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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Sir Tigger KC on 02 January 2019, 21:57:17

Title: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 02 January 2019, 21:57:17
Well it seems Lord Opti's prophecy of my Beemer heading for the cubing machine wasn't too wide of the mark!  :(

I just nipped into town for some veg for my tea and on the way back I lost all power.  I managed to freewheel into a car park and luckily into a space.

It seems the gear box has given up the ghost as nothing happens in drive, or reverse and it makes a horrible crunching noise when I try to put it in park.

I've had it recovered home now, but the future dosn't look good for my poor old girl!  :'(

Maybe Lord Opti put a hex on it?  ::)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 02 January 2019, 22:07:17
I still occasionally miss mine :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Nick W on 02 January 2019, 22:12:22
I still occasionally miss mine :-\


I don't.


Although I found myself looking at 320 estates the other day until sense set back in.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 02 January 2019, 22:20:24
Well it seems Lord Opti's prophecy of my Beemer heading for the cubing machine wasn't too wide of the mark!  :(

I just nipped into town for some veg for my tea and on the way back I lost all power.  I managed to freewheel into a car park and luckily into a space.

It seems the gear box has given up the ghost as nothing happens in drive, or reverse and it makes a horrible crunching noise when I try to put it in park.

I've had it recovered home now, but the future dosn't look good for my poor old girl!  :'(

Maybe Lord Opti put a hex on it?  ::)
Gearbox or a drive shaft?
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 02 January 2019, 22:25:33
I assume it's the gearbox, given the nasty noise when I try and put it in park.  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 02 January 2019, 22:41:40
A couple of hundred quid and a day spannering and swearing should sort that.  :)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Kevin Wood on 02 January 2019, 22:56:35
I assume it's the gearbox, given the nasty noise when I try and put it in park.  :-\

My guess is that the propshaft is spinning due to a loss of drive further back and putting it into park is trying to lock the spinning shaft with a pawl hence the noise.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 02 January 2019, 23:01:20
Just a diff change then ?  :'(
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: VXL V6 on 02 January 2019, 23:23:58
Just a diff change then ?  :'(
Tie wraps should be fine.  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Nick W on 02 January 2019, 23:27:12
A couple of hundred quid and a day spannering and swearing should sort that.  :)


For a BMW gearbox? They're a common failure and consequently sought after. Which bumps up the price. And that sort of job on a BMW requires a lot of inventive swearing!


Nobody makes better automatic transmissions than GM, which is why all the small scale, high-end manufacturers used them.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: aaronjb on 03 January 2019, 08:50:46
Nobody makes better automatic transmissions than GM, which is why all the small scale, high-end manufacturers used them.

I don't think the Americans are quite so fond of GM automatics - I've heard the Corvette box (4L60E) described as "made of chocolate" and "good for nothing" over the other side of the pond..

..then again, they're still quite fond of their 3-speed Torqueflights, so.. ;D

P.S. Tig, did you check the road for signs of bits of gearbox left behind? ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 January 2019, 09:53:30
Yes, no debris or fluids on the road and there were no funny noises or juddering etc either.  I just suddenly lost power.  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 03 January 2019, 11:01:50
Fear not, Sir Tig.

The old dowager may rise 'phoenix like' once again with no more than a squirt of WD40.

However, if she is well and truly 'Donald ducked' she should be worth a few bob in scrap.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: aaronjb on 03 January 2019, 11:12:53
I was just browsing Autotrader, pondering what will/can/should replace the Skoda (something cheaper, but reasonably fun, an estate, large-ish and if it could tow 3.5T that would be a bonus .. ;D) and spotted an E39 Estate with LPG..

..then I remembered this thread, and quickly moved on ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 03 January 2019, 11:52:50
I was just browsing Autotrader, pondering what will/can/should replace the Skoda (something cheaper, but reasonably fun, an estate, large-ish and if it could tow 3.5T that would be a bonus .. ;D) and spotted an E39 Estate with LPG..

..then I remembered this thread, and quickly moved on ;D
You can be quite cruel at times, Aaron.  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 03 January 2019, 14:10:38
Sir Tigger will be quids in.

Those old Germans weigh roughly the same as an ocean going liner.........so think of the scrap value.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 January 2019, 14:38:13
You will struggle to find an estate car to tow 3.5t though... 2.1t is about the physical limit... Any more and you're into larger SUV territory... Merc ML/Range Rooney Sport etc ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 January 2019, 15:11:53
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 03 January 2019, 15:14:55
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 03 January 2019, 15:27:39
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.

