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BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

831 messages,  Last post on Feb 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM

You are in the BMW 7-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 7 Series, Electrical, Engine, Sedan

Messages Page 15 of 83

#141 of 831 wheel "shimmy" at 54 mph by psyran1

Dec 19, 2004 (7:15 pm)

I have a 1998 740iL. Recently had new Yokahoma's put on it (forget the name, but were definitely right for the car). Had a local independent BMW shop install, balance and align. About two weeks after the install, notice major shimmy of steering wheel at 53 or 54 MPH. Took it back to place where had tires and alignment. They balanced tires again put it up on rack but said everything looked fine. Didn't check alignment because "couldn't be out already". Mentioned possibility of "bushings or suspension" but after a cursory look couldn't detect any problems there. Car continues to shimmy. Any thoughts?

#142 of 831 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 19, 2004 (9:32 pm)

Sounds like the tires. They should put a new set on and see what happens.

#143 of 831 in dash red brake light won't go off by rafc1

Dec 20, 2004 (9:37 pm)

740 il sport, 55k, bought used with good clean history, took it to my mechanic <indy specializing in bmw, porsche, jag, etc>, and had brakes done. all was well until heavy rain and deep puddle led to lighting of brake light to red in dash. brakes checked and brake relay changed, no help. Is there a brake pad sensor that could be bad or is the problem in computer? sorry for length of post.

#144 of 831 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 20, 2004 (11:03 pm)

Yes, sensors should be changed with every brake job but if your dash light is RED I don't believe this is the brake pad wear sensor. Have you checked the little plunger (like in your toilet bowl) that checks the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir?

#145 of 831 Re: [Mr_Shiftright] by rafc1

Dec 25, 2004 (10:11 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 20, 2004 11:03 pm)
Ironically, as soon as problem posted, it went off, is the plunger possibly intermittent in malfunction? Also should this be part of brake job? if not does it get replaced or simply adjusted like the float in the toilet? what should this cost? obviously I am not a mechanic.
thanks for your input, happy holidays

#146 of 831 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 25, 2004 (11:01 am)

No it's not part of a brake job but if say the fluid reservoir is drained completely during a brake job, the little plunger may drop down further than it is used to and stick. See how it goes. This is an any device to check if the problem re-occurs. Just unscrew the filler cap to your brake fluid reservoir and the plunger is usually attached to the cap on some models. I don't recall exactl how your car measures brake fluid level but obviously there is some measuring device that knows how much fluid is in there. Often you can just
just pull the wires off the measuring device and see if the light goes out. When the plunger drops (inidicating low fluid) it makes a connection, lighting the light. So dropping plunger = a light and rising plunging = no light.

#147 of 831 coolant releif valve leak by fik

Dec 27, 2004 (1:54 pm)

I have a BMW740IL, 1997
It was a cold night last nite. Suddenly no heat inside the car with the fan on and "low coolant level" sign came on but the engine temperature gage showed normal. I noticed coolant was coming out thru the radiator releif valve. I tightend the releif valve, but it still leaking. And still no warm air in the car with the fan turned on to max heat.
Please, tell me what could be the problem and what do I need to do.
Thanks

#148 of 831 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 28, 2004 (12:49 pm)

Sounds like the thermostat is stuck!

#149 of 831 Can't get in by vprestera

Jan 08, 2005 (10:37 am)

I have a 735 that has been sitting quite awhile and now the locks won't work. Any hints for getting into the car?

#150 of 831 by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 08, 2005 (11:49 am)

I think if you are careful you can still open the doors with the key regardless, but it will be hard. But please don't force it!

Messages Page 15 of 83

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