Re: lifters, brakes and dash lights questions (archive)

I have a 79 528i 4 spd that sat for about a year. Engine sounds great except for clack-clack-clack. New to BMWs so i was told it is lifters/valves that simply need to be adjusted. Advice? Shadetree mechanic work?
Adjusting valve clearance is within the capability of home mechanic. All you need is feeler gage, one wrench, bent rod (I use allen wrench). A manual like Haynes will show how.

Also, whoosh as i push brake pedal. Power booster shot or just bad master cylinder- been told both. Ok, what is that big yellow pushbutton on the dash? The owner told me it was the rocket accelarator . No, just womdering what it is. Once it lit up but usually nothing.
Push the button and see what it does--just make sure to fasten your seat belt first. ;-) Seriously, if you mean just to the right of the steering column, there's a big button for 4-way flasher (mine is red), then a button for fog lights (mine is black, with little yellow light in the middle).

And speaking of lights on the dash. I have none! Except for a faint glow from the batt light. I have absolutely no speedo, etc illumination. Advice?
Kind of a PITA. you need to remove the instrument cluster. Start with the panel below the dash. Then you can reach up above the steering column where there's a knurled knob that holds the instrument cluster by a cable on the back.

Thanks fellow beemers!

Welcome aboard. Start by getting yourself a manual.

karl

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