Greydog

Morning Joshua Welcome to the Forum First I would check the History as much as you can check it's MOT history as well as the general things like service and repair history. MOT history tells you if advisories keep showing the owner didn't care that much only fixing things that were essential. Make sure the engine is cold on start up there should be no odd rattles or noises or smoke a white water vapour is often seen if they have been standing but should clear quickly. While it is warming up check everything works as it should every button every switch AC OK. Then the drive it should be smooth again no rattles or clunks from the drive train or suspension, get it onto a Dual Carriageway or Motorway and give it some beans it should change up or kick down smoothly and go like stink, make sure manual mode is the same (Check the mirrors for any smoke) find a single carriageway road back to make sure the ride is smooth. When checking the history look for evidence that the Gearbox has been serviced ZF recommend every 80 to 100k depending on use (might give a bit of bargaining power) The BMW straight 6 diesels are tough but need good servicing (I have never been a fan of extended service intervals so all my cars get annual oil changes) It is a big car so suspension bushes can take a beating and again I treat them as a service item and change them at around 100k (Range Rovers are no different) Tyres your new car will have a staggered set up (wider rear tyres) Tyres are critical wrong size or mis matched tyres can wreck a transfer case so check carefully and make sure they have plenty of tread they are not cheap so maybe another negotiating point I am on my 3rd X5 first one was a 4.4 petrol 2002 vintage replaced by a 4.6is 2003 which I still have it has 165k on the clock and passed its MOT in March with no advisories (in store now as there are only 200 left) my daily drive is an E70 3.0d (same engine as yours just less turbo's) My brother inlaw runs BMW 5 series Touring as his business cars on his 5th one and all have run to around 200k with full BMW history (+ interim oil and filter changes) again same engine as the car your looking at Looks a nice car so enjoy your test drive I hope it works out Dave

Morning Lewis Welcome to the Forum Terrific car enjoy it (hide your licence though) Has the battery been checked, not just charge but age. With my E53 4.6is I had some random faults over a few months then overnight one night completely dead, the battery was the original !! 13 years old when I checked its date stamp 02/03 a month older than the car. if there are any extra's plugged in somewhere Dash Cam, Chargers, Rear Entertainment system. Un-plug everything and make sure the car shuts down (takes around 15 mins for the light on the gear selector to go out) If the drain continues tracing it is a cae of patience and pulling fuses to find the offender. Oh if you aren't aware only ever charge or jump the car from the under bonnet points. Enjoy your new car Dave

Morning Pete Welcome to the Forum Not come across this for a while some time back there seemed to be quite a few E53, E60, 61 with this issue. Assuming it is the same issue that is. Check the wind deflector is folding down correctly there were a few You Tube videos of fixes but there is also a Wind Deflector repair kit Fingers crossed it is a simple fix Dave

At least your back up and running, and on the plus side the car will feel quicker now your Wallet is so much lighter 🤣🤣

A pleasure Are you going to DIY or find a Good Transmission specialist ZF if you can find one. Good Luck Dave

Hi Micky Check the sale of goods act, under the sale of goods act the item must be "Suitable for Purpose" Clearly with odd tyres and a Gearbox issue it is not. Put everything in writing,email them no Text or Whats App and only phone to confirm items in the email. Don't let them try and get you to fix your own car using the Warranty you have paid for !! In your email make sure that you outline the time scale when you got the car, when the fault first occured, when you first contacted them about it. Tell them you have no confidence in driving the car with a fault. Ask them to either have the car repaired for you (Don't forget a courtesy car while yours is off the road) Replace the car with the same or equivalent model or collect the car and refund you in full. If their choice is repair you need a time scale this has to be done in a Timely manner. Just don't let them give you the run around Dave

Then I would guess your box is overdue a service Dave

Hi Micky If damage has been caused to the transmission/transfer box changing 1 tyre will not be a fix and could make things worse. Most AWD cars that do not have a central diff but use a transfer case to send power to the front and rear wheels will be sensitive to differing tyre sizes either across the axel or front to rear. A part worn tyre with say 3 to 4mm of tread against a new tyre with 10mm of tread can cause issues as the new tyre will travel further each revolution multiply that by a few thousand and something will break (and you don't want it to be your wallet) The BMW advice is change all 4 or at a minimum a pair So tell Cazoo you need 4 tyres to be safe and a Diagnostic to ensure there is no transmission damage. If they won't accept it tell them you are going to reject the car under the Sale of Goods Act. Good Luck Dave

