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Mike W. wrote: Fri Sep 11, 2026 11:20 amYep, 20-50

Thanks Mike

For the early pre 1982 3.5L, or I suppose any member of the general M30 family, is 20W 50 like the handbook says, still correct Thanks

Actually just removing the O2 sensor is supposed to bring a noticeable improvement. When mine was plugged, it was restricted with low power, but fully driveable, I could even tow my little trailer, so it was hard to get a conclusive back pressure reading. Search the 'net, there's plenty on it ...

Had a very hard warm start situation. Replaced the ignition trigger coil in the dizzy. Runs a bit nicer especially at higher RPM, so I thought I was done.

Car starts fine cold. Runs fine. Still a hard start when warm. Verified cold start valve operation and replaced thermo-time switch. Still a ...

Hi folks, I have a 81 528i manual, CA car (Completely stock) that ran great a year ago. It was reclaimed with the help of 2 other 528i donors and G-son's help. Now with next G-son, and here is the problem for you "detectives". It starts, runs and idles smoothly, but not much power. When we drive ...

Thanks 528i-1981 and Mike W. I think it might be on all L-jet Euro cars too pre 1981, that didn't have the fuel cut off system. Might have to look at some Euro/US articles on the early 528i.

Yeah, from article pics it seems the 1979 US / Euro cars have the gulp valve too.

What exactly is that item attached to the left side of the intake manifold in the pic below. Is it vacuum related to keep the revs up when the a/c is on

530iEnginePic

Welcome to the group!

Unlikely to be the AAV, it just serves to let in additional air when it's cold. It's usually a problem when cold because it's stuck and not letting enough air in for a "fast idle" sort of thing.

I would look for a vacuum leak or check the ignition timing, usually if it's ...

Beautiful car Remco, and a very high European specification.

Mike W. wrote: Tue Dec 31, 2024 1:25 pm It should be, it mentioned compatibility with Dexron II and III. I assume you're going for the stop leak capability? Otherwise I'd just buy a quart of the cheap stuff at a third the price.

I was thinking more it was a nice small bottle, so it wouldn't create a mess pouring a little

They mention ATF Dexron II & III type compatible, this sort of thing ok

Power Steering Fluid

With L-jet M90 3.5, 3.64 diff & 3HP22 automatic, still going :!: 8)

https://scontent.fper8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/366321173_103347232863719_5798575339720379442_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=f727a1&_nc_ohc=UYyMSMDAQYoQ7kNvgEwMxst&_nc_ht=scontent.fper8-1.fna&oh=00 ...

Yes, that was my point, the more airflow the higher the temp will be. The expansion valve "should" keep it from freezing up but I had my first E12 freeze up one time when it was just a tiny bit low on charge. Noticed the lack of airflow and when I stopped to get gas a huge puddle formed under the ...

Serious question: has anyone ever measured airflow in cfm at the outside vents?


Less than a heavy breather.


I don't have a cfm reading, but Road Test magazine measured the air out of the 1975 530i's vents as approx 40F. The stock system will make cold air on R12, if you have no leaks and ...

I don't have a cfm reading, but Road Test magazine measured the air out of the 1975 530i's vents as approx 40F. The stock system will make cold air on R12, if you have no leaks and everything is as it should be. The e12's problem was more air distribution, and as mentioned above by Robert Bondi, the ...