What did you do to your E28 today?

[davintosh]

I just put the renewed tags on mine as well. And discovered an issue while putting the registration slip away; noticed that one of the window switch lights wasn't lit, so I tapped on it (because that's the first step of troubleshooting) and the window moved!

The key was in my pocket, so I don't think that's supposed to happen.

Looks like I have some troubleshooting ahead of me.

[Mike W.]

I just put the renewed tags on mine as well. And discovered an issue while putting the registration slip away; noticed that one of the window switch lights wasn't lit, so I tapped on it (because that's the first step of troubleshooting) and the window moved!

The key was in my pocket, so I don't think that's supposed to happen.

Looks like I have some troubleshooting ahead of me.

Au contraire. Even US cars were wired to allow key off window operation with the drivers door open if you retrieved some wires and plugged in a relay. I would guess euro cars came that way stock. I think it was RonW who figured that out way back when and posted about it. Might have even been in the Roadfly days.

[travisj]

I just put the renewed tags on mine as well. And discovered an issue while putting the registration slip away; noticed that one of the window switch lights wasn't lit, so I tapped on it (because that's the first step of troubleshooting) and the window moved!

The key was in my pocket, so I don't think that's supposed to happen.

Looks like I have some troubleshooting ahead of me.

Au contraire. Even US cars were wired to allow key off window operation with the drivers door open if you retrieved some wires and plugged in a relay. I would guess euro cars came that way stock. I think it was RonW who figured that out way back when and posted about it. Might have even been in the Roadfly days.

Dave, my M535 does this as well. Window operation with key out and door open.

[davintosh]

I just put the renewed tags on mine as well. And discovered an issue while putting the registration slip away; noticed that one of the window switch lights wasn't lit, so I tapped on it (because that's the first step of troubleshooting) and the window moved!

The key was in my pocket, so I don't think that's supposed to happen.

Looks like I have some troubleshooting ahead of me.

Au contraire. Even US cars were wired to allow key off window operation with the drivers door open if you retrieved some wires and plugged in a relay. I would guess euro cars came that way stock. I think it was RonW who figured that out way back when and posted about it. Might have even been in the Roadfly days.

Dave, my M535 does this as well. Window operation with key out and door open.

Well now... I learned something new today; thanks, guys! I guess that means I can go home now.

But I still have some troubleshooting to do on it; something on fuse 5 is making the battery go flat if its left for a couple days.

[tig]

But I still have some troubleshooting to do on it; something on fuse 5 is making the battery go flat if its left for a couple days.

Probably the interior lights relay.

[topher800]

@ 186k
Replaced factory clutch - resurfaced flywheel - associated seals.
Replaced factory starter while in there...with a 1990 535

Flushed brake & clutch tar, er fluid.

16" Style 29's went on this fall...went form 225 on the M5 rims to 205 on these. And summer to all-season tires...much plusher ride.

[LarryM]

Pulled all the Heyco tools from my trunk one-by-one and cleaned up any light surface rust with some steel wool. Then I wiped them with a thin coat of Birchwood Casey "Rig Universal Gun Grease" which had been suggested by someone in an older thread. Did the same with the tools in my E24.

It's a light grease that's mostly used to prevent rust and corrosion in firearms so it should be pretty effective. I have a hunch it offers better protection than WD-40, but we'll see.

[jimoreno]

This weekend I started to disassemble the whole rear end. Now I know what spending most of its life in NJ means! It was supposed to be a simple rear sub-frame bushing replacement (I've had the Powerflex for like 8 years now!) but after looking at the rust on everything (plus the two "pins" don't want to come out but that's another story) I decided to bring it all down take it all apart, clean it up and make it look pretty. I'll be ordering all parking brake stuff, backing plates, bearings, rotors, pads, dog bones and axle shafts. Also need to clean and seal the differential as it looks wet. I replaced the exhaust with a Boysen seven years ago and its rusting so it also needs clean up and painting. Driveshaft was replaced about three years back also. We'll see how deep the rabbit hole is! I'm going to try Eastwood's 2K Ceramic Chassis Stain Black on the components.

[glowell222]

I installed all new steering column switch-gear. What a huge improvement to the driving experience. I hadn't realized how worn the old switches were and how sloppy all of it felt. I used NOS for the wipers and turn signals-couldn't find any for the cruise, so I used the new part number. Among my favorite updates so far.

