geebeemer
08-02-2008, 06:22 PM
A tale of two cars....
Vehicle One - 1991 BMW 525i:
So a couple months back my bimmer starts running like total crap, so I set to try and discover what's wrong and fix it. With reading the error codes and through a lot of trial and error I end up replacing the following (in order):
1. Ignitors - bought two new ones that I systematically swapped until all are known to be good. ~$130
2. Injectors - bought full set of six, pulled fuel rail, installed. ~$120
3. The brain - when all else fails, replace the brain, right? Wrong. $129
4. Fuel pressure regulator - no real sensor in that system, err on the side of caution. $57
5. Air intake box thermostat (broken while checking mass air flow meter). $57
Still runs like crap - exact same symptoms. Track down a backyard bimmer mechanic with a reputation for having a feel for these..... He cites vacuum issues between the air filter and intake - just ordered two hoses he identified for ~$30. We'll see if that works.... parts due Monday or Tuesday.
I'll cry like a little baby if that fixes it. :cry:
Total: $500+
Vehicle Two - 1983 Ford Ranger:
Pull up to a stop sign and brake pedal goes to the floor. I figure it's what it always is with these old vehicles - the master cylinder.
1. Master cylinder. $25 Replaced without incident, does nothing, still don't work. :confused: Check brake lines - sho nuff, line leading to rear split of brake lines had corrosion. :mad:
2. Brake lines and fittings to replace to rear part of truck. $20
3. While setting about bleeding the brakes, the bleed screws snap off... New rear wheel cylinders. $13 each, $26 total. Shoes, $20. $15 tools. So, for rear brakes we're at $61.
4. Front bleed screws are literally welded in place by rust - destroy to remove, order new ones (non-stock), order twice as they forgot to complete my order the first time, but only $4 for the set.
5. One man bleeding kit with associated tools, $20.
Driving a dangerous as hell Ford around town for two weeks while going through all the crap, while the bimmer is broken down sucks big green donkey....... :tsk: While putting the new wheel cylinders and brake pads on as it was just getting dark, a shoe slipped and ripped the rubber seal at the end of the cylinder, yet again, shot down. :mad: I'll use one from one of the old cylinders as a replacement...
Total: ~$130
:rolleyes:
Least tomorrow I'll be able to put the brakes back together and have the truck on the road and safe - then later in the week we'll see if my contact was right about the parts on the bimmer. I'm hopin' so. :(
Murphy has been on my shoulder through all these repairs. Fekker.
Vehicle One - 1991 BMW 525i:
So a couple months back my bimmer starts running like total crap, so I set to try and discover what's wrong and fix it. With reading the error codes and through a lot of trial and error I end up replacing the following (in order):
1. Ignitors - bought two new ones that I systematically swapped until all are known to be good. ~$130
2. Injectors - bought full set of six, pulled fuel rail, installed. ~$120
3. The brain - when all else fails, replace the brain, right? Wrong. $129
4. Fuel pressure regulator - no real sensor in that system, err on the side of caution. $57
5. Air intake box thermostat (broken while checking mass air flow meter). $57
Still runs like crap - exact same symptoms. Track down a backyard bimmer mechanic with a reputation for having a feel for these..... He cites vacuum issues between the air filter and intake - just ordered two hoses he identified for ~$30. We'll see if that works.... parts due Monday or Tuesday.
I'll cry like a little baby if that fixes it. :cry:
Total: $500+
Vehicle Two - 1983 Ford Ranger:
Pull up to a stop sign and brake pedal goes to the floor. I figure it's what it always is with these old vehicles - the master cylinder.
1. Master cylinder. $25 Replaced without incident, does nothing, still don't work. :confused: Check brake lines - sho nuff, line leading to rear split of brake lines had corrosion. :mad:
2. Brake lines and fittings to replace to rear part of truck. $20
3. While setting about bleeding the brakes, the bleed screws snap off... New rear wheel cylinders. $13 each, $26 total. Shoes, $20. $15 tools. So, for rear brakes we're at $61.
4. Front bleed screws are literally welded in place by rust - destroy to remove, order new ones (non-stock), order twice as they forgot to complete my order the first time, but only $4 for the set.
5. One man bleeding kit with associated tools, $20.
Driving a dangerous as hell Ford around town for two weeks while going through all the crap, while the bimmer is broken down sucks big green donkey....... :tsk: While putting the new wheel cylinders and brake pads on as it was just getting dark, a shoe slipped and ripped the rubber seal at the end of the cylinder, yet again, shot down. :mad: I'll use one from one of the old cylinders as a replacement...
Total: ~$130
:rolleyes:
Least tomorrow I'll be able to put the brakes back together and have the truck on the road and safe - then later in the week we'll see if my contact was right about the parts on the bimmer. I'm hopin' so. :(
Murphy has been on my shoulder through all these repairs. Fekker.