Don't tell him that. Tell him it's well and truly f*ucked so that  another baby polar bear may live.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: dave the builder on 03 January 2019, 15:54:31
might even be just the propshaft coupling donut
(which is the same part as omega on some BMW s)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 03 January 2019, 16:02:45
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.

Don't tell him that. Tell him it's well and truly f*ucked so that  another baby polar bear may live.
I've got a feeling it will live.  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 03 January 2019, 16:20:37
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.

Don't tell him that. Tell him it's well and truly f*ucked so that  another baby polar bear may live.
I've got a feeling it will live.  ;D

......if so how many polar bears and little black babies must die.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: dave the builder on 03 January 2019, 16:20:52

I've got a feeling it will live.  ;D
the jolly fryer wagon or the baby polar bear ?
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 03 January 2019, 16:23:00
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.

Don't tell him that. Tell him it's well and truly f*ucked so that  another baby polar bear may live.
I've got a feeling it will live.  ;D

......if so how many polar bears and little black babies must die.
Says the man who is considering adding another 2.9 litres to the 5 litres, 2.8 litres and 1.2 litres he already has.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 03 January 2019, 16:26:09
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.

Don't tell him that. Tell him it's well and truly f*ucked so that  another baby polar bear may live.
I've got a feeling it will live.  ;D

......if so how many polar bears and little black babies must die.
Says the man who is considering adding another 2.9 litres to the 5 litres, 2.8 litres and 1.2 litres he already has.

Ah...but they are all petrol driven and petrol is like mountain air.

Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: aaronjb on 03 January 2019, 16:27:59
You will struggle to find an estate car to tow 3.5t though... 2.1t is about the physical limit... Any more and you're into larger SUV territory... Merc ML/Range Rooney Sport etc ;)

Aye, that's why that one is more of a pipe-dream :) I'd love a RR Sport, but one with the right engine (petrol) would bankrupt me in running and "servicing" costs, I'm sure, not to mention be expensive to buy.. I keep eyeing up the Ford Rangers, but really should just buy something cheap & cheerful like a Scoobaru Legacy with the H6 engine (not a diesel as Guffers we all know how that will end)..
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 03 January 2019, 16:28:14
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\
So it's the diff or a half shaft, at the joint or even snapped. Getting less expensive.

Don't tell him that. Tell him it's well and truly f*ucked so that  another baby polar bear may live.
I've got a feeling it will live.  ;D

......if so how many polar bears and little black babies must die.
Says the man who is considering adding another 2.9 litres to the 5 litres, 2.8 litres and 1.2 litres he already has.

Ah...but they are all petrol driven and petrol is like mountain air.
Oh yes, silly me  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: YZ250 on 03 January 2019, 17:22:55
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\

Probably best to jack up the rear so that the wheels are hanging in the air. You may be able to see/influence movement on the halfshaft drive flange while it's hanging at its extreme to see if it has 'popped out'. I have heard of bmw halfshafts popping out on e38's so it may well have been an issue on e39's as well.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Entwood on 03 January 2019, 17:37:21
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\

Probably best to jack up the rear so that the wheels are hanging in the air. You may be able to see/influence movement on the halfshaft drive flange while it's hanging at its extreme to see if it has 'popped out'. I have heard of bmw halfshafts popping out on e38's so it may well have been an issue on e39's as well.

When I did this to check the Omega diff I found it best to also jack the rear wheels up a bit by a bottle jack under each shock absorber so that the drive shafts were in a more"normal" alignement. It was then very easy to confirm that it was the diff that was noisy and not overstressed UJs on the half shafts  :)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: YZ250 on 03 January 2019, 18:37:04
Well prize of the day goes to Mr Kevin Wood and Uncle STEMO for questioning whether it's a gearbox fault.  :y

I had a look under whilst it was in gear, both forward and reverse, and the prop is spinning both ways.

But what does that mean?  ???  It's lost a connection at the diff?  :-\

Probably best to jack up the rear so that the wheels are hanging in the air. You may be able to see/influence movement on the halfshaft drive flange while it's hanging at its extreme to see if it has 'popped out'. I have heard of bmw halfshafts popping out on e38's so it may well have been an issue on e39's as well.