[Dale3783]

I installed all new steering column switch-gear. What a huge improvement to the driving experience. I hadn't realized how worn the old switches were and how sloppy all of it felt. I used NOS for the wipers and turn signals-couldn't find any for the cruise, so I used the new part number. Among my favorite updates so far.

Wow, interesting. Now I have to go pay attention to how sloppy mine are. Never considered this. Thanks!

[amagansa]

Replaced the dog bones on my lunch break. They were so worn out you could use them as hot wheels! Wonder if they were original...

[austin8753]

took the M5 out last night. started pouring rain. still don't have a functioning heater fan motor.

long story short, took a nice 60 mile trip, in the rain, with the windows down.

i still love the car.

[mnnguy]

Installed sport seats I just recovered using the kit from Lseat. Took longer than I wanted to as there were so many things missing hardware wise from the seats to begin with, and having to repair a split in the bolster.
Turned out pretty good as this was my first time even attempting anything upholstery related and quality of the material seems similar to the leather from my e92. Also painted the rear parcel shelf black as it was a faded light blue with vinyl fabric paint from AutoZone.
Oh and also added LED interior dome lights so they become actually useful at night

[glowell222]

Over the weekend I replaced my blower motor. Very easy to do, all things considered, and the trickiest part is putting the two inboard squirrel cage retention clips back on. I had to use an extension magnet and a long screw driver to put the clips back. An extension magnet is a crucial tool for this job-you simply cannot perform this without one, unless you have very long, skinny fingers, very skinny hands, and a double jointed wrist.

[Dale3783]

Installed sport seats I just recovered using the kit from Lseat. Took longer than I wanted to as there were so many things missing hardware wise from the seats to begin with, and having to repair a split in the bolster.
Turned out pretty good as this was my first time even attempting anything upholstery related and quality of the material seems similar to the leather from my e92. Also painted the rear parcel shelf black as it was a faded light blue with vinyl fabric paint from AutoZone.
Oh and also added LED interior dome lights so they become actually useful at night

Wow. Those look great. I may pull the trigger on these.

[RonW]

Took it to get its state inspection. In the past year I put a whopping 72 miles on it.

[e28Sean]

After 35 years of faithful service, the interior door handle on the drivers door gave up the ghost the other day.

I ordered a replacement. Can't wait to install it... It's getting old having to roll down the window to use the outside handle.

[Mend19317]

Crashed my e28 pulled the motor and transmission I plan to put it in a E30

[Mike W.]

Installed sport seats I just recovered using the kit from Lseat. Took longer than I wanted to as there were so many things missing hardware wise from the seats to begin with, and having to repair a split in the bolster.
Turned out pretty good as this was my first time even attempting anything upholstery related and quality of the material seems similar to the leather from my e92. Also painted the rear parcel shelf black as it was a faded light blue with vinyl fabric paint from AutoZone.
Oh and also added LED interior dome lights so they become actually useful at night

Wow, those look great!

Are they real leather, bonded leather or ??? Nice and soft I assume? For the price I'm seeing at Lseat it looks like a bargain. Upholstery can get very expensive. As a friend once said, to paraphrase, the best way to restore leather is to rub it with $100 bills, then send them off to an upholsterer. With the $100 bills.

[e28Sean]

I was very ambitious indeed today. Not sure where that came from.

I replaced the drivers interior door pull, which after 35 years and given up on life.


The replacement, from Pelican Parts:


... tucked away nicely in it's new home (and yes, I need to clean that bit of trim).


I also addressed some very badly oxidized and contaminated paintwork.

Before:


After a couple of hours with a clay bar, a polisher, some microfiber towels, and some wax:


Not perfect, but, 99% better!

[mnnguy]

Installed sport seats I just recovered using the kit from Lseat. Took longer than I wanted to as there were so many things missing hardware wise from the seats to begin with, and having to repair a split in the bolster.
Turned out pretty good as this was my first time even attempting anything upholstery related and quality of the material seems similar to the leather from my e92. Also painted the rear parcel shelf black as it was a faded light blue with vinyl fabric paint from AutoZone.
Oh and also added LED interior dome lights so they become actually useful at night

Wow, those look great!

Are they real leather, bonded leather or ??? Nice and soft I assume? For the price I'm seeing at Lseat it looks like a bargain. Upholstery can get very expensive. As a friend once said, to paraphrase, the best way to restore leather is to rub it with $100 bills, then send them off to an upholsterer. With the $100 bills.

