Every time I see a 5 series of that era (like that 540 Sport) I think "Man, BMW used to make some seriously good looking cars!" Emphasis on used to. Holy cow their current lineup is horrendous.
I love how Johnny says "it's easy", then proceeds to disassemble half the engine on something as simple as a dang PCV valve, something that takes less than 5 minutes on a lot of cars.... Where's the superior engineering in one that's buried that far in the engine?
That’s an Audi for you. And before anyone cries fowl, I’ve owned 4 of them MY02 - MY09. My last one had the same exact engine. The PCV valve is the least of the headaches. The rear facing timing chain/covers is by far one of the dumber designs I’ve come across. Even my W212 E63 doesn’t have that.
I remember changing the PCV valve on my Suzuki Swift GT, it was very difficult. Unclip pull off old one. Put new one in, clip. I would have included open hood and close Hood but I figured that was pretty obvious
German cars are over engineered and stupidly complex. That's why they are unreliable and overpriced. Only good for leasing. I've owned VW/Audi and BMWs in the past. They drive and look really nice though.
That is WAY to much work for a PCV valve. Yikes. I enjoy a German car until it's time to work on them. Then it's 400 steps to remove something simple that should be a easy Maintenace item.
It's amazing the how some BMW motors are a pain to work on and some are easy. Always enjoy you working on the cars and SUV's....Congrats on over 100,000 subscribers.
Always a pleasure to watch you work on these tricky vehicles. Makes me appreciate simpler engines. But people want max power, efficiency and the gov't rules on emissions combine to create these complex engines.
So complicated! Try this on a Subaru FB engine sometime. Including opening the door to pop the hood and opening the box for the new PCV, I was done in 12 minutes. Now that I know exactly how its done, next time will take me 4 minutes.
Thanks for posting again. Great info here. AND I love my '01 E39 540i 6 speed M Sport too. Only 50k after 22 years! Only driven to church & back by this Old Jarhead in WNC (when it's not raining) Never has seen snow.
Watching this show is why I'll never buy another BMW. Of the three German brands, it seems as if Audi/VW have issues related to normal wear/tear , mileage with a straightforward fix. All are expensive, but BMW and Merc seems to have all these weird strange issues or failures at only 5 or 6 years and 60K miles long before they should have worn out.
This made me miss my 2012 Q7….it was a GREAT car, except for the oil consumption. At 130k i was going through a quart every 1000 miles or so. It had no evidence of burning or leaking at all but it was persistent. I even changed to the new style PCV valve but it didn’t help. It ran great and never gave me a moments problem. I got a 2021 SQ8 and so far it gets BETTER fuel mileage than the Q7, is 4 times more powerful and a delight to drive.
Johnny, you say the m62 is the best v8, i have the n62 550i with 301,000 miles, valve seals were done under warranty years ago, but other than "regular maintenance and parts" what else should i do preventative? Never did timing chain or guides, but heard this isn't a problem on this platform
Wife watching over my shoulder… and says “why does he not just take it to the proper garage and get it fixed properly?”. It’s early evening here in the UK. I’m away to bed to reflect on some of the life mistakes I have made and maybe get some rest. 👍🏻
Always look forward to your uploads. What a quick and easy job to replace the water pump on the 5 series 540i. Looking forward to the Q7 running again.
Great video, Jonny. Believe or not, the first time I have ever worked on this engine, I made the same mistake. Engine light on , No cruise control. I was so confident, but I still checked over again. That intake flap is quite tricky.
From just the back end, looks like a '78/'79 Buick Regal in Carmel Firemist. I had a '79 Buick Regal Limited in Medium Green with 1/2 Landau White Top & Green interior while in HS.
The best Audi’s are the ones with the new 2.0t that is shared with the GTI-GLI-Tiguan-Porsche Macan The EA888.3 is a very cheap motor to maintain and very reliable, I believe any Audi A3-4-5 and Q3-5 has it I’m at 125k with my 2.0t modified.
I owned a 2008 A6. I loved that car. It was maintained by dealership. Did every recommend service. Most comfortable car I ever drove. I’ve owned every typical high end car. At 145k miles, got in car would not start. No warning. No leaks, never had a leak, battery was changed recently, nothing. Took it to dealership and they told me not to fix it because it was too far gone. It didn’t make sense. I was so upset. Now watching this I think they were lying. I wish I knew of you at the time. I walked out of the Audi dealership and bought a Lexus but I always said my A6 was the most comfortable car I ever owned.