Afternoon Angel Welcome to the Forum If you aren't aware check www.realoem.com its a BMW online parts list. Put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model, or search the Classic section manually When you find the wheel it should also list the centre cap part number then Google is your friend or BMW USA who have an active Classic section and offer some useful discounts on Classic models Good Luck Dave

Morning Brian Welcome to the Forum Commonly known as the "Lurch" some times cured by a gearbox service, or software upgrade. The ZF manual tells us that the Gearbox should be serviced between 80 and 100k Kilometres around 60k miles very few were as at that time BMW were telling owners Gearboxes' were "Sealed for Life" by life what they actually meant by "Life" was the end of their Warranty exposure. So do you know when the box was serviced or if it has been? Is the appearance of the Lurch a recent development or has it been there a while? Dave

Morning Micky Welcome to the Forum First I would not be waiting for Cazoo I would be writing to them and simply tell them there is a transmission fault which make the car unsuitable for purpose, they should change it or return your money. 2 weeks is far to long. Now the fault, it will need diagnostics to be certain of the cause do they expect you to take it to a Garage at your expense? Check the car tyres are they all the same size and make or are odd tyres fitted? If only one tyre is odd it can cause damage to the transmission so check carefully. At 33k mileage is very low for needing a transmission service so unless there is a leak transmission fluid levels should be OK. If incorrect tyres have been fitted there could be damage at the transfer case at the mileage your car has covered I would expect at least 1 complete tyre change. Good Luck with Cazoo don't let them hide behind a Warranty Company it is their responsibility Dave

Morning Jason Welcome to the Forum If your car is Idrive 7 (I beleive it should be) try this 1. Bluetooth has to be turned ON on your iPhone. 2. In the iDrive 7 menu, press or navigate to COM – Mobile Devices – New Device – Phone calls and audio 3. On your iPhone’s Bluetooth menu, select the BMW entry. ... 4. Confirm that the PIN displayed on the iDrive 7 and iPhone match, then select YES. I am not sure if there are subscription charges I am android (had to use a wired connection first time) not apple but from what I have read it should be straight forward Good Luck Dave

Morning Steve Welcome to the Forum Not a good situation if you are trying to gather evidence that this is a known fault all you can do it trawl the International forums as well as the UK. BMW don't make the sensors they buy them so while it is a sensor made to BMW specification if there is a faulty one in a batch it would be difficult to identify. There was a rare fault with temp sensors leaking and coolant wicking up the loom corroding pins at the DME/DDE in the early 2000's but as I say rare. The price quoted seems very high what are they changing the high pressure fuel pump as well? As with anything BMW once it is out of their Warranty responsibility they will try to wash their hands, so do many other manufacturers sadly Then worse they never repair any item they just replace with new plus worse (i believe) keep the old components so nothing is learned by the after market industry. So I would want to know exactly what components they propose to change with Dealer Hourly rates of around £200 per hr so easy to reach £4k don't forget to add VAT You do have alternatives for getting your car back on the road, If you are not a DIY person I think you need the help of either a BMW specialist or a Good Independent Garage where hourly rates will be much lower. I would change the Fuel Pressure sensor, the O2 sensor can be tested and changed if it has failed, the Loom likewise can be tested for continuity and faults and only changed it there are serious faults (It will dry out) If a replacement High Pressure pump is required check the Specialist BMW recyclers there are several really good ones out there these days. Dave

Morning Neville Get your friend to test the O2 sensors and also the Vanos operation, plus back track over the work you have done in case a connector is not seated If the EML is on there will be a reason Dave

Afternoon Neville Welcome to the Forum How many miles has the car covered ? The EML can be triggered by several things but here's my guess. You have changed Plugs & Coil packs, Vanos solenoids My bet would be O2 sensors they do have a life of 100k to 150k dependent on fuel and usage. To be sure you need some diagnostics done as just changing stuff is an expensive way of trying to fix things. Dave

Morning Bruce I will assume the Battery is correct and in good condition. You need to spend some time testing "pulling fuses" then check with a multi meter to isolate systems and find the culprit. If you are not able or prepared to do that then you may find out why some say BMW stands for Breaks My Wallet 😆 If your stuck try and find a good Auto Electrician but remember tracing something like this is time consuming and time at an hourly rate adds up, whoever it is doing the work Dave

Morning Daryl Maybe Google will help ? If memory serves (dangerous at my age) I remember reading about a website bimmershops based in the US which gave lists by state. Worth a try Dave

