hey there ..
i inherited an '87 BMW 528i -- now, for the cars i usually rebuild, this is downright modern! .. i'm in sweden and don't speak enough swedish yet to deal with getting the info i need to do the work -- so your help is VERY appreciated! ---

a couple of diagnostic questions right off the top -- what are the normal "isms" for these babies?

1. the shuddering while braking at high speeds - is this a control arm issue or an ABS problem? or? -- all bushings appear solid.

2. the intense tick tick tick from the engine - I'm of course thinking valves - but is there a usual valve issue with these cars? or perhaps a cam issue? .. strange thing is - it passed emissions inspection with flying colours - i was assuming if it were valves that it would show up .. but NO - hmm ..

3. what other engines/ heads can i swap in relatively easily?

4. wheels - the factory lock nut which requires key -- well, i DIDN'T inherit the key!! !! :banghead: - any recommendations on upgrades here would be sweet - are all BMW wheels the same PCD?

thanks for any feedback ..
go4mo

in response to #2
Ticking of valves normal I have two 1990 535i's that both have loud valve clicking. Shops say nothing is wrong. Bottom line, if you don't like the noise, get louder exhaust. LOL

G'day From Aus.
I have a 1986 525e and it's a great car. Last week I changed my brake pads because of wear (after 200,000 miles). At about 80 klms/hr there was a shudder in the front wheels when the brakes were applied at that speed or over. After changing the brakes (all around) the shudder has gone. Last year I had the front end 'restored' and there was wear in the drag link (LHS I think). It's worth taking the car to a suspension specialist to have it tested.

I have an elevated sound of tick ticking from the engine but it isn't so bad and because the car is serviced regularly, I don't have any problem with it as I merely turn up the cassette player or radio.

I don't know anything about swapping heads but I do know that you should ONLY use good quality coolant and anti-freeze to ensure there is limited corrosion in the head.

I have about 3 keys for the locknuts but I don't know if they are a universal fit. If you go to a BMW dealer workshop, I am sure they would be able to remove them for you. Don't wait until you have a flat tyre otherwise you may spend a long embarassing time at the side of the road.

As for your question about wheel sizes and PCD's, I don't know the answer to that one.

Finally, if possible, don't modify your beemer because the motors were made to perform as a sedan and not as a racing car. If you 'upgrade' you might find out two things: 1 it won't be cheap. 2 it may cause many other problems.

The BMW is a quality built car not for a price as the cheap Japcrap or Koreancrap that ARE built to a price (and a very limited shelf life).

Remember to keep the shiny side up and the greasy side down.

Hope these comments are of some help to you.

hey there ..
i inherited an '87 BMW 528i -- now, for the cars i usually rebuild, this is downright modern! .. i'm in sweden and don't speak enough swedish yet to deal with getting the info i need to do the work -- so your help is VERY appreciated! ---

a couple of diagnostic questions right off the top -- what are the normal "isms" for these babies?

1. the shuddering while braking at high speeds - is this a control arm issue or an ABS problem? or? -- all bushings appear solid.

2. the intense tick tick tick from the engine - I'm of course thinking valves - but is there a usual valve issue with these cars? or perhaps a cam issue? .. strange thing is - it passed emissions inspection with flying colours - i was assuming if it were valves that it would show up .. but NO - hmm ..

3. what other engines/ heads can i swap in relatively easily?

4. wheels - the factory lock nut which requires key -- well, i DIDN'T inherit the key!! !! :banghead: - any recommendations on upgrades here would be sweet - are all BMW wheels the same PCD?

thanks for any feedback ..
go4mo