When I did this to check the Omega diff I found it best to also jack the rear wheels up a bit by a bottle jack under each shock absorber so that the drive shafts were in a more"normal" alignement. It was then very easy to confirm that it was the diff that was noisy and not overstressed UJs on the half shafts  :)

The 'wheels hanging' was not intended for actually running the car, it's to see how much the drive pinion shaft can move away from the diff at its most extreme travel. I should have made that clearer to avoid confusion. I'd agree that a leveller condition would be more suitable if replicating running conditions.  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: henryd on 03 January 2019, 18:42:01
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 03 January 2019, 18:46:45
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 January 2019, 18:59:12
The problem I have now is that its not in a safe place to jack and support it properly, as when we rolled it off the back of the truck last night, it ended up half on the tarmac and half on a gravelled area and that's where I abandoned it assuming it was dead!  :D

I jacked it this afternoon and it started to shift on the gravel as it's on a slope....   ::)

So I'll have to pull it out onto the tarmac which will be a job for another day.  :y

Thanks for the tips and advice.  :)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: TheBoy on 03 January 2019, 19:01:14
The problem I have now is that its not in a safe place to jack and support it properly, as when we rolled it off the back of the truck last night, it ended up half on the tarmac and half on a gravelled area and that's where I abandoned it assuming it was dead!  :D

I jacked it this afternoon and it started to shift on the gravel as it's on a slope....   ::)

So I'll have to pull it out onto the tarmac which will be a job for another day.  :y

Thanks for the tips and advice.  :)
Does that translate into "its too bloody cold"?
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 January 2019, 19:06:05
The problem I have now is that its not in a safe place to jack and support it properly, as when we rolled it off the back of the truck last night, it ended up half on the tarmac and half on a gravelled area and that's where I abandoned it assuming it was dead!  :D

I jacked it this afternoon and it started to shift on the gravel as it's on a slope....   ::)

So I'll have to pull it out onto the tarmac which will be a job for another day.  :y

Thanks for the tips and advice.  :)
Does that translate into "its too bloody cold"?

See your flakey thread!  :)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 January 2019, 19:14:58
Unlikely to have popped out... Six bolts on the diff end and a 38mm nut on the other... Se my historical post about how well a rear wheel bearing swap went on my 525i ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: YZ250 on 03 January 2019, 19:36:21
Unlikely to have popped out... Six bolts on the diff end and a 38mm nut on the other... Se my historical post about how well a rear wheel bearing swap went on my 525i ;D

I was thinking more behind that 6 bolt join Al. Diff Stub pinion flange to CV, or whatever it's called. I remember reading about this on the bimmerforum and just had a quick google now. Quite a few cases so worth a look in that direction, although you have first hand experience of that vehicle whereas I don't.  :y

 
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 January 2019, 19:57:54
Abs/gearbox electrickery prevented any further calamaties ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 03 January 2019, 20:07:01
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.

He'll be sleeping off a flagon of Darzett's best scrumpy.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 January 2019, 23:06:14
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.

He'll be sleeping off a flagon of Darzett's best scrumpy.

Dry January.  ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 03 January 2019, 23:28:15
Wozzatthen ???

That resolution went straight out of the window on NYE... Finally called time at 1 am ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 January 2019, 00:11:14
Wozzatthen ???

That resolution went straight out of the window on NYE... Finally called time at 1 am ;D

Worst month on the calendar and some masochists try and tackle it without alcohol. ::)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 04 January 2019, 01:03:52
Wozzatthen ???

That resolution went straight out of the window on NYE... Finally called time at 1 am ;D

Worst month on the calendar and some masochists try and tackle it without alcohol. ::)

Nah it's the best month on the calendar as we don't have to think about Christmas for another 8 months!  ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 January 2019, 09:24:39
Wozzatthen ???

That resolution went straight out of the window on NYE... Finally called time at 1 am ;D

Worst month on the calendar and some masochists try and tackle it without alcohol. ::)

Nah it's the best month on the calendar as we don't have to think about Christmas for another 8 months!  ;)
I manage to avoid thinking about it at Christmas, on the whole. :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: TheBoy on 04 January 2019, 11:44:56
Wozzatthen ???

That resolution went straight out of the window on NYE... Finally called time at 1 am ;D

Worst month on the calendar and some masochists try and tackle it without alcohol. ::)
I've been dry since before Xmas.  That must be a new record.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 04 January 2019, 11:50:11
Wozzatthen ???

That resolution went straight out of the window on NYE... Finally called time at 1 am ;D

Worst month on the calendar and some masochists try and tackle it without alcohol. ::)
I've been dry since before Xmas.  That must be a new record.


Commendable ....but dull.