Uhh im not really knowledgable on being able to tell the difference between bonded/genuine or real leather but it feels relatively soft (hence the comparison to my e92 leather seats, similar to those but they feel softer and the grain is more apparent vs fully smooth), i notice that the leather was decently thick when installing it too. Heres another pic of em in different light.



Also this past weekend went ahead and polished all four of my style 5s that i have been putting off for too long.

[John in VA]

Also this past weekend went ahead and polished all four of my style 5s that i have been putting off for too long.

Great results on the wheels! What was your process?

[mnnguy]

Also this past weekend went ahead and polished all four of my style 5s that i have been putting off for too long.

Great results on the wheels! What was your process?

Thanks!
So In my case I left the tires on, removed all bolts and knocked the center out. I bought paint stripper from AutoZone and brushed it on all over the wheel to remove the clear coat.
Wet sanded 320 grit to remove most of the curb-rash, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000 after.
After that to get the mirror finish, i buffed with a cotton wheel with brown tripoli, then white rouge. This part is important or else the wheels wont be mirror like and will end up foggy/cloudy. Finally just use a mag/aluminum polish and reassemble all the wheels, blue loctite on the bolts and torque to iirc 22/23 ft lbs.

Fyi Your hands will probably hate you after this

[knunger]

After years of putting up with a steadily increasing ATF leak in the power steering circuit, I decided to fix that f*cker.
1. Put the car on jackstands and put me in a set of dupont full body chem resist overalls (leftover from my mining days) and a full face mask.
2. Crawlered under car with garden hose and knocked off the thickest/easiest gunk.
3. Let dry, repeated process using fairly strong solution of oil eater. Let sit for an hour, hose off (what a pain getting into all of the nooks and crannys.
4. Repeat #3 two more times.
5. Next day (same outfit) carefully blast with self modified "short wand" power washer. Let dry.
5. Replaced all hose clamps on low pressure stuff (with oetiker clamps where possible).
6. Run car until drip appears in drip pan

I was expecting the worst, but when I crawlered back under the car, the only leak I saw was a drop of red on the banjo bolt on the bottom of the stearing gear! I set my torque wrench at 35 ft/lbs (spec per Bentley is 33) and went at it. The wrench moved maybe 5 degrees before it broke. Leak is gone!!

Knowing what I now know, I could have fixed that leak years ago with very little effort. Every time I looked at it, all I saw was years and years of crud from the regulator down. Oh well, at least now I have a nice clean undercarriage...

[jimoreno]

Starting to put everything back together for the rear suspension and fuel system refresh. Got the sub-frame from CEK (thanks!) as mine was really badly rusted and had a lot of flakes. The differential is from a 2001 Z3 and it was in great shape so I just cleaned up the outside, installed the new seals that I had already ordered and gave it two coats of 2K Eastwood Satin chassis black urethane paint. The fuel tank has two coats of POR-15 and then two coats of the same Eastwood 2K Satin chassis black. I'm going to drop off the swing arms tomorrow at the powder coater along with some small brackets and the rear sway bar./ I'm also powder coating the items that were originally yellow cadmium plating (sub-frame bushing hold plates and probably the caliper brackets). Have new rear wheel bearing, brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake hoses waiting to be installed (already installed the new parking brake cables as they were rusted badly). Pending are all of the sway bar bushings from PowerFlex (sub-frame are also PowerFlex). I'm having the differential cover sandblasted so I can put some satin clear on it (and hope that it stays clear longer!)

[LarryM]

I ordered a new set of center caps for my M5 wheels. The way things are going, BMW might be discontinuing the production of these anytime, and I want to be ahead of the curve (for once!) on parts that we find are suddenly NLA.

[SeattleGuy]

Paint strip + full orbital.

[davintosh]

I started it up and drove it... About two feet forward.

Landscapers need access to the sprinkler control tomorrow, and I wanted to give them plenty of room.

At least it moved under its own power; last time I tried (November-ish) it wouldn't start. Fuel pump. I have got the new pump, now need one of those Round-Tuits® to actually do the work to install it.

