to post than for you to read (assuming you managed).
my last post came in really handy tho as a kind of reference, without it i feel kind of overwhelmed :D.
judging by the size of the lists, i figure i've got 10-18 months to go before i catch up, assuming i can afford it. (big assumption)

dammit i'm TIRED!

[e34.535i.sport]

i am tempting fate...but mine is running really nicely at the mo.....some small issues(sagging headliner,and occasional clunk from the right rear,heater sometimes comes on by itself).A guy took it for a drive with a view to buy..he says he could not fault it mechanically..:) 250 ks now

I had a month or two like that - It felt Goooooooooodddd! Unfortunately the good times didn't last too long!! :p

Now I have D.Ream on replay: #Things... can only get better!!!!#

[e34.535i.sport]

i'll be done soon 'cause i've just about spent all my money. actually did pretty well with my list ...
...
...
that was probably more fun for me to post than for you to read (assuming you managed).
my last post came in really handy tho as a kind of reference, without it i feel kind of overwhelmed :D.
judging by the size of the lists, i figure i've got 10-18 months to go before i catch up, assuming i can afford it. (big assumption)

dammit i'm TIRED!

Wow you have been working hard! I feel inspired! :D

Money is the only thing holding me back at the moment - 6 weeks off work to fix her up and no spondulees to do it with. :(

[Paul in NZ]

Wow you have been working hard! I feel inspired! :D

Money is the only thing holding me back at the moment - 6 weeks off work to fix her up and no spondulees to do it with. :(

mine was pretty mint when i got it.have tried to keep on top of it.