Leaderboard

Evening Julian. go for an x5, you will have a great time! are you getting it for yourself or on lease through your company? my boss just got a diesel one and his tax and payments are ridiculous. if it’s for yourself, just be wary of the economy mode… there isn’t one! 😂

Afternoon all. Could it be that the alternator is on its way out? The battery will keep the lights on etc but is it getting recharged? my first thought about the grinding noise was alternator bearing or power steering pump, but obviously that was solved! can you check the alternator output? is the belt ok? The aircon clutch can also an issue causing grinding and dragging, it’s not on the same belt if I remember. what car is it? the older cloth roofs sometimes jumped a tooth on the 3 series and caused sticking. See if one side moves before the other?

OK if the battery is draining there is an issue TIP, if jump starting or charging only ever use the charging points under the bonnet if you connect at the battery, you can cause damage to other components. You can test for yourself with a multi-meter at the charge points under the bonnet. Engine Off you should measure 12.5 to 12.8v (healthy battery) with the Engine running you should see 14.5v + With the engine off and the Muti-meter set on amps check at the charging points and the alternator for any current flow. Alternators do die but very rarely, more often than not the fault is with the Voltage regulator on the back of the alternator. Remember that Garage work on an hourly rate and it is easier/quicker often to change parts at the Customers expense than actually fix them. If you are a logical person there is very little you won't be able to fix/improve on your car with the help of a Diagnostic program and some basic tools. Not only will you learn about your car and how it works but you will be in position to decide what jobs you may need the help of a Garage with. There is a tremendous amount of information available Dave

Hi Vin A BMW Dealer with the cars Vin and sight of the V5 to confirm you are the owner should be able to supply a printout of the Service history plus the correct Service Book Being a BMW Dealer there will be a charge of course If you are not already aware there is an online BMW Parts list www.realoem.com if you put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up information for your model. Essential when buying parts or spares to make sure you get the correct item and it will fit, you may find service book information there. Dave

Check the timing pulley. My e36 had this issue where the pulley had perished and moved forward and back, stopping the sensor from detecting the timing, causing a misfire. Also worth checking the aircon pump bearings.

Morning Joseph I have BMW ISTA/INPA and BMW 1.4.0 mounted on an old laptop (along with several other diagnostic programs) I also own an Autel 702 scanner For early BMW (up to 2005/2006 Ibus system BMW 1.4.0 is easy to use and gives Dealer level diagnostics. After then ISTA/INPA again gives dealer level access but also includes Technical and repair information I have friends who use Foxwell and Icarsoft systems with their BMW's I have never tried the one you mention Good Luck with whatever the choice is Dave