Greydog

Morning Alan Welcome to the Forum Beauty as the old saying goes is in the eye of the beholder, there are people who professionally value cars there are also specialist Auctions. I just checked the How Many are there web site it seems there are 160 taxed and still being used and a 143 Sorned so it is quite rare. Good luck with finding the right buyer Dave

Afternoon Daryl BMW are great at hiding stuff so you need a dealer, or they hope you do 😅 You are correct in the assumption that if you had several failures the car would light up all warnings to tell you. By the sound of it you will need Dealer level access through the OBD port, so you need someone with ISTA/INPA Diagnostics (the best) or a dedicated BMW Diagnostic reader from someone like Foxwell, Icarsoft or Autel. In the UK we have a Register of BMW Specialists which is a great help. ISTA (BMW Software) even needs dedicated sub programs (built in) to access Mini and I have just learned later X3 models I unfortunately have never had a diagnostic session on an X3 but with other models there are check box menus on several control units to allow functions to be turned on/off and additional accessories added. They are only accessible through the Diagnostic program, I have seen a 540i Touring that after the Battery was changed decided it was in "transport mode" a factory setting that restricts performance when cars are being delivered it took 20minutes to figure out what it was and untick transport mode hey presto back to normal. Any BMW clubs close to you a member may well have the diagnostics you need and be willing to help. Try talking to Pelican Parts they are well known for their help and support Hope this helps not hinders Dave

Morning Dave Welcome to the Forum First I am not sure if you are aware of www.realoem.com it's an online BMW parts list take a look in the classic section for information and part numbers. Around that time I believe ATE were OEM suppliers to BMW so may be wort talking to them. There were two models in that year E23 and E32 that overlapped for a few months as the E23 model was phased out and E32 came in. Also if you double click the part number in realoem it should show any other models they were used on plus any alternates. Can you get the callipers rebuilt or get a kit and rebuild them your self perhaps. Also worth contacting BMW as they have a very active Classic's section. Also worth talking to Pelican Parts they are a very useful supplier of BMW parts and very knowledgeable. Good Luck Dave

Morning Carl Then it seems you really do need a BMW specialist with ISTA/INPA diagnostics to trace your fault The RAC has to be able to read all cars so their equipment though expensive cant read all control units on your BMW or many other cars only the obvious and general faults. Their experience is their greatest asset but if it is something they haven't seen before ? I say a BMW Specialist as they will have the diagnostic software and generally be about half the hourly rate of a main Dealer. From your description it is something in the starter circuit possibly a signal wire to the DDE or a sensor somewhere There is a Register of BMW Specialists (Google will help) you should be able to find one not to far away, like all dealings with new suppliers check them out and look for references. Good Luck Dave

Morning Bob Try the usual suspects Autotrader, Ebay and Parkers for indications of current market price Then decide whether to trade it in or private sale with the weather like this and a good long range forecast 😁 Make sure all documents and history are in order and the car is presented to it's best Good Luck with the sale Dave

Morning Carl How long have you owned the car? Do all the comfort access settings work? I have just checked ISTA for information. Does the fob lock/unlock the car? Have you tried the other Fob? Is the car battery in good condition and fully charged? (If charging make sure it is from the charge points under the bonnet) If the Fob battery is dead and the car is unlocked hold the key against the key symbol on the steering column press the button then foot on clutch/brake and start the car. That is the procedure according to the workshop manual. The next step I think would be a diagnostic scan for faults by someone with a BMW capable diagnostic machine, a BMW Dealer or Specialist or a really good Independent Garage Dave

Morning Dan As with any used car History History History, check it's MOT history if advisories reappear and aren't dealt with to me it points at an owner who didn't care to much. With proper maintenance the engine is pretty much bullet proof as is the gearbox. Suspension bushes as with any car have a life and need checking and changing (look at the tyres carefully uneven wear is a give away) Check that everything in the car works as it should every button every switch a seller who says it never bothered me or they are only £ on ebay if that is so why isn't it fixed? Hope you find the right car for you and enjoy it Dave

Morning Carl Welcome to the Forum Yes, that is what is supposed to happen ?? Get in car foot on Clutch/Brake (if it's Auto) press the button Engine runs. Just put the car in gear and drive no need to touch the button again until you want to Park then foot on Clutch/Brake press the button engine off. Read your handbook it should help Dave

Hi Dan Welcome to the Forum I have a BMW E70 X5 very similar to the 530d room wise inside and often fit 4 (driver plus 3) proper sized old boys (one is 6'5") in with all our stuff Sussex to Yorkshire or Sussex to the West Country during the shooting season no one complains of being squashed This year we travelled down to Leman and back as a rear seat passenger in my Brother inlaws 540d touring. I am 6' and late 70's mind after sitting for 2 or 3hrs I walk like C3peo for a bit anyway so I think it would be fine just put the younger bendyer ones in the back 🤣 Enjoy the 530 Dave

Morning Daryl Have you tried resetting your comfort access through the Idrive system ? Comfort access door handles are I believe reset by having the key fob in your hand and touching the 3 little grooves on the drivers door handle to lock then touch the handle to unlock. In the Idrive settings make sure the CA check box has a tick in it Dave Mods could you move Daryl's post to the X3 section not 5series

