Now what?

[nmk116]

Since buying my boss' 1994 540i (127,xxx, AT) I've been stalking various forums troubleshooting and looking for tips. But this latest problem has me stumped so I thought I'd see if anyone here has any suggestions.

Soon after buying the curse...I mean car...it started to run really rough when cold. After temp came up, it ran like a dream. I looked around and figured that it was probably due to bad o2 sensor. I took it in and had both o2 sensors replaced along with all new spark plugs, valve cover gaskets and grommets.

The car ran like a dream again! About two weeks later, I noticed a ticking noise that increased with RPMs coming from the left side of the engine. While it wasn't changing performance, it was annoying. I decided to stop driving it until I could get it looked at. Well, yesterday, I needed to take it to work and about a block away from home the whole car started shaking and chugging like it was out of gas...much like it did with 2 bad o2's. The ce came on but turned off soon after.

In park it isn't too bad but in D the shaking is ridiculous and I noticed some exhaust smell coming into the car after a few revs.

Any ideas?

[Johnny 5]

Start by trouble shooting the ignition. When a V8 drops a cylinder, it will shake the car visibly. If the spark plugs are original, then replace them. Check for a coil that is visibly leaking and/or not working. Always maintain the coil ground when the engine is running!

[nmk116]

Plugs are brand new

[zubbie]

coil packs?

[nmk116]

I should disclose that I'm pretty much a newbie at these cars and with car maintenance in general. I've always driven Hondas before this thing!

[zubbie]

I should disclose that I'm pretty much a newbie at these cars and with car maintenance in general. I've always driven Hondas before this thing!

Thats a bit of a jump. simple Honda (low maintenance) to complex M60B40 engine. Based on your mileage it shouldn't be anything too serious. You'd best start reading the Bentley. a bad coil pack is will cause a no fire condition in one of the cylinders. Have you done a stomp test?

No one has asked the dreaded nikasil question yet either.

[m60b30530i]

i have the ticking noise too almost like the hydrolic lifters are starving for oil. it goes away after like 5 min but after a nice run i can hear it again. to be safe im goin to drop the oil pan to make sure everything down there is ok. if thats all good then im goin with a higher weight oil.

[tonyroc14]

Take it to a refutible mechanic. He would be able to hook up a diognostic computer and it will be able to tell him if it is misfireing, then you can begin your search.

[nmk116]

A huge thanks to all that replied to my post. It's pretty cool that there is a community of people online that are willing to take extra time and effort to try and help a stranger solve his/her problem(s).

Thanks again!

[nmk116]

Anyone know of a good indy shop in chicago, pref. on NW side?

[ThoreauHD]

I would ask these guys. Your local bmw cca.

http://www.windycitybmw.com/Contacts/Contacts.aspx