Morning Rick First how did you tow it home? As you now ask if you have to go under the car to put it in Neutral? The first point would be the Battery check all terminals are connected correctly then the Fuel System fuses and relay at least to get the car running. Never used Protools as a diagnostic but plug it into the OBD port and run a scan, note what faults are logged. Then clear the faults, ignition off wait a few minutes then ignition on and re-scan to see if any faults are still there. If faults are logged they need further inspection. Good Luck Dave

Morning Alan Welcome to the Forum Beauty as the old saying goes is in the eye of the beholder, there are people who professionally value cars there are also specialist Auctions. I just checked the How Many are there web site it seems there are 160 taxed and still being used and a 143 Sorned so it is quite rare. Good luck with finding the right buyer Dave

Afternoon Daryl BMW are great at hiding stuff so you need a dealer, or they hope you do 😅 You are correct in the assumption that if you had several failures the car would light up all warnings to tell you. By the sound of it you will need Dealer level access through the OBD port, so you need someone with ISTA/INPA Diagnostics (the best) or a dedicated BMW Diagnostic reader from someone like Foxwell, Icarsoft or Autel. In the UK we have a Register of BMW Specialists which is a great help. ISTA (BMW Software) even needs dedicated sub programs (built in) to access Mini and I have just learned later X3 models I unfortunately have never had a diagnostic session on an X3 but with other models there are check box menus on several control units to allow functions to be turned on/off and additional accessories added. They are only accessible through the Diagnostic program, I have seen a 540i Touring that after the Battery was changed decided it was in "transport mode" a factory setting that restricts performance when cars are being delivered it took 20minutes to figure out what it was and untick transport mode hey presto back to normal. Any BMW clubs close to you a member may well have the diagnostics you need and be willing to help. Try talking to Pelican Parts they are well known for their help and support Hope this helps not hinders Dave

Morning Dave Welcome to the Forum First I am not sure if you are aware of www.realoem.com it's an online BMW parts list take a look in the classic section for information and part numbers. Around that time I believe ATE were OEM suppliers to BMW so may be wort talking to them. There were two models in that year E23 and E32 that overlapped for a few months as the E23 model was phased out and E32 came in. Also if you double click the part number in realoem it should show any other models they were used on plus any alternates. Can you get the callipers rebuilt or get a kit and rebuild them your self perhaps. Also worth contacting BMW as they have a very active Classic's section. Also worth talking to Pelican Parts they are a very useful supplier of BMW parts and very knowledgeable. Good Luck Dave

Morning Carl Then it seems you really do need a BMW specialist with ISTA/INPA diagnostics to trace your fault The RAC has to be able to read all cars so their equipment though expensive cant read all control units on your BMW or many other cars only the obvious and general faults. Their experience is their greatest asset but if it is something they haven't seen before ? I say a BMW Specialist as they will have the diagnostic software and generally be about half the hourly rate of a main Dealer. From your description it is something in the starter circuit possibly a signal wire to the DDE or a sensor somewhere There is a Register of BMW Specialists (Google will help) you should be able to find one not to far away, like all dealings with new suppliers check them out and look for references. Good Luck Dave

Morning Bob Try the usual suspects Autotrader, Ebay and Parkers for indications of current market price Then decide whether to trade it in or private sale with the weather like this and a good long range forecast 😁 Make sure all documents and history are in order and the car is presented to it's best Good Luck with the sale Dave

Morning Carl How long have you owned the car? Do all the comfort access settings work? I have just checked ISTA for information. Does the fob lock/unlock the car? Have you tried the other Fob? Is the car battery in good condition and fully charged? (If charging make sure it is from the charge points under the bonnet) If the Fob battery is dead and the car is unlocked hold the key against the key symbol on the steering column press the button then foot on clutch/brake and start the car. That is the procedure according to the workshop manual. The next step I think would be a diagnostic scan for faults by someone with a BMW capable diagnostic machine, a BMW Dealer or Specialist or a really good Independent Garage Dave

Morning Dan As with any used car History History History, check it's MOT history if advisories reappear and aren't dealt with to me it points at an owner who didn't care to much. With proper maintenance the engine is pretty much bullet proof as is the gearbox. Suspension bushes as with any car have a life and need checking and changing (look at the tyres carefully uneven wear is a give away) Check that everything in the car works as it should every button every switch a seller who says it never bothered me or they are only £ on ebay if that is so why isn't it fixed? Hope you find the right car for you and enjoy it Dave