Morning Janine Welcome to the Forum Oh dear you are being given the run around aren't you. BMW try to wash their hands of anything that is outside Warranty they used to tell people not so long ago that gearbox's were sealed for life ?? Your box is low mileage for faults and service, I have seen boxes (well maintained) with over 200k miles. So a few other things to check have the tyres been changed recently? Are the tyres correct ? Wrong or mismatched tyres can cause transmission damage very quickly So your car, first was/is the car driving ? If it is then as several Garages seem to indicate a Gearbox issue, find a ZF Specialist and get them to analyse the fault. ZF actually make the gearbox in your car so will understand how to repair it. There is a list of ZF Service Centres so you should find one near enough. I doubt any of the garages you have spoken to have the ability to rebuild a transmission they just send them away to a specialist. BMW just change it for new. A good transmission specialist would probably rebuild your transmission (if that's what is required) for about 1/3rd of the cost you have been quoted plus give a warranty. Good Luck Dave

Morning Daryl Welcome to the Forum As I understand the procedure is as follows, on the side of the steering column there should be a Key Symbol (on the right I think) enter your car hold the fob against the Key Symbol then press the start button. This should register the Fob to the Idrive you can now add remove functions through the Idrive I have got this from a friend in BMW I have never done this so if it helps let us know Good Luck Dave

Morning Danilo Advice for buying don't try and do it on the cheap, make sure whoever is supplying it will give technical support. Make sure the supplier has been around for awhile and has sold to happy clients. There are a lot of hacked copies out there. INPA/ISTA I have 2 cables 1 for early models up to around 2005/2006 and the K Dcan cable for everything else. Be warned loading software can need help even if you think you are computer savvy, I have read of many who have struggled. Good Luck Dave

Morning Rick Welcome to the Forum First your battery is at 4.5v the battery is dead and in need of change. With a jump battery attached under the Bonnet (Hood) at the charge points can you lock/unlock using the key fob Second I don't know Protools as a diagnostic system (I use BMW Inpa/Ista) I fear that by trying to reset the system without having saved any OEM settings you may have put your self in a position where you will need support from BMW to reset everything. It wont be cheap though and I have read of Dealers who will refuse to help at all if "Non Approved Software" has been used. Good Luck Dave

Morning Lewis Welcome to the Forum The DPF will only regen if all temperatures are in the correct zone, a regen clears soot from the system but not ash, which can remain and block the DPF. Engine condition and Mileage will have an effect So make sure your engine is operating at the correct temperature, check/change the engine thermostat. check/change the temperature and pressure sensors on the DPF (you should get test parameters from the internet) once all is good and engine at operating temp you should be able to clear down the codes and force a regen, there are now several companies who clean DPF's may be worth trying that. I have never used Launch diagnostics (I use ISTA/INPA) so not sure if you need to cancel faults in an order for them to clear. Faults recorded in the history are normally (ISTA/INPA at least) not present so should be easy to clear. Good Luck Dave Dave

Good News Well Done Danilo Dave

Morning Danilo Welcome to the Forum Check th battery leads carefully there is a small lead on the Live side and another (IBS) on the negative lead How do you know the battery isn't flat ? Has it been tested ? Just make sure that if the battery is being charged on the car it is from the charging points under the bonnet not at the battery or damage can be caused to vehicle systems. Dave

That doesn't sound good Luke if it is timing chain then turning it over can cause damage to the cylinder head and possibly pistons. You need the help of a BMW Specialist (not as dear as a BMW Dealer) Dave

Morning Andrew Check the Angel Eye bulbs plus the wiring and earths would be my start point Dave

Hi Luke sounds like it could a fuel pump/filter issue is it petrol or diesel if you are getting power to everywhere the fused link should be OK. At the battery the positive lead has a small wire connector as well check it is OK and connected there is also a second Live that connects to the side of the fused linl on top of the battery. If these are ok then it seems you may have a fuel pressure issue fingers crossed it isnt a Diesel and it has an issue with the high pressure pump. Good Luck Dave

Morning Luke Welcome to the Forum Was it running OK when you picked it up? I hope you charged the battery at the charge points under the bonnet not at the battery? Or if you did that the battery was disconnected or damage can be caused. There is a fused link in the boot as part of the battery live side protection. Check www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box it will bring up your model then check the relevant sections the small diagrams will help see where stuff is and how it fits Dave

Hi Abdul Get the rear seat belt buckle checked make sure nothing is struck in it a diagnostic scan will tell more This one you will need the help of a BMW Dealer a Specialist or Garage with the right diagnostic equipment Dave

Morning Abdul Welcome to the Forum I suspect that what you hear is the washer pump working. There are 2 possible causes (1) the filter on the pump is blocked this is common if a washer fluid is used that doesn't have a fungicide included. The washer pump needs removing and the filter cleaned out. (2) take off the connector at the washer jet to see if water is coming through. If water is there you have a problem with the jets. If your not able to do this yourself you need the help of someone who is OK with DIY more fiddly jobs than difficult Dave

Morning Charles Welcome to the Forum Thanks for the Heads Up Sadly there will always be people out there who try to make money by providing the minimum for their maximum gain. Sounds like you escaped without to much pain, a shame we can't get back the time lost/wasted by these chancers. Lucky you have a good BMW Specialist doing the engine rebuild who picked up the shoddy work. Great car I hope the rebuild turns out as you want it Dave

Hi Chris Have you removed the lever from the car? I did read of a guy in the X5 Forum who just took a file to the worn teeth and it fixed his problem All the hand brake mechanisms are all very similar in operation so try for say a late Z3 or an early 1 series. You may have a bit of adjustment needed for the mounting and the bowden cable attachment but it should be workable. I am sure I read of a guy in the USA who used a 1 series handbrake lever in his Z4 If no joy then your welding skills are about to be tested 🤣 Dave