Search found 58 matches

by John in Simi Valley
Mon Jan 04, 2016 3:12 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Rev Limits
Replies: 8
Views: 4954

Ignition Control Module

You are describing symptoms of a defective Ignition Control Module. It's the small aluminum electronic box located in the engine compartment on the right side. Two screws fasten it in front of the right wheel well. BMW P/N 12141267459 Rmfd control unit transistoriz.ignition http://data.bmrparts.com/...
by John in Simi Valley
Wed Nov 18, 2015 5:51 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Speedometer not working
Replies: 2
Views: 2266

Pretty easy to verify if the instrument itself is working. Disconnect the first joint behind the brake peddle and give the shaft a spin. If the speedo responds you know the instrument is OK. Now it's a matter of where's the disconnect. There are 3 cables and 1 device (up to the tranny) that could be...
by John in Simi Valley
Wed Jun 03, 2015 1:58 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Interested to hear exhaust options
Replies: 3
Views: 2722

The 1979 was the first E12 to have the Catalytic converter. The stock manifold is the single log that collects from all six exhaust ports. Using two manifolds from the E28 533i/535i or e28 based e24 helps tremendously and is for the most part, all you need to get high flow exhaust up front. It's als...
by John in Simi Valley
Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:36 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Alternate access to trunk?
Replies: 2
Views: 1922

You can gain access through the tail light. Couple ways of doing it. Effectively demolish the light assembly with hole saw and cutters. The other way is to slam the light housing really hard side ways so as to break off the threaded studs in the plastic. It's the quick and easy way to get in while a...
by John in Simi Valley
Wed Jun 03, 2015 12:21 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: 1979 528i no start after cylinder head replacemnet
Replies: 8
Views: 4441

Remember to check the simple things first.

I did an engine swap in my E24 and had starting problems. It was actually the wiring harness connection to the fuse box. Check the connection to the F.I. box as well.

Good luck.
by John in Simi Valley
Tue May 19, 2015 2:39 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: throttle body coolant chamber
Replies: 3
Views: 2573

On my 1980 528i, the water line from the block began to leak. At the time I didn't have another little hose of proper length so I just capped it off at the block. Have not noticed any differences. I suspect being a German design, the heater is more for cold weather function than warm. If I'm correct...
by John in Simi Valley
Wed Dec 11, 2013 6:13 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Door lock not working anymore
Replies: 4
Views: 2678

Freeing up the door locks

Here is a FAQ for getting to the door lock linkage. I've found that it has more to do with the lock mechanism linkage seizing up because of old dried out grease than the lock itself. The following link will help you gain access to these areas. Spray the link joints with something that will soften up...
by John in Simi Valley
Wed Nov 27, 2013 1:14 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Replacing Ignition Switch
Replies: 4
Views: 2989

Replacing Ignition Switch

I've been having some trouble with my 1980 528i. After turning off the key, many times the dash lights and radio are still on. I've replaced the aft portion of the switch that houses the electrical contacts and cabling. Still same problem. I spoke to a mechanic about what else it could be. He said t...
by John in Simi Valley
Tue Apr 16, 2013 10:46 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Steering Box Adjustment
Replies: 2
Views: 1947

Steering Box Adjustment

A friend with a '79 e12 was complaining his steering had excessive free play. I thought I'd experiment with mine and learn how to adjust the steering box. I opened one of my repair manuals, read up on it and dove-in. Well, after loosening the jam nut and adjusting the set screw .060 from the bottom ...
by John in Simi Valley
Sat Feb 02, 2013 5:43 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Early E12 Seats -- Adaptable to E24s?
Replies: 3
Views: 2565

I looked at E30 recaros, saw some E24s with that combo. -- It's not for me, my buddy Danny (has 100 cars in his back yard) says it best; they're "Micky Mouse" because they're out of scale, smaller seats in a big coupe. I agree, so I don't want to go there. I pulled covers off one E28 seat ...
by John in Simi Valley
Fri Feb 01, 2013 5:35 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Early E12 Seats -- Adaptable to E24s?
Replies: 3
Views: 2565

Early E12 Seats -- Adaptable to E24s?

Greeting all, As you know I have my '80 e12 and also an '83 633CSi. Discussion is my 633 has standard comfort seats, black leather, but leather is in tatters. I got a quote from a good known reupholster shop for black vinyl at $700 for the set. My wife has given me permission to do this, but being a...
by John in Simi Valley
Thu Jan 03, 2013 3:09 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Failed guibo
Replies: 33
Views: 20285

Yea, I'm late on the reply too, but Greg mentions the metal band which is important. The e12 guibo is a bit complicated in that the metal band must remain on during installation. This is one of those designs that I'd really like to talk to the designers about in verifying what they were thinking. As...
by John in Simi Valley
Tue Dec 06, 2011 3:43 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Exhaust options-M30B35 conversion
Replies: 9
Views: 9207

Blaise, I'd be most concerned about passing California emissions. The motor is a Euro M30B34 "from a Bavaria". As you know -- Bavarias never came with a B34. More likely the motor came from a Euro 535i/735i circa '84-87. To weird things our further; you're using a 1990 B35 wiring harness. ...
by John in Simi Valley
Sun Nov 20, 2011 2:58 am
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: 81 528i Overheating, Grinding, and No Start.
Replies: 11
Views: 7080

sethg, From your story, the car ran fine until after the alternator was replaced and distributor (ignition timing) was altered. Then the initial symptom was overheating, loss of power, and now it doesn't run. My general rule of thumb is to check the SIMPLE things first. Your battery checks out okay,...
by John in Simi Valley
Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:43 pm
Forum: Tech Forum
Topic: Seat belt retraction fix?
Replies: 3
Views: 2470

I had a similar problem a few years ago.
Removed the seat belt recoil mechanism and cleaned it with a light spray of WD-40 as a sovent, then heavy spray of brake cleaner to wash out the debris. Works like a champ now.