Things to look for on a 840Ci that has been sitting for 3-4 years?

[currymacka]

Hi,

I am going to inspect a 840Ci -94 tomorrow that has been sitting outside for around 3-4 years. Is there anything that I should look more careful for? I am worried about the General Module, how can I test its functions in the simplest way? And what are the functions?

Also, and the biggest concern, the car doesn't start. Current owner filled in some ethanol to keep the emissions down before "smog-test", but that made the engine go rough. Shortly after that (don't know for how long), the car didn't want to start at all and he left it under a cover on his driveway. He says that it clicks when he tries to start it, that is all I know. What could have caused this? Could it just be the fuel pump?

[Timm]

If it was running well before the ethanol was stuffed in then it will probably run nicely again with a bit of fettling - it could simply be flooded, so easy to do on the M60 engine.. But, my biggest concern would be rust, bottom of the doors, wheel arches, sills, behind the side skirts - much more expensive to repair than the engine! The General Module controls central locking, windows, interior lights - so check that they work.

Here's a list of common problems on the E31 (almost identical to the E38):

https://www.meeknet.co.uk/E31/Timms_...n_Problems.htm

[currymacka]

Thanks, Timm!

[Chillax]

Hi,

I am going to inspect a 840Ci -94 tomorrow that has been sitting outside for around 3-4 years. Is there anything that I should look more careful for? I am worried about the General Module, how can I test its functions in the simplest way? And what are the functions?

Also, and the biggest concern, the car doesn't start. Current owner filled in some ethanol to keep the emissions down before "smog-test", but that made the engine go rough. Shortly after that (don't know for how long), the car didn't want to start at all and he left it under a cover on his driveway. He says that it clicks when he tries to start it, that is all I know. What could have caused this? Could it just be the fuel pump?

Sounds like the time one of mine came up with a bad cell. That clicking sounds like part of your problem might involve a weak battery as well... any interior lights when the doors open? Does the window drop when you tough the door handle? Possibly might want to charge it up good or put in a charged one before trying to start it again.

-B

[Belgiumbarry]

after 3 to 4 years that battery will be dead of course , even "charged" .

[Wuffer]

Both batteries will be dead...