Just Bought a 540..........but

[ukray]

Hiya guys hows it all going?

I recently bought a 97 540 over here in the UK. I'm not sure if they are different specs over yonder but here its a 286bhp/320lb torque, 4.4 v8. auto/steptronic box
I know the m3 in the states is a different engine, different head and block etc so maybe its the same for the 540?

Anyways, theres problems heh, and maybe you guys can help me out.

Theres a knocking coming from the drivers front suspension, sounds like a top mount to me but i was reading on here and a few other forums that it could be the braking arm bush? you can feel the knocking also coming through the steering wheel.
Also, when braking from anything over 60mph the steering wheel shakes really badly back n fourth, can be really scary when doing much higher speeds. Right now i won't drive it over 70 just to be safer.

The passenger side leccy mirror also doesnt work, i've only just got the car back from the place i bought it and they say they just can't fix it, replaced the motor checked the wiring etc.

The steering rack squeels quite bad when your stationary and turn the wheel, is this common when the rack is under full load?

The engine sounded ROUGH when i picked it up today, tappets were at full force, but then they said it had been stood for the time its been there, i'll check it out in a bit when i take it for another run, see if the drive home has got the oil functioning properly again.
But i also read in another post on these boards that it could be the vanos system playing up?
The car has done 136000 miles by the way. which although is a lot, i know well looked after ones can go forever. maybe mine isn't

At low revs there is a slight flapping sound, pulling in when i got back, you could really hear the flapping as the road is narrow and reflects all sounds, only way to describe it is it sounded like a mud guard flapping against the wheel or something.

Anyways, i really appreciate any help towards these areas as were on the verge of taking it back for a full refund.
I wont even begin to go into the FULL story so far about it......we'd be here all day .
It was a high miler, and cheaper of the ones i went to see, and i'm fully aware that some things will need replacing, but stuff like the suspension knocking and the insane juddering with the steering wheel flicking back n fourth when you brake isn't on.

Thanks for any replies

Ray

 

[Kirby]

Welcome to the board!

I don't own a 5 series, but from experience with other cars, it does sound like you have lower front suspension problems. It could be any of the bushings with those symptoms. It would be best to check all of them.

The steering squeal while standing still can occur on high mileage cars. From what I know that isn't a major concern unless it happens all the time, even when driving.

 

[Big Daddy]

You might also check the brake rotors and pads while your under there. I do think Kirby is correct, get it checked.

By the way welcome to the board!

 

[jrt67ss350]

The steering squeal could be something as simple as a loose/stretched out power steering belt, or possibly a worn out ps pump.

 

[Montana]

The steering wheel shake under braking is probably due to unevenly worn rotors...not necessarily bad, but having them re-surfaced and grinded would probably fix that.

GM Chrysler! I have the EXACT same flapping noise and I can't figure it out! Also at low revs AND under acceleration. I suspect there is a loose exhaust manifold or something. Sounds like an exhaust "leak" near the engine block. I checked some bolts around the engine block for kicks and found some were pretty loose. My mechanic found one side of the exhaust manifold loose to the point of being able to move it by hand. A car with that kind of mileage, you might want to get it on a lift and due a complete "bolt tighten check" on any bolt you can reach. I have 100k miles on mine but no lift. I just try to tighten whatever I can.

I also have a little squeak in my front suspension but my mechanic found no loose or bad parts. I thought maybe it was a part of the brake assembly that might be squeaking (it only does when car goes over sharp bumps...more like a rattle/squeak).

Put some new synthetic oil in her.

Well good luck with the car. I love mine and my engine despite the maintenance headaches now and then. But even more I love the 6speed and tearing holy arss on the pavement!!!

 

[m5runner]

You have upper and lower control arm issues. The vibrations are the key descriptor here. I was driving my buddy's 94 740iL and it shook violently between 40 and 60 mph, braking and accelerating. I would get them replaced with teflon equipped bushings. It will cost you a little extra but definitely worth it.

I've come to understand that the 4.4 liter engine is a very heavy powertrain and because of that, the control arms tend to wear out rather quickly. I think you and I have the same 540i and that issue will always be there for our model cars.

The first thing I would do to the car is get it inspected by the local dealer. He will be able to tell you exactly what's wrong with it and you work the issues out from the highest impacted to the lowest.