Hi Johnny, Cracking video as usual. You said 155 k miles, if service well what would you say they are good for mileage wise? Had BMW,s and Audi, build, and tec quality wise what’s your view? Thanks, David.
I'm actually surprised to learn that Ninja actually owns a Audi Q7 lol, always heard mechanically they're a nightmare and they have lots of issues but damn, in silver it's beautiful!
I had to go back to the beginning of the video because I thought he might have said something other than the PCV valve. A PCV valve should be a simple replacement and this seems overly complicated. I wonder how long it will be before one of these European manufacturers decides to put the oil filter inside the oil pan so the pan has to come off for every oil change making an oil change an engine out service.
Are there any reliable Audis? I just drove a rental ‘19 A6 2.0T, and it was quite pleasant. Got me interested in some of their older stuff. I know the V8’s were not so great, and there are some V6’s with the timing on the transmission side of the engine, but otherwise what’s a decent used Audi?
2005 Audi TT 1.8t 180hp FWD. Related to the GTI of that era, just a fancier suit. The 3.2 or the 225hp 1.8t might be there as well as they were kin to the GTI......
I just can't figure out why you haven't at least racked up 500+ subscribers so far. You, Car Wizard and Scotty Kilmer are the best repair and maintenance channels on the platform.
@ckm-mkc No, he doesn't give bad advice. He has garnered a wealth of knowledge in his long career in the industry. When he talks about unorthodox methods of a repair or temporary fix...He, frankly, explains the pros and cons of doing something like that. That is why his membership to his channel has 6.01 million subscribers. If he gave bad or erroneous advice... he would have zero. What planet are you living on?
Disagree on Scotty Kilmer - too tendentious. He just started early, and there are a lot of gullible people. You want real diagnosticians - add Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, South Main Auto, Scanner Danner. Then we can compare notes, and Scotty won't be even in the runners.
Every time I see a 5 series of that era (like that 540 Sport) I think "Man, BMW used to make some seriously good looking cars!" Emphasis on used to. Holy cow their current lineup is horrendous.
I love how Johnny says "it's easy", then proceeds to disassemble half the engine on something as simple as
a dang PCV valve, something that takes less than 5 minutes on a lot of cars....
Where's the superior engineering in one that's buried that far in the engine?
That’s an Audi for you. And before anyone cries fowl, I’ve owned 4 of them MY02 - MY09. My last one had the same exact engine. The PCV valve is the least of the headaches. The rear facing timing chain/covers is by far one of the dumber designs I’ve come across. Even my W212 E63 doesn’t have that.
I remember changing the PCV valve on my Suzuki Swift GT, it was very difficult. Unclip pull off old one. Put new one in, clip. I would have included open hood and close Hood but I figured that was pretty obvious
its really not that bad its just kind of a pain the first time. Lots of steps like he said
German cars are over engineered and stupidly complex. That's why they are unreliable and overpriced. Only good for leasing. I've owned VW/Audi and BMWs in the past. They drive and look really nice though.
so many dumb consumers are tricked into buying these eye candies w/o a clue of their incredible complex maintenance repairs
That is WAY to much work for a PCV valve. Yikes. I enjoy a German car until it's time to work on them. Then it's 400 steps to remove something simple that should be a easy Maintenace item.
It's amazing the how some BMW motors are a pain to work on and some are easy. Always enjoy you working on the cars and SUV's....Congrats on over 100,000 subscribers.
Always a pleasure to watch you work on these tricky vehicles. Makes me appreciate simpler engines. But people want max power, efficiency and the gov't rules on emissions combine to create these complex engines.
Planned obselence at work when it comes to Audi.
So complicated! Try this on a Subaru FB engine sometime. Including opening the door to pop the hood and opening the box for the new PCV, I was done in 12 minutes. Now that I know exactly how its done, next time will take me 4 minutes.
How many superchargers does it have
Thanks for posting again. Great info here. AND I love my '01 E39 540i 6 speed M Sport too. Only 50k after 22 years! Only driven to church & back by this Old Jarhead in WNC (when it's not raining) Never has seen snow.
Matt Armstrong rebuilding a blown r8, I believe missed the flapper step you shown and had to remove the entire engine to fix this issue..😂
😀👍🇸🇪
I wonder if it was that Mat Armstrong didnt know when he put back the intake on his RS6.
you learn so much on this chanell.
