1993 525I Pinging

[JamesJMS]

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!

[jeffreyb4me]

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.

[JamesJMS]

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.

[jeffreyb4me]

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

[varah]

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