1st BMW, 1st post

[ANDO]

Hello everyone,

I moved to Ramstein AB in Nov 07 and got a Euro specs 1991 525i with the VANOS M50 (90% sure). Didn't really want a BMW but the price was right ($1500) and figured I could upgrade after I was settled. After a couple of months the car really grew on me and i decided to keep it. Now i am trying to get a few issues corrected before i start on the monor annoyances. Before i get to that let me tell you what i have done.

Replaced the spark plugs (w/Bosch-Iridium-Fusion), tires, replaced manual sunroof crank with electric, replaced stereo and speakers


Major problems; (Any help on these would be greatly appreciated)

--Rough idle (ecspecially when cold): After searching it is probably the ICV. Will clean that after I find it.
--Stutter under heavy acceleration between 1000 and 2000 rpm's: hove no clue on this one. Was going to start with a fuel filter, but i will search here to try and find a better idea.
--High speed/braking shimmy: Think this is the front rotors because the steering wheel shakes while braking. Bought new pads and rotors but some idiot used a impact gun to the point that i cant get the lug nuts off (yes, i have tried an impact gun) still scratching my head on this one.

Minor Problems;

-The 4-button OBC isn't working and i can't find a 10-button one. From what I have read they are interchangeable.
-The exterior door trim is coming off.
-Can't get some of the trim panels in back snapped back into place.
-One headlight is cracked.



All in all I really like the car. My previous misgivings about beemers came from my idiot friends that used to buy $2000 junkers. You know, $300 for the car and $1700 for the stereo. They were always dumping money into them and they never ran well. But this has been a different experience. I am even trying to figure out how to take it back to the States with me.

Last, is there any parts that tend to be a problem with this model and year? I have access to the junkl yard with more BMWs than I can seing a dead cat at. Thanks for reading and thanks for the help.

Ando the Commando

[marti5]

Hi and welcome to the forum,


major probs :

1&2 Change the fuel filter

3. brake disc do you #3 here:
RealOEM.COM * BMW E34 525i FRONT BRAKE-BRAKE DISC


If so you need to drill it out ive done this many times.

minor probs:

1. You might get lucky on ebay UK or Germany (DE)

2. Door trim clips or a new trim

3. New clips

4. New lense you dont have to buy the whole unit.


I would say you could virtually sort most things at the breakers yard you have found.

Good Luck Im sure you will get there in the end.