I suspect amongst some viewers my latest purchase will go down about as well as a bucket of cold vomit. I've actually debated whether or not to post any photos of this, but thought what the heck. We're all car enthusiasts after all...
Anyway, my latest acquisition. Wait for it, a BMW 530i Touring, 'E34' shape. It's a manual transmission car and has such luxuries as a trip computer, air con and electric windows. All working too.
There is a story behind me getting it, which I won't bore you with here but suffice to say this was an unexpected arrival and one that was too good not to buy. It was so reasonable I had to get it, as it were...!
Anyway, enough waffle. Pictures. Some viewers may want to look away now. I suggest you press "back" now if you are of a squeamish disposition relating to BMWs
Whilst it isn't bad at all it isn't perfect. There are the odd things that need doing to it but I'll get these addressed as and when.
The plan originally was to use this thing throughout the depths of winter, primarily to save putting the other cars through the salty season. Yes, I know that a rear wheel drive car is not ideal for snow...
Since purchase, I've done a thousand miles or so in it, and today spent a happy afternoon shall we say, 'stretching the legs' of the Beemer with Vard. It's most definitely fit for purpose for the plans we have for it. If you catch my DRIFT...
Here it is, looking somewhat agricultural earlier.
After that picture was taken, we popped over to see Dan, who very kindly supplied us with a new expansion tank cap. By this time, we'd noticed that the engine bay hoses were starting to be a little hard. Not a good sign.
After saying farewells, Vard started up the BM, and I suddenly noticed steam appear. Not good.
At first sight it appeared that a hose had popped off the water pump. With kind help from Dan we tried to get it sorted, however it soon became apparent that water pump housing where the hose fits onto had sheared. Great.
It also became alarming to note that the coolant that was emerging was very oily. That'll be why it was over-pressurising then. Headgasket(s). Nice.
It's now been recovered back to Vard's, and is now a non-runner. So from Hero to Zero in five minutes. But at least the strange issues I'd been experiencing are now explained.
Options to move forward:
1) SCRAP IT (my preferred option).
2) Repair.
3) Bin the M60 engine and fit either a 4.0 or 4.4 M62.
4) SCRAP IT.
It's clear that Rover HGF was one of BMW's presents...
Currently now considering options. Vorsprung Durch Technik etc.
Yes, I know I should have got a straight six.
