Just bought E38 728i

[morpheus5039]

Thank you Vincent for the insight on Titans. Sounds like a very good alternative for the standard OEM set up.Can't wait for your reviews once you have it installed.

On a different note, I gather that Albert is THE man for the E38's. Tried looking for his shop a couple of weeks ago and got hopelessly lost. I would really like for him to give my ride a good 'once over look' and very likely leave it with him to sort any problems after hearing good reviews from you and other forumer's. At the moment the car does'nt track straight, especially evident on the highway akin to a 'loose steering', the dreaded shimmy around 90-110 kph and the bumping on steering on uneven surface.I am aware that directions have been posted before but still could not manage to find Albert's place. I would be greatful for any help in directions.

Thanks again.

Do you know the Steven Corner at Pandan Indah? In front of it is a traffic light junction. Let's say you come from MRR2, it is the first traffic light junction you will reach. Turn right. You will see shop lot on your left then. Turn left once there is a small road to the shop lot. Then go straght though the small road between the shop lot. His shop is behind the first row at the corner. WP Auto. Nearby got Hospital Pandan Indah if I remembered correctly.

 

[Vincent Hor]

When you want to go there just give me a call & I will direct you. Zero One Six Two Two Five Eight Eight Three One

Thank you Vincent for the insight on Titans. Sounds like a very good alternative for the standard OEM set up.Can't wait for your reviews once you have it installed.

On a different note, I gather that Albert is THE man for the E38's. Tried looking for his shop a couple of weeks ago and got hopelessly lost. I would really like for him to give my ride a good 'once over look' and very likely leave it with him to sort any problems after hearing good reviews from you and other forumer's. At the moment the car does'nt track straight, especially evident on the highway akin to a 'loose steering', the dreaded shimmy around 90-110 kph and the bumping on steering on uneven surface.I am aware that directions have been posted before but still could not manage to find Albert's place. I would be greatful for any help in directions.

Thanks again.

 

[Vincent Hor]

Just got back my car. The Titans shocks are installed (Front only) I must say Richard did a great job. Ride has been transformed. It's firm yet comfy. Need to send back after CNY for further tuning when the shocks & springs have set in.

Really value for money. Would I recomend to others : YES.

 

[ssmann]

Hi Han Azman,

Sorry for the late response. Been busy re-settling from Miri to KL.

The centre rod was changed at Albert's. RM650 was the price. Not sure bout labour as I left the car there for a week and had lots of other bits done as per my previous post.

Verdict after repair - steering wobble at lows speeds no longer there. However this could also have been the result of a number other changes e.g. lower arm bush/rod and absorber moulding. All this helps ensure the ride comfort.

Now I got another problem....my a/c just won't get cold.

Symptoms: - Blows fine, but hot air. Checked gas, all good. Compressor recently replaced. Could it be wiring? Does this sound like an blower motor issue? The a/c guy near my place tells me that the a/c aint running and to check wiring? Any suggestions???

Thanks - S

 

[Vincent Hor]

Serjit, that guy could be right. Could be a simple thing like a loose wiring, expansion valve or receiver dryer or the valve. I doubt very much if it has anything to do with the blower.

 

[ssmann]

Vince,

Thanks bro. Looks like I have to find time tomorrow to sort this out before CNY. Will buzz you if I can make it to Maluri.

Thanks as always.

Rgds - S

 

[Han Azman]

Hi ssman,

Thanks for the info re steering rod and stuff. Looks like a visit to Albert's is imminent for me. I will definately buzz Vincent for directions, thanks for offering.

I have to agree with Vincent that it is not the blower. Mine just stopped completely ie no air at all-blower kaput. probably a wire that has come loose after installing the new compressor.

Good luck.

 

[ssmann]

Guys,

Fixed the problem @ Naidu's.

Problem: A/C blowing hot air. Gas fine, compressor fine, cooling coil fine

Diagnosis: Wiring/relay/fuse problem

Repair: After testing fuses = all ok. Test relays = all ok. Open wiring under dashboard. Found a sensor (a/c temperature sensor) was faulty. It is a metal rod about 8cm long, looks like a ballpen refill. It had a crack, exposing the coil. Replaced with 2nd hand part. Problem fixed.

How long: Took Naidu 1 whole day from 9am, return at 5pm. Why = he had tonnes of cars with big problems!!!

Cost = RM70 for relay, RM70 for labour.

A/c now is cold as before. Hope it lasts!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Rgds - S

 

[morpheus5039]

Guys,

Fixed the problem @ Naidu's.

