I have BMW 525i 1993. I have found lately that in 3rd gear (automatic) the engine pings a bit. Is this normal. The car only has 63,000 miles and runs great - but the pinging is a bit annoying. Is it the gas? Tune up? Service?
THANKS!

There's nothing that servicing or 'tuning' cacn do to help the situation and this isn't that unusual for early M50 engines.
HOPEFULLY you've been using a QUALITY brand of fuel, the 'base gasoline' is all the same, it's the additive blends that are the difference and can have a great effect on Carbon Deposits which can contribute to your current problem.
If you've been using a good grade and you've tried PREMIUM grade [highest octane] + you'll only need one tank to know if it will help, you might try a 'Fuel Injection Service'. A good one will help clean any deposits built up in the combustion chambers and is probably about $100.
IF the ping is only occasional you might be able to live with it safely but try the above first.........jeffb.

Is it the M50 engine I have? This is my first BMW - I paid $8550 for it. Good deal? Ah who cares...I'm in love...great car.

yeap you have an [a] M50, enjoy it...............jeffb.

Hi,

I had the same pinging sound in my 1995 525i for the past year. I just had my fuel pump and fuel relay replaced, and the pinging has dissapeared. I think the bad pump could have been starving the engine of fuel and affecting the timing.

Whatever the case, have your fuel pump and relay checked -- that might be the problem.

Regards,

Sean