Originally Posted by Mike1
Originally Posted by Stu @ M Developments
Bloody serious bargains these cars. The 2.5L Straight 6 has virtually no problems either, just keeps on going until you dont really need it anymore. lol
Nice car Stu but I wouldn't say no problems.....
Has it had a new bottom end at any point? Nicasil problem - well known - BMW should be able to tell you if it's been done in the dealer network under recall if you give them the chassis number.
Ask them at same time if it's had the steering column recall/.
Has it had a new water pump at any point? - you might have a plastic impellor one and if it goes and you don't catch it quick it might take your head gasket too. The temp gauge needle shouldn't waver when up to temp - should stay rock solid - if it even starts to inch up to hot - stop quick and get it checked.
Worn RTA bushes can give funny handling - rear damper top mounts can "clunk" over bumps - the E46 M3 Convertible ones are better as a replacement.
Bushes at rear of front wishbones can give vague steering and similar effect to warped discs
Check rear brake pipes as well.
Hope she enjoys the car though
Hi Mike, thanks for the info, you obviously know your Beemers
Rear bushes all sorted less than 20K ago, as were some fronts 3 months ago. Its had 2 new rear lines less than a year ago and the steering link was done under recall in february 2002.
It is an M52 2.5 engine and i am aware of the Nikasil liner issue that afflicted some cars although i am hard pushed to believe it will still present a valid issue after 100000 miles to be honest and a CL test today showed less than 5% down all 6, which at least gives me some hope. LOL
Mind you, it may well not even have Nikasil liners, or may have had a recall, i need to call the local dealer and check with teh chassis number.
Water pump i also know about, and intent to just fit one par for teh course as they arent much money. Plastic rotors are a common problem on many marques sadly.
Thanks for the advice, much appreciated.
