Driving cross country in need of help Memphis, TN

[henry_philly]

Hello, I'm driving cross country from California to Philadelphia, and I'm in Memphis, TN right now. 100 miles or so ago, I noticed a very subtle oscillating hum at speeds over 65-70mph, over all the other noises the car makes. There's also a vibration over 70mph that I thought was due to road texture, but am thinking that it's something else. More symptoms, there is a vibration accelerating btw 3500-4000 rpm in 4th gear (this is a 4 spd car) and when off the throttle, the speedo needle is jumping like crazy in a 5-10mph range.

I've called several shops here in Memphis and no one works on something this "classic." I have tools, but no jack, so I can't look underneath to check the giubo. I had a mechanic in Washington state check it out before my trip and he said it was ok except for a minor crack in the giubo that was still "ok."

Does anyone know a shop that works on these BMW's in Memphis? If not, is anyone willing to lend a jack and garage space for me to take a look underneath?

Thanks

Henry

[Kpeters]

The speedo jumping sounds unrelated could mean the cable is sticking. As far as the sounds go if you don't clanking/clunking noises or grinding ones or overheating / power loss I wouldn't worry that much. You are in for a long journey though so it's good to be cautious.

Go to a lube center and have them check the gearbox and diff oil level just in case.

[Napes]

If you don't hear from someone on here soon try calling Richard Hall at 901/842-5415 (work) - he's listed in the BMW CCA FRIENDS OF BMW book as having professional expertise, or his home phone is 901/315-9749.

Another possibility from the same book is GaryAulfinger, 901/276-5967 (home) or 901/922-7222 (work). He says he has "good expertise" and tools.

Either of these guys (both of whom are in Memphis) should know of a shop that can help you, or maybe they can be of assistance.

Good luck,

Bob Napier

[Scott Sislane]

Memphis Motor Werks may be worth trying?:

http://www.memphismotorwerks.com/

(901) 757-1009

9063 Macon Road • Cordova, TN 38016

[ahlem]

just in case...

http://www.harborfreight.com/tn/memphis.html

Had a similar problem on a road trip once and it was the viscous clutch on the fan (535i e34)

[DavidLMM]

Second for Memphis Motor Werks - ask for Leo - he's the oldtimer, and one of the better BMW machinists in the country, from what I hear, although he has a lot of resto experience as well. They are in Cordova.

http://www.memphismotorwerks.com/home

Good luck!

David in Nashville

[eastsidebimmer]

Hmmm..perhaps you could just trade it in on one of Esty's extra 02s?

[SteveJ]

No jack? Just find a suitable curb to drive the front left wheel up onto. Should be able to slide underneath to get a peak. The exhaust will be in you way if you try to look from the Right side.

If it's raining, well...

[M3M3]

yikes. in my book there is no such thing as a "minor crack" in a guibo. any crack is the start of failure. check it before getting back on the road.

[henry_philly]

I went and borrowed a jack from an autozone near the Harbor Freight. I wiggled the driveshaft and it was wiggly where the middle is joined by the rubber coupler/mount. There wasn't too much play, <1" side to side, so i went for it, got home fine!

[M3M3]

replace that center bearing asap....