Douglasmoto's '04 Sedan project

[douglasmoto]

I drove home with this 143k car on 9/19/16. There's a bit of work to do but surprisingly it's in damn good shape.
Step 1 is a more detailed look at everything starting tomorrow. Then, tackle the big stuff. I only know of one significant thing right now though...FCAB's
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[ZacharyMikel]

I drove home with this 143k car on 9/19/16. There's a bit of work to do but surprisingly it's in damn good shape.
Step 1 is a more detailed look at everything starting tomorrow. Then, tackle the big stuff. I only know of one significant thing right now though...FCAB's
27297272982729927300273012730227303273042730527306 27307

Nice pickup, and good luck! Black ZHP's are boss.

[Vas]

Welcome.

Looks like the car has some Michelin Pilot SS on it.

[fredo]

Good find. Similar miles with my 05.

[douglasmoto]

Sure does Vas! Good eye. They are brand spankin new too.

[douglasmoto]

Fredo, I'm super impressed with the condition a BMW can be in at this mileage as long as the little things were taken care of. The big things seem to last well.

[johnrando]

Welcome! Did you introduce yourself in the new members section?

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[Whammy]

Welcome!!

[Vas]

Sure does Vas! Good eye. They are brand spankin new too.
Nice. You have been spoiled

[douglasmoto]

Yes sir I did post in the new members section. :-)

[douglasmoto]

Took the car into the local german repair shop today for a "safety inspection". A second set of eyes is always good when you buy a higher mileage car.

I was under the belief that since my car tracks grooves on the road there must be bushings out. In case they were going to gloss over issues I was aware of I mentioned this to them and asked that they put added attention to this part of the inspection. Well, they say there's not a single bushing or ball joint showing wear. I'm skeptical and will be looking at it again soon. They seem to think that the Michelin Pilots are tracking grooves.

They found 0 leaks, all fluids clean and topped off. All good exceptnbrakes are at 15% front and 20% rear. That's a job I'd prefer to do on my own though. They quoted me $520 for F and R parts, labor and tax. Good to know but I ordered new pads and brake sensors from Pep Boys. Should be here tomorrow. Total cost $208 for Akebono pads since they have a 30% discount for online orders right now.

[Vas]

Those pilot ss will do that.

Glad to hear it passed

[holyc0w]

It could be just the nature of the car. Maybe check alignment? I think that helped out in my case.

[BMWCurves]

Our cars definitely can track on grooves, especially depending on alignment. Both mine and my sister's car sport new suspension components (less than 5k miles on each) and have 245/40R17 square tire setups (different tire brands though).

[Karl Lazlo]

I have found my Pilot SS tramline as well. Stiff sidewall and all that jazz.

Welcome!

[douglasmoto]

Glad to hear your experiences. The car handles incredible with them so probably a small price to pay. More importantly it gives me some confidence I can move on to other issues like driving! I live 20 minutes from highway 2 and looking forward to a drive before long.

[BADCLOWN]

My 05 sedan tracked in grooves as well, I didn't have SS tires but worn out tires, I think the tracking is generally due to worn out tires across the board and not a specific brand. My car would pull HARD on grooves, made me seriously believe some mechanical issue was afoot but after new continental tires it handled insanely better

[danewilson77]

Welcome

S7 Edge, out

[ELCID86]

Welcome and congrats.


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[douglasmoto]

Maintenance update

In August all rotors and pads replaced. I used Akebono pads and have been very impressed with the lack of brake dust. Stopping power under normal street conditions is great. I can tell they are not as strong as with the pads it did have but completely unimportant for the conditions I drive.

[douglasmoto]

Just got the car back from the shop. Replaced thermostat housing that started to leak, guibo and center support bearing and brake master cylinder. While it was in I had a smog check and that showed something was off so they found the intake boot was cracked. That’s now been replaced and the car runs fantastic! Also replaced all belts and pillows just because.
I bought this one at 143k and now it’s at 156k. No trouble at all besides maintenance issues. It needs control arm bushings next and a few cosmetic items that have some wear and tear.
The real sign of a good car is when it’s in the shop and you’re driving a much newer car for the week but you miss your car. Love this old junker!!

[BMWCurves]

Sounds like a lot of good work was done.

[joeybananaz18]

Don't know if the tires are still giving you tracking issues but I had the same issue with the SSs. When I hit a pothole, I had my 2 fronts replaced and I think it was the alignment that cured it. Drives arrow straight now. But the first time i felt the tracking issue at 80mph i shit myself lol