Watching this show is why I'll never buy another BMW. Of the three German brands, it seems as if Audi/VW have issues related to normal wear/tear , mileage with a straightforward fix. All are expensive, but BMW and Merc seems to have all these weird strange issues or failures at only 5 or 6 years and 60K miles long before they should have worn out.
Nice car I love Q7’s I have a 2011 Q7 TDI that i just hit 200,000 miles on it’s been very reliable
A PCV valve in the middle of coolant jacket? Must be a good reason for that engineering…..wonder who else does that….
It's to stop it from freezing and blowing gaskets but the dumbest way to do that 😂
Good reason? You know what make of vehicle this is…right?
@@zaffo757the same "good reason" that they put timing chains (which fail very often btw) on the back on the engine
Jonny, you are mistaken about paying jobs come first. Remember, we are your viewers and collectively we're paying you. Fix the Audi.
Shop customers pay better than youtube ever will. You must not work in a shop to make such a ridiculous comment
I always wanted a 540i. One of the best sounding V8's ever made, I think. They are getting hard to find!
maybe find a good mechanic to work for you.
It took me 3 weeks to replace the PCV on my A6 3.0t 😂
Love it. I can't wait for the Q7.
This made me miss my 2012 Q7….it was a GREAT car, except for the oil consumption. At 130k i was going through a quart every 1000 miles or so. It had no evidence of burning or leaking at all but it was persistent. I even changed to the new style PCV valve but it didn’t help. It ran great and never gave me a moments problem. I got a 2021 SQ8 and so far it gets BETTER fuel mileage than the Q7, is 4 times more powerful and a delight to drive.
What engine was that mate?
@@AdamAus85 3.0 supercharged …. Mine was an s-line with every bell and whistle imaginable.
1000 miles? oh boy thats a lot! Btw how is the comfort of your SQ8 compared to your old Q7?
Hey what about that the nice G body.
Let’s see more of that 540!
Johnny, you say the m62 is the best v8, i have the n62 550i with 301,000 miles, valve seals were done under warranty years ago, but other than "regular maintenance and parts" what else should i do preventative? Never did timing chain or guides, but heard this isn't a problem on this platform
Wife watching over my shoulder… and says “why does he not just take it to the proper garage and get it fixed properly?”. It’s early evening here in the UK. I’m away to bed to reflect on some of the life mistakes I have made and maybe get some rest. 👍🏻
Always look forward to your uploads.
What a quick and easy job to replace the water pump on the 5 series 540i.
Looking forward to the Q7 running again.
Dang, its interesting how much engineering the Germans put in their cars = LOTS AND LOTS OF LABOR.
Great video, Jonny. Believe or not, the first time I have ever worked on this engine, I made the same mistake. Engine light on , No cruise control. I was so confident, but I still checked over again. That intake flap is quite tricky.
The q7 v12tdi is the dream but the usa was left out... Audi's nutcase moment.
Old school Buick Regal. Need the timing chain & HPFP replaced in the T-Reg.
ALL this for a PCV valve?
This is akin to open heart surgery for a hangnail.
my gawd
Nice 540
Had a company VP that had to come in an hour early to get any real work done. I'd love to have that 540......
I just bought an N55 powered 135i and wish I had a guy like you nearby!
You must always make sure the flaps are open no matter what your inserting 😂
It's not "easy" if you have to take half the car apart. 🤣
That copper colored car in the background sure sticks out in a german shop! Looks like a 70s/80s oldsmobile or something similar
From just the back end, looks like a '78/'79 Buick Regal in Carmel Firemist. I had a '79 Buick Regal Limited in Medium Green with 1/2 Landau White Top & Green interior while in HS.
yep buick regal@@aeroman5239
@@aeroman5239 well spotted!
it's easy?! lol I would have to take a week off work and get youtube certified and still might not do it right.
Car Ninja, could you let us know what you would charge a customer to do the repair.
I despise working on Audi's, they look nice though.
Pretty sure Mat Armstrong had the same issue with those flaps.
hahaaahaaa in my japanese car it takes me about 5 minutes to change pcv😂 long live japan
Yoo Ninja so you get a hoist for your own personal car or is your shop has enough hoist?
Why Ninja,.Q7's are junk!!!!😮
I love those E39s. I had a 03 530i for a few years. The best driving car ever.
I did thus job. Seemed scary at first but turned out to be cake 🎂
E39
Love that BMW. Always wanted to drive one
Love your videos in Australia thet need to be a bit longer
What's the best overall used Audi model to buy? Or maybe what is the worst?
