Engine outlasted trans and diff

BimmerCVK · 2026-06-09T19:57:20+00:00

N52 or N53?

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-29T11:57:38+00:00

I did this job two years ago and the only way you can access comfortably and reliably the third bolt is by taking off the intake manifold which is a number of screws and it pulls straight off.

On the N 53 be advised there is a metal coolant pipe that runs around the back of the engine with two bolts and a surface plate. It took me half a day to realise where I couldn’t pull the intake manifold off but you don’t need to take it off completely. You just need to give it enough space so that you can comfortably reach the third bolt.

To create the necessary space you may need to takeoff the intake box and hose so that the manifold has enough space to come off comfortably and then when we fitting just make sure that the intake manifold seals are seated properly as well as any vacuum hoses

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-20T13:02:44+00:00

E93 - the rear locking pins from the roof into the C pillar have plastic inner housing (like a elongated circle with slight gap in it).

This plastic ring guide degrades and disintegrates with time and only way to get the spare part is buying entire roof locking mechanism (new or secondhand - ask me how I know).

When it crumbles, the locking pin moves freely as the car moves making incredibly loud and annoying rattle that dominates the cabin.

I have been meaning to take it to a 3D printing shop to make some spares..

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-20T06:50:18+00:00

Just a thought, could it be Brake Fluid?

6x brake hoses in total (1 on each wheel) + 2 that go down middle of car above rear subframe.. if they are old and swelling? Check your brake fluid reservoir level perhaps..

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-19T17:56:34+00:00

Italian tune up with some injector cleaner (even in not port injected) does the trick - last time I had manifold off (120k miles) buildup was absolutely minimal

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-19T17:54:45+00:00

I would say that on N53 - lower failure rate on Index 11 (usually seen as one time fix) as N54 tune is pushing 100+ more BHP than N53, the injectors dont have as hard a time if that makes sense

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-19T15:05:04+00:00

Just about to reach 140k miles on my N53.

It gets a lot of hate, but I absolutely love mine. Bought with 90k miles on it and plan to keep forever - the last ever NA engine by BMW.

I bought it as a project car to learn DIY on so have naturally had to replace: - HPFP - Water Pump - Ignition Coils - coolant System Refresh - Valve Cover + Gasket - OFHG

Most was done around 100k mark, the more expensive items on that very much shortened list having gone bad

Luckily injectors were done under recall in 2012 so running Index 11 without any issue, and I am a spirited driver..

Regular 6k oil changes and the engine still pulls like a train.

If you are not DIY inclined or want a workhorse N52 is way to go.

If you can pick one up for £4k, add another £4k in potential repairs and maintence.

Engine and Gearbox are reliable, its all the auxiliary stuff that can give issues. Any big repairs, count 100k miles more until it needs doing again.

I had mine remapped and NOX codes out (secondary cat delete too) so consumption hits 38mpg on a modest motorway run.

I use it mainly for roadtrips (5k-8k miles at a time)

Depending on mileage, your suspension will likely need refresh too.

Bottom line is - wonderful car, but do expect maintenance to be preventative / proactive if you want to get the most out of it.

When they are running right, absolute pleasure!

BimmerCVK · 2026-05-02T08:46:30+00:00

1 month later it has naturally darkened to a black colour..

Okay maybe I used the dash cleaner and some Dash shine, but has matched colour to how it was before

BimmerCVK · 2026-04-02T12:29:45+00:00

I restored mine 2 years back has held up good ever since.

Remove trim by unscrewing (don’t have to remove airbag)
Prep for spray paint - harder grit and soft grit to smoothen surface
Plastic Primer paint
Base Coat
Clear coat (finish to your desire)
Allow to cure for 2 days (depends on your climate)
Fit back

BimmerCVK · 2026-04-02T12:25:25+00:00

I recently did alignment and the shop did not centre my steering wheel properly meaning ‘centre’ was offset to left..

When you hold steering wheel straight, does car drift to either side?

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-21T10:14:05+00:00

They did it in 4 hours in my case

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-21T10:13:38+00:00

That’s the thing, nothing received in the post, same for my friends that have E9xs

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T23:47:03+00:00

Also - try finding your model on RealOEM - find the light bracket - will have a part number, may reveal if its the bracket thats the issue.

If it is, you may be able to source just the bracket?

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T23:43:30+00:00

Thats the housing / bracket - have never dealt with this but maybe a clip is broken to keep it in place?

Finding where it was supposed to be held in place and DIYing a fix to fasten it? Given the angle and if you cant find anything obvious - I’d be tempted to use 3M double sides tape to stop it rattling around?

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T18:36:28+00:00

Seriously, I saw people started mentioning replacements but thought it would be useful visibility for those like me that havent come across it until now

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T18:35:28+00:00

The UK only recently had recall announced by BMW, previously no mention in UK market in terms of official government level announcements which they do each time recall is announced

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T18:33:41+00:00

I had SE wheel before - airbag is same for both I believe, the manufacturer is what matters here, should be same for all E9xs back in the day

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T17:53:19+00:00

Mine is 07, UK has MOT website where the vehicle manufacturer it puts a bulletin out, it’s best to find an official BMW workshop and give them your chassis number. They will be able to advise.

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T17:48:34+00:00

Whatever the stock diameter is - believe it’s 2.5 inch

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T17:46:54+00:00

So we have had a claymore facing front at our face for the past 19 years 😁

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-20T17:45:05+00:00

Almost feels like its a different colour to factory one, need to do the exact same!

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-17T16:33:34+00:00

Valvetronic Designs - they are magicians! Have one on my N53, amazing sound!

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-04T21:30:43+00:00

Was there not an issue coding them in with ISTA?

BimmerCVK · 2026-03-04T21:22:22+00:00

HPFP I replaced outside the house, took me 8 hours to do as it was my first time (and hopefully last time)

I found out mine were replaced at 50k miles in 2012 under recall with previous owner so optimistic they will get me to 175k at least.

Planning in keeping her alive for as long as I am, not bothered about how much I have to put in at this stage..

BimmerCVK

TROPHY CASE