Shami will think more highly of you though.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: tunnie on 04 January 2019, 21:58:21
We are averaging a bottle of wine a night.  :o
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Kevin Wood on 04 January 2019, 22:01:13
The Oatmeal Stout that I bought from the village brewery at Christmas still appears to be in excellent condition*.



*- yes, I know. CBA to home brew at the moment. :(
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: TheBoy on 05 January 2019, 09:37:58
The Oatmeal Stout that I bought from the village brewery at Christmas still appears to be in excellent condition*.



*- yes, I know. CBA to home brew at the moment. :(
Sometimes you have to sample "professional" stuff to make sure yours is up to snuf
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: TheBoy on 05 January 2019, 09:38:41
We are averaging a bottle of wine a night.  :o
Bit of a ladies tipple, tunnie.  Something you need to tell us?
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 05 January 2019, 16:31:10
We are averaging a bottle of wine a night.  :o
Bit of a ladies tipple, tunnie.  Something you need to tell us?
He has finally become middle class  :D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 05 January 2019, 16:41:15
We are averaging a bottle of wine a night.  :o
Bit of a ladies tipple, tunnie.  Something you need to tell us?
He has finally become a middle class alcoholic!  :D

 :-X  ::)  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 05 January 2019, 17:00:17
If the cap fits...
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 06 January 2019, 16:58:41
I've been dry since before Xmas.  That must be a new record.

Mrs TB must be so proud and so much less bedding for her to wash
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 17:22:35
(https://i.postimg.cc/fTswvtW0/IMAG0214.jpg)

This is my dislocated nearside driveshaft, which hopefully is the culprit!  :)

As you can see it's pulled out of the diff about 50mm and I can't shift it so the local garage are picking it up in the morning. Fingers crossed they can sort it for a reasonable price.  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Viral_Jim on 09 January 2019, 17:35:22
Not so terminal after all then  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 17:50:03
Not so terminal after all then  :y

Fingers crossed Jimmy!  :)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 18:22:05
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Yay!
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 18:29:33
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Yay!  :)

You forgot the smilie!  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 18:39:30
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Yay!  :)

You forgot the smilie!  :y
A smiley might have made me look smug.  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 18:46:55
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Yay!  :)

You forgot the smilie!  :y
A smiley might have made me look smug.  ;D

You smug Uncle STEMO?  ???  Nah!  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 January 2019, 18:49:07
Not wanting to piss on the parade, but isn't the bit that's popped out connected to the drive shaft end by six bolts?

I suspect that the parts bill will include a new diff, two drive shafts, two hub flanges and a new swear jar... :-\

There's a decent BMW breakers over in Essex...

www.bmwspares.co.uk  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 18:49:20
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Yay!  :)

You forgot the smilie!  :y
A smiley might have made me look smug.  ;D

You smug Uncle STEMO?  ???  Nah!  ;D
Do I detect a hint of sarcasm there?
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 January 2019, 18:56:13
Most likely a driveshaft joint stripped its splines,Beemer diffs are quite tough stuff normally  :y
I think you'd hear/feel that happening, Henry. Tigger said he lost power and didn't mention any nasty noises. It's more likely it's just popped out, I think.
But.....until the lazy bastard has a look and let's us know, it's only guesswork.
Yay!  :)

You forgot the smilie!  :y
A smiley might have made me look smug.  ;D

You smug Uncle STEMO?  ???  Nah!  ;D
Do I detect a hint of sarcasm there?
Surely a given ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 18:56:39
Not wanting to piss on the parade, but isn't the bit that's popped out connected to the drive shaft end by six bolts?

I suspect that the parts bill will include a new diff, two drive shafts, two hub flanges and a new swear jar... :-\

There's a decent BMW breakers over in Essex...

www.bmwspares.co.uk  :y
The spline May have popped out, like this chap does with his little hammer
https://youtu.be/T43vjZeBtOA
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 January 2019, 19:11:54
Quite possibly... although a more pertinent question would be how/why it's popped out :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 20:47:25
I'm thinking that there must be a circlip of some sort that holds it in and has come adrift.  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: YZ250 on 09 January 2019, 21:14:12
Quite possibly... although a more pertinent question would be how/why it's popped out :-\

There is a c-clip on the spline spigot stub that goes in to the diff. It is designed to retain the stub in a groove in the diff but is not designed for being pulled against with force. Baggy/worn suspension/worn rear subframe, that allows too much travel sideways is one of the causes. The c-clip alone will struggle to hold the stub in if sideways movement is present in the suspension. They even do a spacer that goes between the stub flange and the half shaft (6 bolt fixing that Al referred to) to try to minimise sideways movement but I believe this to be for the bimmer guys that run with high degree negative camber. Another theory is that as the spline/diff teeth wear they act like a vortex and spit the stub out.  :-\

Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 21:24:03
Now we're getting somewhere  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 22:00:15
Yes and I was pulling a hard U-turn when I lost power!  ::)  ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Viral_Jim on 09 January 2019, 22:02:14
Well, if you will be rough with it! ::)

 ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 22:06:10
Yes and I was pulling a hard U-turn when I lost power!  ::)  ;)
Don't mention pulling anything hard. There are people on here who make rude comments about stuff like that.  ;D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: STEMO on 09 January 2019, 22:13:28
As Columbo would say 'Just one more thing'.
The guy in the vid I posted didn't seem to remove any C clip before he podged the stub axle out.  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 January 2019, 22:23:10
Yes and I was pulling a hard U-turn when I lost power!  ::)  ;)
Have you had the wheel bearing on that side replaced?

Wonder if the wrong bearing was fitted and has allowed the shaft to move :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: YZ250 on 09 January 2019, 22:26:28
As Columbo would say 'Just one more thing'.
The guy in the vid I posted didn't seem to remove any C clip before he podged the stub axle out.  :-\

It's not removable in the traditional way. It sits in a groove on the spline shaft. You have to guide it in to the diff and it springs out a bit when it meets the groove in the diff. That's why it won't take too much of a sideways force.
You will note that in the video you posted the guy taps the stub out with a hammer. This has the same effect as forcing it sideways when on the car. You tap the stub out with the c-clip still attached to it. *  :y

* Edit:
Looking at the video you posted it would appear that the clip stayed in the diff groove, not as I suggested. Perhaps you guide the stub through the clip, but it should hopefully give you an idea of what I mean.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 09 January 2019, 22:32:44
Yes and I was pulling a hard U-turn when I lost power!  ::)  ;)
Have you had the wheel bearing on that side replaced?

Wonder if the wrong bearing was fitted and has allowed the shaft to move :-\

Nope.  :)

Thinking about my U-turn when I lost power.  I was turning right, so any pressure on the nearside driveshaft would have been inwards rather than outwards?  ???  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 January 2019, 22:47:33
Internal diff issue then :-\

Find out soon enough ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 10 January 2019, 17:18:11
The old girl lives!!  :y :y :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: YZ250 on 10 January 2019, 17:21:27
The old girl lives!!  :y :y :y

Good news.  :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 January 2019, 17:44:45
The old girl lives!!  :y :y :y
What was it?
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 10 January 2019, 17:46:38
Saved from being cubed. :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 10 January 2019, 18:21:44
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 January 2019, 18:39:47
You can get poly bushes for most of the suspension on those, so might be worth collecting bits ready for the summer ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: terry paget on 10 January 2019, 20:08:37
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
I presume the BMW rear end is similar to the Omega's. Is it unknown for an Omega drive shaft to pop out of the diff? I can imagine a stiff spline, a worn circlip, a violent manoeuvre, might cause that.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: TheBoy on 10 January 2019, 20:14:16
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
I presume the BMW rear end is similar to the Omega's. Is it unknown for an Omega drive shaft to pop out of the diff? I can imagine a stiff spline, a worn circlip, a violent manoeuvre, might cause that.
I've never known an Omega one to pop out, no matter how sideways it was going...
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 January 2019, 21:15:21
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
I presume the BMW rear end is similar to the Omega's. Is it unknown for an Omega drive shaft to pop out of the diff? I can imagine a stiff spline, a worn circlip, a violent manoeuvre, might cause that.
You presume wrong. The E39 has a multilink arrangement with McPherson struts which keeps the wheels perpendicular to the road regardless of how the car is being driven. The drive shaft bolts through the hub and to a flange which is apparently simply slotted into the diff.

Omega drive shafts don't take too much persuasion to pop out, but the geometry of the trailing arm design makes it impossible to remove them from the diff without first disconnecting them from the hub. 

I suspect this problem was caused by worn cv joints on the drive shaft allowing too much movement along the shaft, a tired spring clip allowed it to pop out under its own weight during the tight, aggressive turn. Imagine holding a baton lightly in your hand and in line with your outstretched arm and the suddenly spinning on the spot... The baton will fly out of your hand before you've done a full circle. ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 10 January 2019, 21:37:19
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
I presume the BMW rear end is similar to the Omega's. Is it unknown for an Omega drive shaft to pop out of the diff? I can imagine a stiff spline, a worn circlip, a violent manoeuvre, might cause that.
You presume wrong. The E39 has a multilink arrangement with McPherson struts which keeps the wheels perpendicular to the road regardless of how the car is being driven. The drive shaft bolts through the hub and to a flange which is apparently simply slotted into the diff.

