Trying to get an idea of whether these prices are good. Done by a local specialist.
Car: BMW E34 525SE
Inspection Service 2. Including Fully Synthetic oil instead of semi- synth (at my request) , £155+VAT Cambelt change, £133+VAT.
Sounds pretty good to me. PCS in Milton Keynes quote prices from £225 for an Inspection II service. See
Earlier M20 engine?
H reg. Not sure but seem to think its the 24v one.
No cambelt there then! Easy check: If it's got HT leads it's an M20. If it hasn't (at that age) it will be an M50. (luverly camchain in these).
JB
The M20 is 12 valve and has a cambelt. M50 engine is 24 valve and has timing chains and it replaced the M20 engine in about 1991, so an H reg is on the cusp. M50TU dates from '93 on and has VANOS variable valve timing to improve mid-range power.
It's quite easy to tell an M20 from an M50. Apart from the obvious differences at the front of the engine, the M20 has a distributor but the M50 has individual coils located directly at the spark plugs.
Many thanks to both yourself and JB. Its a M20. Definitely dizzy and normal HT leads. I'm glad its such an easy thing to spot.
When they do the 'service', make sure they do the tappets properly. Some independants do seem to have a problem setting that particular design of tappets. I've had 3 cars brought to me this year alone with either too much clearance or more worryingly, too tight a clearance. The cambelt is about an hours work by the way, and do make sure tha they use an OEM or at least a good German pattern or Gates branded belt. There are some £7.50 belts about that I wouldn't hold up my pants with! Check out
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.