What is this buzz
noise inside the dash when I shut down the engine?
• This is the flaps from
the heating/Air system. Don't worries. The rattling noise
rattle under the car on shut down is normal on many 5 speeds.
(Caused by the dual mass flywheel)
What wheels fit my Bmw E34?
• Any E23, E24, E28, E31, E32 and
E38 will fit your E34 without any modification.
E39 wheels (hub center = 74mm) require hubcentric rings
(parts# A670 from tirerack @$4.00 ea).
Where is the battery?
• If the battery
is not in the engine compartment, it is under the rear seat.
Pull hard, straight up on the right and left forward edge
of the seat. You will be surprised how much is under the
rear seat.
Can I used wiper refills?
• Yes, way
cheaper: buy them in any autostore 22" on both side,
or 24" and 22". Clip onto the existing arm.
What does the BMW roundel represent
and why?
• A spinning propeller,
representing BMW's heritage as an aircraft engine manufacturer.
(Off course you knew it right?). The colors of the Roundel
are the blue and white colors of the Bavarian flag. (Thanks
Ed K. Becker)
Where can I get new keys?
• The dealer (honest)
give them the Vin number and they have the keys cut for
you. You need to produce proof of ownership when you collect
the keys. Cost me $18 Australian ($16 Can, $6.50 US $134.70
New Zealand)a key.
What is trans
prog message?
• It is a transmission related problem.
It could be electrical, transmission or... nothing. The
trans prog message cause the E34 to run in 3rd gear only,
that is the reason wht you feel the car has no power. Check:
1) Turn the car off and wait 10min - 2) Main power relay,
power to trans control module - 3) Gear selection switch
- 4) Program switch (Manual or Auto) - 5) Computer box -
6) At last, the transmission.
Is the JC , EAT ultrachip or
Dinan chip will damage my engine?
• No... (hum, yes because you will drive it
harder hehehe), only drawback is you have to use 91 octane
gas. Check why you shouldn't
buy a chip.
How can I decode the vin#? (Thanks
to Michael A. Coates from www.driventodrive.com)
• Go to this
link.
With lower the springs, do I have
to get shorter shocks or will standard size be ok?
• Depends, Sean H uses H&R street performance
springs (1.3" F, .75" R) with Bilstein HD's and have
had no problem with this set up. I've been told that any
drop lower than this would require Sport shocks. As for
other shocks, many people use Boge Turbo gas shocks with
lowering springs and a few have the Koni adjustable, you
aren't limited to just Bilsteins.
Is it true that Bilstein sports
can be pretty harsh and that the HDs are much smoother?
• Bilstein sport shocks and Bilstein HD's use
the same internal valving, but the sports are shorter
and can bet set to different heights during installation.
It has been told that sports create a much harsher ride,
but I cannot personally verify it.
Resetting radio after power is
removed or display shows "CODE"
• If the correct code is not entered in
the three successive tries, the radio will not accept entry
until the radio has been ON for one hour. IMPORTANT: When
entering 5-digit code number, be sure to complete sequence
number of that 5-digit code. For example: Code No. sequence
is 12345 and you mistakenly enter 125 instead of 123, continue
the code number sequence of 45 to complete that entry. The
radio will not operate and "CODE" will reappear in the display.
Re-enter the correct number sequence of 12345 and operation
of the radio will continue. NOTE: If an audible beep is
heard while entering the 5-digit code, STOP immediately.
Begin entering the code again, starting with the first number
of the 5-digit code.
• Another solution from Steven V.
The local BMW dealer told me that if I turn the ignition
key to the number two position and leave all the dash lights
on then disconnect the battery for fifteen minutes to a
half hour. The system will re-program itself when the battery
is connected. It does not say that in the manual or CD rom
but it apparently worked fine. Of course the radio had to
be recoded again.
How to resynchronize the door
locks?
• After manually locking or unlocking the
system, the door locks may become unsynchronized. To synchronize
the locks, close all doors, trunk lid and tailgate. Lock
the passenger door by turning the key clockwise into the
emergency locking position (approximately 110 degrees from
position O). Unlock the driver's door. If any of the locks
do not operate, repeat the locking procedure until the locking
system is synchronized. This might happen if a door which
is not completely closed is locked, or a door handle is
lifted before the interior lock button is raised.
What is the nikasil everyone talk
about, is my E34 affected?
• The nikasil cylinder degradation comes
from a high content of "sulfur" in the gas, not sodium.
The sulfur content in fuel on the west coast is very low
and should not pose a problem. Some owners on the west coast
have had no problems for over 100k MI on their 530i
and 540i. The engine has a warranty extension up to
100k MI because of the material selection and possible problems.
Why when I stop the engine and
start it 5min after, the temperature needle is hitting the
3/4 mark?
• The phenomenon known as "heat soak"
occurs when the engine is turned off. At this time, the
combustion process is terminated. This terminates the momentum
of the crankshaft, which in turn stops the turning of the
water pump. As the coolant is no longer being circulated,
the engine block and cylinder temperature increase for a
period of approximately 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the
engine design and additional components. During this time,
the engine block radiates heat to the air surrounding the
engine, which slowly cools the engine. However, the cooling
process occurs slowly, and as a result, the temperature
of the engine block transfers the heat to the coolant. The
coolant temperature then increases, which in turn increases
the pressure inside the coolant system. This is why the
vehicle's coolant temperature gauge increases over a period
of time after the engine has been turned off.
You have a question or can answer the following ones,
E-mail me.
• Locating Remote Door Lock Box and Synchronizing
with New Remote Door Lock Fob.
• Locating and Changing Transmission Fluid on
the Models Without a Dip Stick.
