This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 2003 BMW X5 with a bad ignition coil and a 1999 Toyota Camry with a power window problem.
Question: 1999 Toyota Camry
Power window driver side sticks and then works again. Most probable cause and are rebuilt or discounted parts available? What should repair cost?
Thanks, Rickey
Answer:
Cost depends on the cause of the problem. If it goes all the way up and down but is sticky I have found spraying the channel welts with silicone fixes it. If it's because the window regulator is damaged or broken then the window regulator will need to be replaced. The power window regulator runs between $75.00 to $100.00 and about one hour labor. The power window regulator is only available from the dealer. You can probably find a used one in a junkyard but the small difference in price usually isn't worth it. But check your local bone yard anyway and see.
Question:
Hi, My 2003 BMW X5 57,000 miles with the 6 cylinder engine started running like it was hitting on 5 cylinders. My wife took it to Auto Zone for a free diagnosis. They said it was a bad ignition coil one in the back. I see I can order these on line. Are they hard to install? I think they make more than one brand? Maybe you have a part number and a place to order from? Do I have to reset anything after installation?
Thanks for your help,
Jef
Answer:
A new coil from the BMW Dealer is only about $35.00. If you buy it online any money you save will be spent in shipping costs so I would just get it at the dealer. Replacing it is not difficult, basically a matter of removing the ignition coil cover, unplugging the coil and swapping it out.
BMW recalled the E53 (X5) with M54 from with production dates from 09/02 up to 12/04 for the ignition coils. Internal insulation failure of BREMI ignition coils may cause reduced ignition firing power, or ignition coils failure. The customer may complain of erratic engine performance and the "Service Engine Soon" light illumination. So before I spend any money on it take it to your BMW Dealer and let them inspect and replace them for you.
That's all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
