Anyhoo, I have a dilema.

RE- 2001 E39 520 with +£123k miles.

Rear SubFrame Flange has developed an elongated hole and will need some awkward welding to fix.

Garage have suggested taking it off, but the labour to take on/off will be +£300, then I have to find someone to ally weld.

 

On top of that its due the MOT (30days left), nothing wrong as far as I know apart from possibly some corroded brake pipes.

Then, the steering wheel judders under braking even though the pads and discs are reasonably new.

Needs 1ltr of oil after 400 miles.

Airbag light is on.

Alloy Wheels are buckled.

Rear parking sensors have gave up the ghost.

Major scratch from rear to front and across bonnet.

 

I however still love the car, its increadibly quiet to drive, and looks good (from a distance!).

 

Should I just get this traded in asap or can anyone recommend someone who can undertake this kind of welding?

 

cheers Pete.

 

Shimmy under braking can be a sign that the front lower arms have worn bushes, they load up differently under braking.  An MOT would pick up if the bushes are worn.

 

IMO the only cure for buckled alloy wheels is new ones.  If it is a vibration when driving it could just be out of balance rims.  The E39 is very fussy for needing balanced wheels.  Mine vibrated after I got tyres fitted at a 'backstreet' tyre dealer.  Local garage re-balanced them and vibration went.

 

Wait and see how much it would cost you to get thru the MOT before deciding what to do, or trade it in now with 30 days left on its ticket.