[rodpaine]

At least you moved it and actually had a bit of oil in the engine circulated. I understand that the person that owns my E28 doesn't drive it at all!:-( I am still driving our 2019 Audi RS 3 at least 2-3 days a week weather permitting on our country back roads, averaging 80-100 miles per drive. Certainly keeps the RS 3 happy, as well as the 81 year old bones in my body! Gotta keep at it guys... it's good for you and the vehicle!
https://www.audizine.com/gallery/showph ... 19&cat=500

[LarryM]

I had been looking for a cheap set of "rollers" to use temporarily while my M5 wheels are being refinished, but a real nice set of (5) 16" X 7" Style 29s with tires came up on the Los Angeles-area CL and I couldn't pass them up for $300. The mounted tires (215/60-16) are too tall so I might have some interference in the rear if I try to drive with them, but they might be OK if the car just sits stationary.

Style 29s, although not my absolute favorite BMW wheels, do look great on E28s especially in 16" diameter with 225/50 or 205/55 tires. Maybe I need to find another E28 to give these a more permanent home. OTOH it's kinda cool to have some extra, good looking wheels laying around in the garage.

[tn535i]

Style 29's are my preferred e28 wheel. Needing hubcentric rings is the ONLY strike I have against them. The look just right and a little more modern and much easier to keep clean than a Style 5. IMO a 205/55-16 is THE best size choice on that wheel.

[stuartinmn]

I got mine out of the garage for the first time since November 1.

[stuartinmn]

I had to buy a new battery today. The old one had lasted six years so I can’t complain too much, although they aren’t getting any cheaper - it was $170 including tax.

[Karl Grau]

[davintosh]

Snazzy new shoes, Charles!

[Mike W.]

Wow. Brand new M5 wheels? Be careful with those new tires though, doesn't look like they'll be real good in the rain.

[Karl Grau]

Brand new M5 wheels? Be careful with those new tires though, doesn't look like they'll be real good in the rain.

The wheels went up in price significantly since I had last checked but I guess it's amazing you can still buy them at all. The tires would suck on a wet surface but they'll never see rain.

[LarryM]

It's a matter of personal opinion of course but I think the M5 wheel is hard to beat for a 16" wheel on an E28. It's a nice clean, uncluttered design in the perfect size and offset.

[Mike W.]

Brand new M5 wheels? Be careful with those new tires though, doesn't look like they'll be real good in the rain.

I guess it's amazing you can still buy them at all.

Yep, agreed.

The tires would suck on a wet surface but they'll never see rain.

I kind of figured that, I didn't think it was a DD.

[Mr.3-5-7]

Sorry i never remember to take pictures.

I finally replaced my leaking and noisy G265 with a nice Metric Mechanic unit. While in there, replaced the clutch, installed a stainless clutch slave line, replaced all the shifter parts to tighten it up. Also rebuilt the axle CV joints/boots and did a drain and refill for the diff. Found a leaking and deteriorating rubber ICV hose and replaced that and my idle got so much better (imagine that!). Replaced spark plugs and wires. And FINALLY got my OBC backlight replaced.

Whew! it obviously didnt all happen in one day but thought i would share anyway.

[LarryM]

......While in there, replaced the clutch, installed a stainless clutch slave line,.......

After I installed a stainless clutch slave line, there was an annoying whine being transmitted through the line and into the clutch pedal. I replaced it with a new BMW line and the noise went away. Let me know if you experience the same thing.

[Mr.3-5-7]

......While in there, replaced the clutch, installed a stainless clutch slave line,.......

After I installed a stainless clutch slave line, there was an annoying whine being transmitted through the line and into the clutch pedal. I replaced it with a new BMW line and the noise went away. Let me know if you experience the same thing.

Nothing so far. Only drove it to work and back today. But thanks for the heads up.

[ThirdPedalNirvana]

Drove it. I can say that almost every day.

That's a great thing because the car I had before, the 85 RX-7, I didn't drive it. Because I couldn't trust it. It wanted to be on jacks more than it wanted to be on the road. In the meantime, my E28 is my go-to tahoe vehicle (250 miles one way) when 50 is plowed because it came with a free ski rack!

[amagansa]

Got my first Blackstone oil analysis back today. Surprised to find out that my engine is actually pretty healthy. Everything lines up with the averages for m30b34s. Not bad for ~300k miles. I keep waiting on the day this engine kicks the bucket, but it's still going strong!

[alps]

After clearing the junk from the trunk months ago and ridding it of mildew and damp, I finally got the trunk back together.

[tn535i]

Trunk looks as new...

There is a plastic part used on a paper core here at work that I use to easily flip that spare, which makes it easy to keep some of your junk (like jumper cables) inside the wheel.


