Leaky 530 intake manifold- fixed

[jason]

if you recall, last monday i posted syaing that my mechanic said that the reason my 530 was running so poorly was not the 02 sensors but a leaking intake manifold. He wanted 800 bucks to fix it... i decided to do the project myself.

during the process i carefully inspected and cleaned all of the pieces involved. all of the vacuum lines and gaskets seemed fine!! the pvc breater plate also seemed the be in working order. i was sure that when i got the car back together that it would still show symptoms. but it runs great!

moral of the story:
if you have a car problem, get it professionally diagnosed then fix it yourself. they're easy cars to work on and you'll save a fortune.

[Shayne]

Glad to hear it!

Shayne
525iTA

[MrAllworld]

What were the symptoms that you were having?

MrAllworld
89' 325is
94' 530i 5spd

[Blk525i]

My 1992 525i(m50)stickshift is running fine but there is almost sound like vacuum leak under the intake manifold.I like to inspect the components (what are they?) under the intake but there is no room.Please tell me the process.

Thank you.

p/s you know,Bmeer owner like me is perfectionist.it should run perfect or else it needs fixing!

[jason]

it started off slowly. first it started to idle a little rough. but only once in a while. over a period of a month it progressed to very poor idle, occasional stalling, and poor mpg.

during this time, the check engine light would go off all of the time. stomp tests revealed all types of 02 sensor codes. none of which were valid.

[Blk525i]

How did you get under the intake manifold from the top?

Thanks

[jason]

i took the intake manifold out of the car. there are a bunch of sensors and injection stuff that must be cleared out of the way first. also: the intake manifold will have coolant connections so you'll need to drain the radiator or face one heck of a mess.

i'd have the car professionally diagnosed first. they have a machine that vlows smoke into the intake. they can then see if and where it's leaking by where the smoke comes out.

[Bimmer5Michael]

got the engine replaced because of Nikisil failure issues, dealer makes $$$$ when swapping engines.

I am happy your issue is taken care of relatively painlessly.

I know of 3 supposedly nikisil issues that were repaired with vacuum leak trouble shooting and repair.

Nichael
95 530

[T.Sharkey]

I had the same problem, smoke found the leak, replaced a $4.xx gasket
and end of problem.

[Dan540]

I have a 95 540 with very similar problem. It started when the temp started to drop this fall. I would get the check engine light but would go out after the engine quickly warmed. No with the temps down around freezing it has stayed on all the time and the engine runs rough especially at idle. BUT, when th eengine warms up and a few miles of highway driving, the car does run better but not at 100%, still some missing.

I was told that this would have to be a vaccuum leak, since sensors would cause the car to behave the same no matter the temp.

I will be taking my car in an have it professionally tested as well. But, any steps to taking of the Intake Manifold that you can share with me, since I will be rolling up my sleeves over the holiday break?

[mac840]

[jason]

my mistake. there are no coolant connection that attach to the intake manifold. but there are some right behind the mainfold that i think might supply the heater. mine were shot. i was surprized that they even holding water.

it also help to move the filler reservoir(sp) in oder to pull the intake out- but it's not necessary.

[chamaur]

Guys,
I have to do the same with my E34 530i. I know it's a long process. But has anyone documented the process or taken pictures for steps needed to remove the intake manifold?

Thanks
-Jesse-

[chamaur]

Guys,
I have to do the same with my E34 530i. I know it's a long process. But has anyone documented the process or taken pictures for steps needed to remove the intake manifold?

Sorry about the duplicate post.

Thanks
-Jesse-