Shudder and Oil Press Sensor Fixed. (archive)

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I recently posted a few questions regarding shudder on my 1990 735 il at pull-away from a stop and minor oil leak. Now I have news for you E-32 lovers.

I took the car to the BMW repair shop (not the stealer) last Thursday to fixed the shudder after I got some thoughts from Philly Bob, Q, and George Mann amongst others. It actually turned out that the drivedshaft need repairs (u-joint, centre bearing). They had to drop the exhaust system to reach the driveshaft. Since my Oil Press Sensor indicator (dashboard) was popping up every now and again, I decided to replace the sensor (around $ 8.00 at partsbin.com) at the same time as well.

However, with my kind of luck, two bolts broke on the manifold while taking the exhaust out. He said it's a very difficult place to drill (to either get the bolts out or to do something unkown to me). So I was calm about it. It could have happened to me. He calls back an hour later at work to say that I should come down and take a look. I am equally busy as him and I don't have time to come down. If not, I am busier that a hooker working two beds. Just do the damn job. And I have seen my car anyway, I don't need to see it again!

He then drops the bad news. The Oil Press Sensor trace back to a minor oil leak near the six cylinder. Yes, Philly Bob, my car was consuming a little too much oil as you mentioned. About a litre for every 400-500 kms. Now he finds out that the head gasket is on the way to be replaced. Since we are there already, might as well change it (223,000 kms on the car). Beside this will make it easier from him to take the broken bolts out.

Damage: $ 1500 Cdn for repairs. I don't know yet why I keep on spending money on that car. I guess I just love it. Despite being in the shop for a driveshaft repair and minor oil leak fix, coupled with a BIG repair bill, my sparkling red wine, lowered, E-32 put all the Audi's and the Merc's in that shop to shame. It just stands out with this wide and long body, lowered a few inches with Eibach suspension. I guess it just a love thing for me with the E-32.

Thanks to you all for the info on Oil Press Sensor (million thanks to Gale for the picture), and shudder (you Philly-man...I mean Bob). Till I get the car this Wednesday, I'll be riding the sky-train and bus. But man it sucks coming from an E-32 to public system! I will make my official entry to the board with pictures soon as well.

Careful you out there with shudder and minor oil leak. Get it fixed soon. Hope this help others.

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