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Hi guys, newbie to the forum, but just purchased a lovely 2007 530i and had a few questions I was hoping you might be able to help with: 1. with new struts, will the boot fully open when unlocking with the key? I have small kids and that would be a huge benefit, but don't want to invest if not possible. 2. the large panoramic sunroof tilts but doesn't go back, is it worth trying to fix yourself, or better to let a specialist look at it? Assume it's the motor, but not sure how big a job that is. 3. I have a service light for the rear right reverse light, I changed the bulb, light remained on, then I realised if I open the boot with the engine running 3 further issues present themselves (left number plate light, right number plate light, right rear fog light) - assume this is due to dodgy wiring, but can't find where the wiring runs - any help greatly appreciated. Really appreciate any help with these, cheers.

Hi Stuart Welcome to the Forum If you aren't aware take a look at www.realoem.com it is a BMW online parts list put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will call up your model then look in the Trim section You should find small exploded drawings that will give you an idea of how things fit together. My guess would be either something like a broken clip or something loose. Good Luck Dave

Hi I wonder if anyone has encountered the problem iam having with my drivers external door handle. When I pull it to open the door it seems to slide towards the lock housing and if I'm not careful it jumps off the mechanism. Any ideas please ? It's a 2018 bmw 5 door Thanks 👍🏻

Has anyone put an Airtag or Tile on their key fob? Seeing some mixed comments elsewhere about them causing some type of interference issue and draining the FOB battery.

Thanks for the feedback Dave, really helpful stuff. I bet your friends and family are pleased you are sorted when it comes to puncture repair kits to keep them on the road. I like the sound of a puncture plug kit & tyre weld for screws and suchlike issues to help stay moving. Sidewall rupture is a flatbed for now, but I'm definitely going with non RFT in 17 months for the next M40d which I really enjoy driving. Ironically, we were in Arundel, W.Sussex when I got the recent pot hole blow out, so know exactly what you mean, I could not believe the state of the roads in the south of England to be honest, it was like wacky races avoiding pot holes on any main roads. We live in sunny N. Yorkshire and don't suffer from quite so many holes in the roads. Thank you for the information, but interestingly, I have already logged a claim for vehicle damage (tyre) with W. Sussex CC when I got home, their website says it can take 24 weeks before they even look at it... I'll wait and plan for the fight. Cheers Jon

Morning Jon The main reason I moved away from run flats with the X5 E70 was tyre choice, with my E53 X5 I had plenty of practice. I learned that the recommended Star marked tyres were (a) not necessarily easy to get (often on back order) (b) They were also very premium priced (as you know) I started using Bridgestone and Hankook and found that they were as well matched in a staggered set as the Star marked tyres so no transmission damage. I brought the E70 to cut the miles going onto the other X5 and quickly moved it onto Hankook non run flats a set of 4 285x40x20 Front and 315x35x20 rear was just under £800. In my breakdown kit I have as said a small compressor a can of tyre weld (or similar) and a tyre plug set. I have used it a couple of times a friend of my wife has a Volvo V60 on run flats she ran over a screw one of the plugs fixed it and stayed fixed until she needed tyres. My son inlaw suffered pot hole damage to his 330e when visiting us, a can of Tyre weld got him from Sussex back to the West Midlands where they live. When he went to the tyre shop they said "shouldn't use that stuff mate we cant repair tyres that have it in" well with 2 splits in the inner side wall it was a new tyre anyway but at least he could drive 190 miles and not be stuck overnight waiting for somewhere to open. If there is a puddle I slow right down or go around if I can because in sunny Sussex it will be a Pot Hole I would go with a repair/limp kit like mine and fingers crossed the roads on the continent are in better nick than ours As an aside our son inlaw started a claim against the county council it took ages to get a resolution they wanted to know how many miles the tyre had covered ? then how old was it then said as it was a used item they couldn't offer full value !!!! An invitation to appear on Rogue Traders finally got through Dave

Morning Kiernan Welcome to the Forum Something in the clutch is wearing or loose and will need investigation would be my guess Gearbox out job to repair Dave

Clicking noise when disengaging clutch either when pulling off or changing gear, happens more in lower gears but can still happen in higher gears. if sat with engine running, in gear and handbrake on, and slowly release the clutch until it’s hitting point I will make the clicking noise aswell any ideas as to if this is serious or just a common bmw noise?

Hi Dave, thanks for your fantastic reply. I'm on a staggered set and I recall the wheel shop retailer was concerned about the M40d brake calipers and the 19" space saver not fitting 21" wheel. Hmmm, been researching more, and people either love or hate RFTs, think I'm stuck with them until pcp runs out in Dec 2025, but I'm now nervous about long journeys abroad cos each time I have a sidewall blow out, there's no way to run the car for any distance without wrecking the rims...

