Subject: Is this the end? #5 Cylinder 80lbs compression.... Author: 92735i : member since March, 2006 : 551 posts Posted on: 2008-11-13 15:54:28

I had a minor dvvv de de de dvvv at idle that was bugging the hell out of me, so, in my infinite wisdom, and since I've never spared an expense for my baby...I did a major tune up.
- Intake gaskets
- Clean Throttle Body
- Clean Idle control
- REmove and send out injectors
- New plugs, wires, cap, rotor
- New O2 sensor
- New fuel and air filters

Then, idle got worse!!! We did a compression check...and low and behold...#5 is at 50% compression w 80lbs. DANG! I've always used synthetic oil since my first 1000 miles on that odometer.

Changed my tranny fluid every other year, same for coolant, same for brake fluid. Always did everything without regard to cost. Went to the best mechanics I could find, and have a good one now.

But...#5 cylinder!!@@##@@!!!!!

What do I do now? I'm the type of person that is not very patient. When something isnt right I want to fix it now, unfortunately, I dont have $5000 for a rebuild right now. The tranny is original and probably needs rebuild too, no real symptoms but 265,000 mile is pretty high.

Also need paint job, some interior wear spots on driver seats and armrest...you get the picture.

DANG! Opinions please. Keep in mind, It was love at first sight when I saw her at the BMW showroom in Palm Beach Florida 16 years ago!

Original owner 1992 735i Alpine White / Pergament
265,000 miles, all OEM, build date 10/91
VIN# WBAGB4311NDB70369

• Is this the end? #5 Cylinder 80lbs compression.... - 92735i 2008-11-13 15:54:28 (89 views)
  • Do you have Blue SMOKE from your exhaust taileend? - bk62 2008-11-14 19:12:55 (45 views)
    • a very small puff at idle when engine is cold...its rings. (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-17 09:15:45 (35 views)
  • Mechanic did 'wet' and 'dry' compression check...it is the piston ring..DANG!!!! (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-14 12:10:33 (33 views)
    • May I know what type of oil were you using and for how long? (nt) - alv12 2008-11-14 19:30:54 (35 views)
      • 99% of oil changes were done at dealer...synthetic since avail... - 92735i 2008-11-15 11:45:22 (54 views)
        • How can they confirm it's a piston ring and not just a crack in the head gasket? (nt) - cvillebimmer 2008-11-15 17:02:18 (47 views)
          • confirming it's a piston ring - hairywithit 2008-11-15 19:21:03 (43 views)
            • dry compression 80lbs...wet compression 120lbs (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-16 16:42:48 (35 views)
          • My plug was covered in oil and the rings are fine. (pic) - cvillebimmer 2008-11-15 18:17:44 (68 views)
            • did your car idle like a diesel truck? (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-17 09:17:03 (30 views)
              • ha ha! Yes it did. - cvillebimmer 2008-11-17 09:53:33 (41 views)
        • Well see if you can find a good used engine - alv12 2008-11-15 13:18:12 (65 views)
  • Re: Is this the end? #5 Cylinder 80lbs compression.... - htrdbmr 2008-11-13 20:40:38 (47 views)
    • Sent you an email...lets schedule a pickup... (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-16 16:52:55 (25 views)
    • Thank you for such a generous offer, if I need an engine, and yours is good... - 92735i 2008-11-14 09:25:16 (35 views)
      • Re: Thank you for such a generous offer, if I need an engine, and yours is good... - htrdbmr 2008-11-14 10:05:17 (32 views)
  • add very little oil in the plug hole and do a wet compression test - alv12 2008-11-13 19:27:01 (36 views)
    • The spark plug in #5 was a little wet with oil...makes me think piston ring-DANG (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-13 19:29:01 (37 views)
      • Perform a vacum test as well (nt) - alv12 2008-11-13 19:31:20 (32 views)
        • meant leak down test sorry (nt) - alv12 2008-11-13 19:41:59 (33 views)
        • if you hear air from the dipstick it is the rings (nt) - alv12 2008-11-13 19:32:24 (35 views)
  • list of things - with hail mary pass - hairywithit 2008-11-13 16:31:57 (60 views)
    • having mechanic do leakdown...then I'll know where the problem lies. (nt) - 92735i 2008-11-13 16:56:46 (45 views)
      • good luck with it then -- hope its not serious (nt) - hairywithit 2008-11-13 18:46:06 (29 views)