If you are missing the white support that goes on top of the threaded stud you can use 2 of these and make a nice double ended support with a short piece of plastic tube which I also have some of and could cut a few.


It is too much trouble and expense to start sending these one or two at a time but I would be more than happy to send a box full of them to an event or someone who can distribute them easily.

[alps]

Trunk looks as new...

There is a plastic part used on a paper core here at work that I use to easily flip that spare, which makes it easy to keep some of your junk (like jumper cables) inside the wheel.

If you are missing the white support that goes on top of the threaded stud you can use 2 of these and make a nice double ended support with a short piece of plastic tube which I also have some of and could cut a few.

It is too much trouble and expense to start sending these one or two at a time but I would be more than happy to send a box full of them to an event or someone who can distribute them easily.

Great idea! Can always use more space to stash things in there. I'd take one of those spacers. Interesting that your stud cap is white where mine is black, wonder why they would change that.

[willyv124]

Eventful weekend.

Fixed stuttering rear windows by cleaning the window guides and then lubing them with some dielectric grease. The windows were also not well attached to the horizontal bar that is supposed to clamp onto the bottom edge of the window. So used some rubber from a bike inner tube to fill the gap and some gaffers tape. Not ideal but i'll work for now. I have an appointment to get xprel prime xr plus installed so that I can survive the summers and also have a covercraft sunscreen on order. End of summer will probably get Austin's ac solution kit.

Stopped by the junkyard to checkout two e28's. One was dropped off a month ago another just last Wednesday. The newest one looks like it was gutted before it was dropped off. Pulled a rear bumper trim to replace mine which is damaged from being dragged on the ground when a body clip fell off. Also pulled a sunroof motor cover which i already broke a clip so I might keep the one I ordered recently that hasn't gotten here yet. Pulled some rear speaker mounts/faceplates as mine are cracked but then on the e28 that had been there I saw it had premium rear speakers, so I took those out and got them installed, the main speaker goes in and out but the tweeters work.

My antenna mast never goes all the way up, so I got the existing one removed and have ordered a URO replacement








Also hit 200,000 on the odometer (swapped engine though, and the odometer gears were broken from the previous owner) right as i drove into my driveway this morning and didn't even notice it, until later in the day.




Additionally, twice over the weekend while i had the clutch in and was rolling the car had died. One time I had 1/4 of a tank and the other time was going around a cul de sac to park, but i had > 1/2 a tank at that time. I have suspected my in tank fuel pump is bad so I think that is on the list of things to do. Although I probably need to do some proper diagnosing

[davintosh]

Well, the only thing I did with the e28 today was finally get around to posting some photos of it after what I did to it several weeks ago.





I was in the market a while back for a pair of front Billie Sport fronts, and was having trouble finding any, and then stumbled across a set of four nearly new Billie Sports with Spax lowering springs for a heck of a price. And I wasn't too slow or late to the party, and was actually able to get them! (Thanks, Mike!) I was able to get the fronts on pretty much right away, but getting around to the backs took a little while longer. And this is the result.

I'm pretty pleased with the ride, but the camber on the rear wheels concerns me a bit. I've got a set of eccentric bolts and the weld-on camber & toe adjusters, and am thinking about pulling the rear axle this winter to install it.

I also deleted the original high-pressure fuel pump, and installed a Walbro 255 in-tank pump while I had the rear end on stands.



I did this one the same way I did the first one several years ago, cut the smaller of the two pipes so that the output of the pump could attach to it and reach the bottom of the tank. With this one though, I just have the pump hanging by the small section of rubber fuel hose, rather than tying it to anything else. I've seen a number of other cars that do something similar, and considering the complaints I've heard from some about the noise coming from the Walbro pumps, I hoped this might help in that regard, and it did. Can hardly hear the thing.

Since then the car has been running rock solid, with the exception of last Thursday; the engine just shut off about three blocks from home. I did a quick investigation after pulling off onto a side street; didn't find anything, but I think the futzing I did with the relays may have cured it. So, I think there's a new set of relays in my future. Or maybe a rocker switch on the dash to replace the fuel pump relay altogether!

[RonW]

Refueled the 535is, probably for the first time since 2019. I've put less than 100 miles on it over the past year.

Driving it is a relaxing pleasure. It's hard to believe that back in the '80s that was the vehicle of the yuppie Master of the Universe.