Hi Jon Welcome to the Forum First is your car fitted with a Square wheel set (same size rims front and rear) or a Staggered wheel set (Wider rear wheels than the front) I suspect your car will have a staggered set probably 8j Front and 9.5j rear, so fitting a space saver wheel/tyre will mean there will be a different rolling radius on one wheel which can cause damage to the Transfer case and or diffs quite quickly if driven on for any distance (probably why your Dealer was vague) Even if your car has a square set up if the rolling radius of one tyre is different damage can occur. It isn't just BMW who suffer from this many 4x4 cars have the same issue. First you would need to check the Off Set to make sure the 19" wheel clears your Brake callipers and fits in the boot along with a Jack and wheel brace. Then if you are sure it is only a real emergency measure and not a solution that will allow a distance to be covered and aware of the risks why not. I have 2 x X5;s both run 20" staggered wheels and early in their lives I changed run flats for standard tyres (as generally they are easier to source and wider choice, care still needs to be taken that front and rear Rolling Radius are closely matched) and I keep a small compressor and Tyre goo in the car in case (BMW actually supply these as well). I have used it twice and happy to say not on my car but to help out others. Hope this helps not confuses Dave

Hi guys, appreciate this topic is a bit dated, but within 6 months of owning my X3 M40d on 21" factory fitted run flats, and the state of our A & B roads, I've shelled out £700 on TWO tyres, due to the sidewall rupturing, leaving me stranded roadside and in need of a flatbed...not good. I'm looking for a back-up plan as we tour long distances on holiday and found an X3 space saver, claiming it fits all size wheels. BMW dealer was vague when I asked if it would fit....no surprise. The Wheel Shop said...check with the dealer. Wondering if anyone out there has more experience. Thanks all 19" BMW X3 G01 | Space Saver Wheel | The Wheel Shop

Hi Dave, I’ve actually gone for EBC grooved discs with yellowstuff pads. Just thought it would look a little beefier whilst still benefitting from good performance and longevity. Stu👍

So Stuart what progress ? What did you choose and fit ? Dave

Any Progress William ??? Dave

Hi Kor Welcome to the Forum As your under an extended Warranty fingers crossed it will be plain sailing and fixed Keep us up to date Dave

Hello, How's the car been since then? Just had the same message pop up then smoke and loads of it, need to wait till Monday to get in contact with the BMW main dealer we purchased the car from which we have extended warranty with

Morning Damion I would say yes to the software update (but a Dealer will charge £££) this should be in iDrive try My Vehicle, Vehicle Settings, Doors/Key, then scroll down to mirrors and check Fold Mirrors when Locked If that doesn't work you need help from someone with a BMW capable diagnostic package (ISTA/INPA) to check if it is in a hidden menu. Be aware BMW are making it harder and harder to tinker with the cars mainly after 2019 year so you should be OK Dave

Morning Rob His was in the car when he brought it and is OEM (car is BMW 330e 2019) apparently works well with his iPhone but not with our daughters Android phone. You could talk to your Dealer but make sure your wallet is in a protected spot 😁 as I have know idea of cost ££££. If BMW are fitting them then there will be Retro fit kits out there from the Far east so worth looking at the Auction sites but I have no knowledge of quality other than the screen in the X5 failed and I replaced it with a complete Android unit from Ebay at less than a 1/3rd of the BMW quote. Truly plug and play allows switching between the OEM CiC and Android gives better GPS and many other programs and has been totally reliable for the last 3 years (that's killed it ) Me I don't spend long enough in the car for my phone to need charging these days 😅 While the X5 has Android Auto and Carplay I have to say like a lot of gadgets they are rarely used. Bluetooth is the only thing I see as an essential Good Luck with the search for a solution Dave

My X6M has folding mirrors, operated from the normal button, situated on the drivers door arm rest. They don’t fold in when I set the alarm, having read the manual, there’s a setting in the idrive to activate this function but when I scroll down the menu, this option isn’t there. Can the software be updated to add this feature, surely if the button is there and the mirrors are folding ones there must be a solution, or am I missing something completely Thanks in advance

Dave, Thanks for coming back to me, would be really interested to see what he’s done 🙂 Thank you Rob

Hi Dave, thanks for the welcome and thanks for the advice, it is much appreciated👍

Hi Richard Welcome to the Forum Sounds like BMW have decided you shouldn't go near any dirt or mud in your 220i Touring 🤣 That leaves little choice really. have you thought of checking Mud Flaps from either the 1 series or 3 series cars it may be they can be modified to fit ? If not it means the after market accessories have you Googled to see what if anything comes up Good Luck with the search Dave

Can anybody help with the parts numbers for the latest 2 series Active Tourer U06 220i model mud flaps. I have tried BMW UK parts direct and they say they don't exist. Any help would be appreciated.

Hi Stuart Welcome to the Forum Mtec with Mintex Pads always good value as are Apec, then there is Brembo discs and pads It depends if your only doing the Front or the whole car there are often some good deals to be had. Don't ignore your Dealer they often can be competitive and don't think the Auction sights are always the cheapest check the Factors as well. Use www.realoem.com to get part numbers and then use Google to find the best deal Good Luck Dave