Let the wrenching begin!

So I drove to work for a couple of weeks and noticed the following things:

• Huge power pocket at about 2200 - 2500 rpm
• Jerking drive at around same rpm range, but only when cold. (Power pocket remains even when warm)
• Feels like the engine could generate a bit more power
• Lousy fuel economy (13 mpg!!! That's worse than my 5.7L V8 Camaro used to get!!)

One day I figured I'd check the oil level, which was fine.  Opened up the oil filler cap to take a look inside...  Oh-oh!  Slush syndrome!!  Great!  busted head gasket (probably), that's just what I needed...

Also noticed that the engine temperature keeps rising when in stop-and-go traffic, I suspect (haven't checked yet) that the auxillary cooling fan is not working.

Liesel arrives

The advent of Liesel

My first BMW ever. I bought her off a Brian Lasiter in Fontana, CA on October 2nd, 2004. The paint was in pretty good shape (read: the clear-coat wasn't oxidized) but other than that, quite a beater.

Price paid: $2000.-

A few more pictures, some show the defects she came with...
Lower lip with chipping paint

Cracked fog light, driver's side

Broken antenna mast

Engine bay, driver's side

Engine bay, passenger side

List of broken stuff:

• Cracks on the dashboard


• Motor antenna mast broken


• Musty smell inside


• Panel cover under steering wheel broken


• Small hole in the carpet on passenger side


• Reversing lights inoperable


• Left fog light lens cracked


• "Wanders" slightly during driving


• Sunroof handle falls off


• Sunroof grinds when opening (flip works fine)


• One (of two) interior ceiling lights inoperable


• Driver's side wiper blade doesn't lock into wiper arm


• Exhaust rattles


• Catalytic converter heat shield missing bottom half (it IS in the trunk! :-) )


• Low coolant light is on


• Shifter completely without feeling

That was just off the top! Still, I wanted a tinker car and I got one! At least all of the drivetrain is mostly dry, no pesky leaks (other than the "usual" seepage around the oil pan and bottom of the transmission. The car also seems to be pretty much rust-free.