The one it’s 4 rings on the front of the grill…
The best Audi’s are the ones with the new 2.0t that is shared with the GTI-GLI-Tiguan-Porsche Macan
The EA888.3 is a very cheap motor to maintain and very reliable, I believe any Audi A3-4-5 and Q3-5 has it
I’m at 125k with my 2.0t modified.
none unless you got fat wallet
@@Yaboybash Thank you!
@@rci-tf2zc you sound like a brokie lol
That 540i was a breath of fresh air, miss those old beemers...
I owned a 2008 A6. I loved that car. It was maintained by dealership.
Did every recommend service. Most comfortable car I ever drove. I’ve owned every typical high end car.
At 145k miles, got in car would not start. No warning. No leaks, never had a leak, battery was changed recently, nothing.
Took it to dealership and they told me not to fix it because it was too far gone. It didn’t make sense. I was so upset.
Now watching this I think they were lying. I wish I knew of you at the time.
I walked out of the Audi dealership and bought a Lexus but I always said my A6 was the most comfortable car I ever owned.
It's the busy season again, hope it is going good for you guys!
Class as always :)
He said "LUBE" LMAO!!!
Best o ring lube i have used is Parker brand. Really really good stuff. Used it a lot on industrial CAT and Cummins never an issue.
Why not just lube them with whatever type of fluid they are trying to seal?
made that mistake the first time lol
So enjoy your shows
Keep up the great work!!
Hi Johnny,
Cracking video as usual.
You said 155 k miles, if service well what would you say they are good for mileage wise?
Had BMW,s and Audi, build, and tec quality wise what’s your view?
Thanks, David.
Ninja’s going to put the Q7 back together Saturday, Monday morning…. Head and valves are removed 😳🤣
Whats that shop vac at 7:20
I had a '00 Black on Black E39 528 w/ sport package, BBS style 5s, I miss that car !
hi car ninja...the quality of work that you do is great...I am an owner of an e39 m5...does the s62 have valve seal issues?
Johnny - Live near ICT and own a '22 Audi S4. Wondering what your thoughts are on a tune for this car? Any issues with that? Thanks.
tnx for the video
There is some insane high quality editing done on these videos. I'm thoroughly impressed.
Love E39 540!
Your Great! Although I'd like to see more Mercedes content.
I wonder why n55’s are his favourite
I'm actually surprised to learn that Ninja actually owns a Audi Q7 lol, always heard mechanically they're a nightmare and they have lots of issues but damn, in silver it's beautiful!
Always entertaining Jonny!
I had to go back to the beginning of the video because I thought he might have said something other than the PCV valve. A PCV valve should be a simple replacement and this seems overly complicated. I wonder how long it will be before one of these European manufacturers decides to put the oil filter inside the oil pan so the pan has to come off for every oil change making an oil change an engine out service.
These cars are glorified lawn ornaments.
Are there any reliable Audis? I just drove a rental ‘19 A6 2.0T, and it was quite pleasant. Got me interested in some of their older stuff. I know the V8’s were not so great, and there are some V6’s with the timing on the transmission side of the engine, but otherwise what’s a decent used Audi?
2005 Audi TT 1.8t 180hp FWD. Related to the GTI of that era, just a fancier suit. The 3.2 or the 225hp 1.8t might be there as well as they were kin to the GTI......
German junk yard
This is why these cars are cheap to buy
These cars are such a waste of money. Great vid as usual!
I just can't figure out why you haven't at least racked up 500+ subscribers so far.
You, Car Wizard and Scotty Kilmer are the best repair and maintenance channels on the platform.
BMW blocks them in order to limit the number of people who get to see the junk they make……bad for sales ya know.
Scotty Kilmer is not a good example, don't listen to him, he gives dangerous advice.
@ckm-mkc No, he doesn't give bad advice. He has garnered a wealth of knowledge in his long career in the industry. When he talks about unorthodox methods of a repair or temporary fix...He, frankly, explains the pros and cons of doing something like that. That is why his membership to his channel has 6.01 million subscribers. If he gave bad or erroneous advice... he would have zero. What planet are you living on?
Disagree on Scotty Kilmer - too tendentious. He just started early, and there are a lot of gullible people.
You want real diagnosticians - add Pine Hollow Auto Diagnostics, South Main Auto, Scanner Danner. Then we can compare notes, and Scotty won't be even in the runners.
You nailed the group. Eric rocks.