new member, please help! - BMW Forum

leonz · 07-04-2009, 03:05 AM

Hi everyone, I have just joined your "clan" and am looking forward to chatting with everybody. I live in South Africa on the Kwa Zulu Natal coast. I recently purchased a immaculate e28 518I AT (M10) motor. This car has been sitting in a garage for nearly 5 years. I replaced the battery and drove it home after which I serviced it. The car goes wonderfully except for the pinging I can't get rid of. I use 95 octane unleaded fuel. Can someone help or give advise? Thanx in advance.
Regards
Leonz

rashid · 07-04-2009, 05:15 AM

What do you mean by pinging? please clarify more ...

Viking328 · 07-04-2009, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leonz

Hi everyone, I have just joined your "clan" and am looking forward to chatting with everybody. I live in South Africa on the Kwa Zulu Natal coast. I recently purchased a immaculate e28 518I AT (M10) motor. This car has been sitting in a garage for nearly 5 years. I replaced the battery and drove it home after which I serviced it. The car goes wonderfully except for the pinging I can't get rid of. I use 95 octane unleaded fuel. Can someone help or give advise? Thanx in advance.
Regards
Leonz

My best guess would have been the gas, as well. I wonder if 95 is TOO high? Try to find some 89/91/93 and see if the timing is just the same as if you used regular, which is TOO low. It's possible that the electronics can't adjust for the timing/burn (I don't think they had knock sensors back then, but I could be wrong). Otherwise, make sure you gaped your spark plugs properly if that was part of your servicing. Not all of the manufacturers come pre-gaped.

leonz · 07-04-2009, 07:45 AM

Thanx for the response. No knock sensors on this model, plug gaps are 100%.
I will try a lower octane. Do you know the correct way of checking ignition timing with a stroboscopic timing light. The front crank pulley has one mark only (TDC) how do I get the timing adjusted to X degrees BTDC without marks on the pulley? I think it must be about 25 to 30 degrees BTDC.

leonz · 07-04-2009, 07:50 AM

Pining means that when you accelerate from low revs, it sounds asif there are marbles rolling around in your engine. It is usually caused by wrong fuel octane, carbon buildup or incorrect ignition timing. I'm having trouble adjusting the ignition timing as there is only one mark on the crankshaft pulley. Hope this clarifys it for you.

Viking328 · 07-04-2009, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leonz

Thanx for the response. No knock sensors on this model, plug gaps are 100%.
I will try a lower octane. Do you know the correct way of checking ignition timing with a stroboscopic timing light. The front crank pulley has one mark only (TDC) how do I get the timing adjusted to X degrees BTDC without marks on the pulley? I think it must be about 25 to 30 degrees BTDC.

No I don't, sorry. I know another forum that has that info though:
bimmerforums.com (Sorry moderator! Gotta help a brother in need!)

leonz · 07-05-2009, 03:34 AM

Thanx viking, I will try the forum. Have a nice day! Leonz.