533i and I've got some problems......

[BimmerGurl]

Ok I'l skip the bs and get right to the point.

1984 533i 160,000 miles. I6 5spd.

1. yesterday the Battery died and after I charged it and put it back in, my "Inspection" light is now on along with one yellow light and two reds.....
what do these mean and how can I remove them? they werent on there before.

2. its very difficult to get the car in first or reverse without putting it in another gear first? most of the time if i put it in fifth then it will go right into first or reverse no problem. it seems that that it will go into gear easily also if the car is moving just a little.

3. the car runs very strong and smooth but cold start is an issue. the first start of the morning usually takes a few tries and i have to keep my foot lightly on the gas until it warms up a bit. could this be a combo of the cold start injector (if it has one) and the idle control valve?

4. I love this car! its a blast to drive but there are just some little things that I need to get fixed so I can fully enjoy it.

thanks guys

[Peete]

If the battery is completely discharged a couple times then it should be replaced. I just finished dealing with this on my 318i. It was an Interstate battery w/ 2 years left. That's the 2nd Interstate that died prematurely. I've had great luck with the Autozone batteries. Had a 7-year last for 8 in my VW.

I'm not exactly sure what the reset socket on your car looks like but if you buy a Bentley manual on it it will tell you if you need the special reset tool or if you can just jumper 2 pins to reset the service lights.

Your tranny could have 1 or 2 problems. Syncros are going out. Shift into second before going into 1st or reverse. And sometimes letting the car roll a little will help. Also if your shift bushings/mounts are worn that will cause problems. If your shifter hits the console when you put it in reverse then the linkage is worn. I just did this job on my 318 and it's almost identical to an e28. The parts are cheap from the dealer but the exhaust and drive shaft have to come off to fix it. While you're there might as well replace the flex disc, center support bearing and tranny mounts.

You are on the right track on the cold start problem. Again, the Bentley manual will walk you through the checks. I would run some BG 44K through the intake manifold to clean the valves before doing the checks.
You can do it yourself or pay a garage alot of money to do it. They have a special fogger they attach to the throttlebody that does a good job.
If/when you do this just post or pm me and I'll give you instructions.

Good luck with it. Sounds like you got a beauty. I really like the bottom end torque on my 528e but I lust after my dad's 88 535i. Fast!

[Peete]

Here is the answer to your SI reset Q:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=316416

[jeffreyb4me]

Just a few thoughts on some of your problems...

A manual is a sreat ides and highly recommended, any major bookstore will have or can order it.

While 'Peete' has a couple of great ideas, especially the shift tower mount problem BMW's can have , I think your problem lies elsewhere.
1] the wrong gear oil, too heavy a weight will cause this problem, but ussually ONLY when cold.
2] the most likely cause is, unfortunately a 'dragging' clutch pilot bearing or seperating clutch disc. The reason it will shift when you put it 5th is because your using this gear to stop the other gears inside the transmission momentarily. It's easiest using 5th because this gear can match the speed of the spinning input shaft more quickly and bring it to a halt. If you wait too long between 5th and shifting to first, you'll find it difficult again because the shafts will soon begin spinning again.
2a] if the shift tower mounts were that bad, it would be tough finding R, 1st, 3rd or 5th.
2b] this clutch problem does, however, require transmission removal and clutch replacement to correct. Your current solution will mitigate the problem for quite a while until the clutch needs replacement for wear [slipping] perhaps and that would be a fine time to follow 'Peete's" other recomendations.

The cold starting problem is likely the "Thermo Time Switch". I'd recomend AGAINST using anything to clean your intake or injectors other than a quality fuel additve. The Thermo Time Switch is what turns the "Cold Start Valve" on momentarily while cranking a cold or lukewarm engine and they all eventuelly fail. It's mounted top front, just behind the thermostat housing. It's the biggest of the sensors you'll find there and easy to replace.

Hope this helped, best to you, stay in touch..............................jeff b.

[Presley348]

Originally Posted by BimmerGurl

Ok I'l skip the bs and get right to the point.

1984 533i 160,000 miles. I6 5spd.

1. yesterday the Battery died and after I charged it and put it back in, my "Inspection" light is now on along with one yellow light and two reds.....
what do these mean and how can I remove them? they werent on there before.

2. its very difficult to get the car in first or reverse without putting it in another gear first? most of the time if i put it in fifth then it will go right into first or reverse no problem. it seems that that it will go into gear easily also if the car is moving just a little.

3. the car runs very strong and smooth but cold start is an issue. the first start of the morning usually takes a few tries and i have to keep my foot lightly on the gas until it warms up a bit. could this be a combo of the cold start injector (if it has one) and the idle control valve?

4. I love this car! its a blast to drive but there are just some little things that I need to get fixed so I can fully enjoy it.

thanks guys

================================================== ======
Hi BimmerGurl!

I hope this link can help you in locating the right Bentley Manual,
CLICK ON: http://aolsearch.aol.com/aol/search?...533i+&x=30&y=8

Presley348

[BimmerGurl]

Thank you to everyone who tryed to help....I still have no hope in finding a 5 series manual for my car but im still lookin so if anyone comes across one please let me know. About my inspection lights I'm going to try and reset them on my own....we'll see what happens with that I'm going to look further into my clutch situation it sounds like it could be many different things worng with it. This car is amazing but frustrating. thank you again to all! I'll be keeping in touch.

[jeffreyb4me]

Don't let it "frustrate" you!! that spoils the fun, we'll fix it one step at a time..........jeff b.

[BimmerGurl]

I DID IT!!!!! i reset my inspection lights!! im so excited, i dont have to look at them anymore unless there really is something wrong!!! thanx for everyones help!

[miksgtx]

Figure out your clutch problem??? i had the same problem.(533i 84' I6 5-spd)...car wouldn't want to go into first or reverse, but I could get it rolling int 2nd and 3rd, etc...if you hold the clutch pedal to the floor and try and hold the shifter into first or reverse does the car ever so slightly move in that direction..if so..I had a problem with my clutch master cylinder..www.rockauto.com is a great place for lower priced parts that work great...for some reason I didn't have a hose connecting my fluid resevior and the master..so that was the problem, then bled the system and the clutch feels like it is brand spankin new..good luck...

[BimmerGurl]

Originally Posted by miksgtx

Figure out your clutch problem??? i had the same problem.(533i 84' I6 5-spd)...car wouldn't want to go into first or reverse, but I could get it rolling int 2nd and 3rd, etc...if you hold the clutch pedal to the floor and try and hold the shifter into first or reverse does the car ever so slightly move in that direction..if so..I had a problem with my clutch master cylinder..www.rockauto.com is a great place for lower priced parts that work great...for some reason I didn't have a hose connecting my fluid resevior and the master..so that was the problem, then bled the system and the clutch feels like it is brand spankin new..good luck...

thank you so much i will definatly get that looked at!!!

[miksgtx]

Anytime..good luck..oh if you order from rockauto..I have a 5% discount from there..let me know..and send me an email to [email protected] and I will give you the details..to get the discount...cya