Problem: A/C blowing hot air. Gas fine, compressor fine, cooling coil fine

Diagnosis: Wiring/relay/fuse problem

Repair: After testing fuses = all ok. Test relays = all ok. Open wiring under dashboard. Found a sensor (a/c temperature sensor) was faulty. It is a metal rod about 8cm long, looks like a ballpen refill. It had a crack, exposing the coil. Replaced with 2nd hand part. Problem fixed.

How long: Took Naidu 1 whole day from 9am, return at 5pm. Why = he had tonnes of cars with big problems!!!

Cost = RM70 for relay, RM70 for labour.

A/c now is cold as before. Hope it lasts!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Rgds - S

I have this part damage in my E34 before, this is very expensive, changed a new one cost me RM235

 

[AAM]

Guys,

I had d same problem/symptom b4 with my E32 730iL ( imported model with d ori. BMW compressor).
my a/c man mod. 2 conventional set up .........change to local compressor, mod. pipings ,change cooling coil n filter n clean up blower ....... total cost almost 2k.

dono that is d right thing to do or not ? .......

his reason 4 d mod : cheaper n easy maintainence in the future !!!

 

[ssmann]

AAM,

Does it work? How long already? If it does, then it must be a workable idea. However, I myself would not be brave enough to mod the ori a/c system to something different, for fear of "incompatability" with the electrics etc.......

 

[andrewk]

My previous E34 had ac compressor problems too. Naidu replaced it with a jap unit. After that, damn cold and no problems. E32 maybe can do, but dunno about E38 coz of the electronics....

 

[AAM]

AAM,

Does it work? How long already? If it does, then it must be a workable idea. However, I myself would not be brave enough to mod the ori a/c system to something different, for fear of "incompatability" with the electrics etc.......

ssmann,

it works very well.... almost 3 yrs now.....am very happy .....no problem n no complain.

refill gas every 6 mths n compressor oil very 12 mths.

cheers.arty:

 

[morpheus5039]

Guys,

I had d same problem/symptom b4 with my E32 730iL ( imported model with d ori. BMW compressor).
my a/c man mod. 2 conventional set up .........change to local compressor, mod. pipings ,change cooling coil n filter n clean up blower ....... total cost almost 2k.

dono that is d right thing to do or not ? .......

his reason 4 d mod : cheaper n easy maintainence in the future !!!

I am also using non-ori compressor, so far so good! and cheaper too!

 

[ssmann]

Friends,

After replacing the aircond temparature sensor @ Naidu's, I have the following problems: -

1. When the car is idle, e.g. I wait in the parking lot whilst the Mrs goes into the supermarket for 5 mins....the aircond is not cold. When I drive it gets cold.....anyone experience this before?

2. The a/c releases a hissing sound when on. E.g. sounds like a snake lives in the blower or gas escaping....not always...but comes on and off....any ideas whats wrong? How to fix? Is this a valve problem?

Unrelated to the a/c are some gearbox experiences, I am hoping to get some thoughts on: -

1. When going up a hill or on an incline....the gear box makes a violent shift of gear from 1 to 2.....I recently changed ATF oil, gasket, mounting etc

2. Also at times, the gear changes not entirely smooth, eg. can feel uneven pressure on gear change...as if the gear if being forced to engage

Most of the time the box is smooth with good gear changes....but plays up from time to time....any ideas to share?

Thanks a million!

 

[vish]

My previous E34 had ac compressor problems too. Naidu replaced it with a jap unit. After that, damn cold and no problems. E32 maybe can do, but dunno about E38 coz of the electronics....

naidu is the air-conditioning king, plain and simple...at 18 degrees my car was a furnace, after seeing him it feels like a freezer at 26 degrees :top:

 

[bimmerholic]

naidu is the air-conditioning king, plain and simple...at 18 degrees my car was a furnace, after seeing him it feels like a freezer at 26 degrees :top:

What car is it and what was done on your A/C system @ Naidu?

 

[ssmann]

Mine is a 1996 728i E38.

Naidu replaced the a/c temperature sensor.....

 

[Han Azman]

Hi again ssmann,

As for your ac probs, possible that the replacement sensor is faulty. I would suggest a small investment in a new sensor as I believe that the ac system was working well prior to the change.

Your auto box problem sounds very worrying. I have read somewhere that the E38 transmission fluid is life long and if it was trouble free, it was recommended to leave it be. Neverthe less, I too changed the ATF approximately 6 months ago and thank goodness have had no probs with it. Was the correct ATF used, is there a leak under the car after leaving it overnight? Did some search and possible problems with the symptoms you have mentioned are wrong fluid type and low level either insufficient or a leak.

No harm checking these out as it would be the least expensive option and could be the cure. Please do keep us posted.

Gong Xi Fa Chai.

 

[AAM]

Mine is a 1996 728i E38.

Naidu replaced the a/c temperature sensor.....

ssmann,

what was the damage ?

thanks