Omega drive shafts don't take too much persuasion to pop out, but the geometry of the trailing arm design makes it impossible to remove them from the diff without first disconnecting them from the hub. 

I suspect this problem was caused by worn cv joints on the drive shaft allowing too much movement along the shaft, a tired spring clip allowed it to pop out under its own weight during the tight, aggressive turn. Imagine holding a baton lightly in your hand and in line with your outstretched arm and the suddenly spinning on the spot... The baton will fly out of your hand before you've done a full circle. ;)

Especially with a bit of grease smeared on your hand.  ;)
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: terry paget on 10 January 2019, 22:26:06
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
I presume the BMW rear end is similar to the Omega's. Is it unknown for an Omega drive shaft to pop out of the diff? I can imagine a stiff spline, a worn circlip, a violent manoeuvre, might cause that.
You presume wrong. The E39 has a multilink arrangement with McPherson struts which keeps the wheels perpendicular to the road regardless of how the car is being driven. The drive shaft bolts through the hub and to a flange which is apparently simply slotted into the diff.

Omega drive shafts don't take too much persuasion to pop out, but the geometry of the trailing arm design makes it impossible to remove them from the diff without first disconnecting them from the hub. 

I suspect this problem was caused by worn cv joints on the drive shaft allowing too much movement along the shaft, a tired spring clip allowed it to pop out under its own weight during the tight, aggressive turn. Imagine holding a baton lightly in your hand and in line with your outstretched arm and the suddenly spinning on the spot... The baton will fly out of your hand before you've done a full circle. ;)
Thank you. I stand corrected. The Omega haft shafts always seemed secure to me, and impossible to remove without first removing them from the hubs. I am surprised on BMWs it is possible. I expect BMW is surprised too.
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 January 2019, 22:32:07
Summats worn out... not usually possible as the flange must need to pull out a good inch or so in order to exit the diff gear enough to slip on the chamfer at the end of the shaft. Certainly abnormal behaviour. :y
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: TheBoy on 11 January 2019, 16:50:17
Summats worn out... not usually possible as the flange must need to pull out a good inch or so in order to exit the diff gear enough to slip on the chamfer at the end of the shaft. Certainly abnormal behaviour. :y
But surprisingly common fault on beemers…
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 11 January 2019, 17:34:31
The nearside driveshaft had popped out of the diff and they 'popped' it back in.  Without a full strip down we don't know why it came out and apparently they had a hell of a job to get it back in and are scratching their heads as to how it came out.  :-\

I'm going to use it locally and keep an eye on it, but to be honest I think it needs new rear shocks, bearings, bushes and definitely tyres.  Then the front end needs sorting out and I havn't the time to fiddle about at the mo, so it's decision time!  ::)

Maybe I'll SORN it for a bit, keep it for a project car and get another cheapie workhorse estate.  :-\
I presume the BMW rear end is similar to the Omega's. Is it unknown for an Omega drive shaft to pop out of the diff? I can imagine a stiff spline, a worn circlip, a violent manoeuvre, might cause that.
You presume wrong. The E39 has a multilink arrangement with McPherson struts which keeps the wheels perpendicular to the road regardless of how the car is being driven. The drive shaft bolts through the hub and to a flange which is apparently simply slotted into the diff.

Omega drive shafts don't take too much persuasion to pop out, but the geometry of the trailing arm design makes it impossible to remove them from the diff without first disconnecting them from the hub. 

I suspect this problem was caused by worn cv joints on the drive shaft allowing too much movement along the shaft, a tired spring clip allowed it to pop out under its own weight during the tight, aggressive turn. Imagine holding a baton lightly in your hand and in line with your outstretched arm and the suddenly spinning on the spot... The baton will fly out of your hand before you've done a full circle. ;)
Thank you. I stand corrected. The Omega haft shafts always seemed secure to me, and impossible to remove without first removing them from the hubs. I am surprised on BMWs it is possible. I expect BMW is surprised too.

Not half as surprised as this BMW driver!  ::)  ;D

I mean I was even using the indicators at the time as well!  :D
Title: Re: Dead Beemer!
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 11 January 2019, 17:39:50
Well, at least you have finally admitted the cause...  :P