New to BMW-'87 528i-Advice welcome

[go4mo]

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!! !! - any recommendations on upgrades here would be sweet - are all BMW wheels the same PCD?

thanks for any feedback ..
go4mo

[FiveCarsRule]

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

[aussie_powers]

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.

Originally Posted by go4mo

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!! !! - any recommendations on upgrades here would be sweet - are all BMW wheels the same PCD?

thanks for any feedback ..
go4mo