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BMW 7-Series Forum.
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BMW 7 Series, Electrical, Engine, Sedan
#303 of 831 vibration; octane; repair manual; 1995 7-series
by hoot48
Jul 24, 2005 (11:50 pm)
Hi...Newbi here:
1. Can anyone tell me if there is any harm in burning 89-octane in a '95 7-series? My BMW mechanic says that's what he burns in his. He said "That's why they have knock sensors. The computer detects any knock due to octane and makes the appropriate adjustments to timing, etc. Can 89 really have a noticable effect on fuel injectors?
2. Does anyone know of a place to purchase a repair manual for this car? I have seen them for 3- & 5-series...and for earlier 7-series (like Haynes, e.g.).
3. I am the 2nd owner of this car. Bought it at 63,000 miles. It was pristine. Only problem was that I've had a shimmy since day one. The BMW shop that sold it too me went over the front end (and I have since had several other mechanics do so) and couldn't find anything they could attribute this to. He insisted that it was the tires. So I bought a new set of Dunlop A2 Sports...same problem. He then said "Oh, you HAVE to run Michelins on this car". So I next bought a set of MXV4s. Seemed fine for a short while, then back to shimmy (can feel it in floor board and very prominent in steering wheel). I've replace the rotors and brake pads. Any thoughts?
Many Thanks
#304 of 831 BMW Engine problem
by ryclan4
Aug 05, 2005 (11:17 am)
I have 1997 BMW740il. When I drive for a few miles it gets very hot under the left side of the hood.
Just wanted to know if anyone ha the same problem.
All responses are welcome.
Thanks
#305 of 831 Mr Shiftright
by anthonyp
Aug 05, 2005 (1:11 pm)
I have been thinking af getting a bmw 7 after this last cycle change..I was wondering when the all new 7 would be introduced? The Lexus I have has the last four yrs is still a year away from the big change, and I also am tired of the same old same old, although it has been an easy car to own....I got my wife a new bmw 530xi station wagon and she loves it...I have been messing around with the i drive and find it complicated at first, but I think it will get easier with more familiarity...That has really been a big negative for even thinking of the bmw, so now I am thinking...Thanks Tony
#306 of 831 Re: vibration; octane; repair manual; 1995 7-series [hoot48]
by jackieb
Aug 09, 2005 (7:45 am)
Newbi,
I have the same vibration problem and have the same tires as you do on my
2001 740il. Having talked to BMW techs and gone to the website tirerack.com,
I believe that Michelin Pilots are the best tires for the 7 series. When my MXV wear down, I will replace them with Pilots. Also, are your bushings leaking? That
may be a factor in the shimmy. Air pressure. I run 33 psi in the front and 35 in
the rears. Alignment. Costly and be sure that BMW techs use the weights in the
care for the proper alignment. Good luck.
#307 of 831 Re: Mr Shiftright [anthonyp]
by Mr_Shiftright HOST
Aug 09, 2005 (8:34 am)
You know I'm not in the "in crowd" on this information, but I'm guessing 2007, since Lexus isn't changing for 2006, so....I wish they'd ditch iDrive in the 7 series, I think it's killing the car.
#308 of 831 Purchasing a 1999 740i
by james40
Aug 10, 2005 (8:04 pm)
I am thinking about purchasing a used 1999 740i. Can you guys tell me what things I need to look out for on the vehicle before I make the purchase. From reading these forums it seems they have bushing problems but I wanted to see if their is anything else the group would recommend I have checked out before I buy.
Thanks,
#309 of 831 Re: james40 - 1999 740i (#308)
by prob1293
Aug 12, 2005 (11:44 am)
James - I just bought a 1999 740iL (58K mis) myself off of eBay. The car did need some work right off the flat bed, but it was definitely operable. Have a mechanic put it up on a lift. Check all fluids, brakes, rotors, sensors, ball joints, etc. Check tires for abnormal wear. Look at the engine from underneath at things (hoses and radiators) for signs of leakage (the engine should be fairly clean - nothing drippy or goopey should be present). Check the radiator, too, the overflow tank and the fan shroud, etc. In your test drive accelerate hard and brake hard - the pick up should be firm and smooth (and damn quick) - and if you brake hard enough you want to hear the ABS click in. Make sure the moon roof opens/closes/tilts easily, the windows all operate with one-touch and that they back up if you put your hand in the way. Make sure the windshield wipers work (turn them on to "fast" - if any of the bolts are loose the wipers will just fly off the windshield - better now than in your first rain storm driving home. Make sure all the lamps/lights work. Get in the seat and make sure you can adjust it in all directions and save the settings to memory). And finally (if it sounds like I'm talking from experience here - I am) make sure you have a spare that's well-inflated and useable. Also, make sure that all the tools and the jack are in their proper location. First week out - I ran over something and got a flat. Fortunately, some (but not all) of the necessary tools were there (that little flashlight in glove box was real blessing!!). Make sure all the little ashtrays and storage pockets open. Make sure the A/C blows cold. Make sure the CD changer in the trunk works and if you're lucky to have found one, make sure the NAV system works. The first aid kit in the back seat probably won't be there, though.
As for the Phone - I'd love to know if anyone can tell me how to use it...can I somehow connect just any old cell phone to this system??? I have this beautiful car and this painfully obvious blank spot where there should be a phone in the center arm rest!!! PLEASE HELP!!
Thanks,
#310 of 831 2001 750il seat belts
by 1stbmw4
Aug 22, 2005 (10:16 am)
Just bought a 2001 750il. I have a need for a three point seatbelt in the middle rear. Does anyone know of a solution? Not sure if there might be a technical bulletin, aftermarket retrofit, etc for this problem. My need is for a child's booster seat.
#311 of 831 Re: vibration; octane; repair manual; 1995 7-series [hoot48]
by binbman
Aug 22, 2005 (2:53 pm)
Hi Newbi,
I do have the repair manual for your car, let me know what do you need and I'll see what I can do for you.
Take car and happy ride!
Aug 30, 2005 (5:38 pm)
You can try to reset the computor by removing both battery cables and touch them togather,but be careful not to touch battery,this will drain all residual power and most of the time this will reset all memories
thebuchanans
verizon.net
jbucanan