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#12403 of 12657 Re: FOLLOW-UP [og_oggilby] by anon3 Mar 02, 2008 (8:05 am)
Replying to: og_oggilby (Feb 21, 2008 7:13 am) I just looked under the hood of a 2008 535 and didn't see a dipstick along the firewall as described in earlier posts about the 550i. That doesn't mean that it's not there, just that I couldn't find it.   The owner's manual is silent on the subject. I also see posts that other 2008 models like the M3 that will only have electronic oil level monitors. Looks like a trend.   If some engines have dipsticks, my question would be why does BMW treat their existence like a state secret? My only guess would be that these newer engines are so complex that they just don't want owners fumbling around in the engine compartment. Replies to this message: nyccarguy (Mar 02, 2008 7:59 pm) tx_buzzard (Mar 03, 2008 3:02 pm)
#12404 of 12657 Re: Logic7 vs. standard stereo [anon3] by maril556 Mar 02, 2008 (8:19 am)
Replying to: anon3 (Mar 02, 2008 7:38 am) Thank you, I actually went to a dealer yesterday to listen to a standard sound system. Absolutely day and night compared with my Logic 7. Ended up ordering 535i optioned, like we wanted to, Logic 7 included. It is now $1200, vs. $1800 in 2005, when we bought our 545i.
#12405 of 12657 Re: (new title) BMW technology over kill [roadburner] by anon3 Mar 02, 2008 (8:34 am)
Replying to: roadburner (Feb 13, 2008 9:32 am) A manual dipstick isn't too much to ask. I wonder if BMW listens to the suggestions in these forums? And don't we all feel just a little foolish learning that there actually is a dipstick, although BMW protected that little secret better than the CIA.   I recognize that the original intent of iDrive was to provide greater granularity of control while uncluttering and simplifying the dashboard. And I recognize that some of this technology is just a marketing ploy to lure us into buying expensive options like "night vision". That's why I always custom order BMWs only with technology options that have some utility.   The question should be: can BMW continue to advance performance and handling while improving fuel efficiency without all these systems intervening between the driver and the vehicle? Some BMW engines are pure racing technology and I do know that they require extensive controls to make them reliable daily driving machines, but is this the only way it can be done?   Performance is improving. Handling generally is improving with less trade off on ride comfort. Fuel efficiency is improving relative to engine size and performance. The vehicles generally are safer to drive. So in general, the vehicles are "better" by those measures. But I agree that BMW should ask itself whether they really need all this complication to improve the core competence of the vehicle.
#12406 of 12657 Picked up an 08 535i by troysb Mar 02, 2008 (6:48 pm)
Just picked up an o8 535i. Had a 2007 530 but BMW couldn't fixed a problem with a consrtant battery drain. I made a fuss and they gave me brand new 535i. I had a silver and I opted for a white. So far the twin turbos are so much better that my old 530. Still can't stand the run flat tires. it is a hell of a bumpy ride, especilly in Manhattan. I also opted for the sports and premium options. Didn't get the cold weather, just got the heated front seats, didn't need a heated steering whell and fluid to spary my headlights. I would also recommend that anyone get the option for thre repalcement wheel and tires. rims are too expensive, especially with the run flat tires. Replies to this message: anon3 (Mar 08, 2008 7:42 am) xg300 (Mar 12, 2008 11:36 am)
#12407 of 12657 Engines & Oil Dipsticks by nyccarguy Mar 02, 2008 (7:59 pm)
Replying to: anon3 (Mar 02, 2008 8:05 am) I think the reason there is a dipstick on the 550i as opposed to the 535i & 528i is the fact that the 550i is an "older" engine. I think (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) that the current V8's architecture dates back to the e39 540i that debuted in MY 1997.   It is all part of plan for BMW to get you to service your car at the dealership. A high percentage of BMWs today are leased anyway, so the cars aren't kept past the warranty period. Out of warranty/maintenance BMWs sold as CPO (used) make people who buy them feel as if they have to go to the dealership for service.
#12408 of 12657 Re: FOLLOW-UP [anon3] by tx_buzzard Mar 03, 2008 (3:02 pm)
Replying to: anon3 (Mar 02, 2008 8:05 am) The only 5 series with a dipstick is the 550i. I guess that is because it is the same motor that is in the 750.
#12409 of 12657 FIrst Oil Change by wolfer2 Mar 05, 2008 (11:20 am)
Any collective thoughts on when to change the oil for the first time in a 2008 535xi? I know the BMW maintenance program is 15,000 miles, but that just seems to fly in the face of what I have been taught all my life. I bought, rather than leased the vehicle, so I want to do it right. I am at 6000 miles and was thinking about doing it at 7,500. I suppose this would not be covered by the 4 year maintenance plan. Replies to this message: shipo (Mar 05, 2008 1:17 pm) tx_buzzard (Mar 06, 2008 10:25 am)
#12410 of 12657 Re: FIrst Oil Change [wolfer2] by shipo Mar 05, 2008 (1:17 pm)
Replying to: wolfer2 (Mar 05, 2008 11:20 am) As a general rule I think that the standard BMW OCI target of 15,000 miles is a bit long, that said, UOAs on many cars over the last ten years (since they went to the 15,000 mile OCI) have shown that it's pretty close, assuming that you use the proper oil and filter). That said, the twin-turbo I6 engine in your car has shown (once again via UOAs) that it is EXTREMELY hard on its oil, and that many cars that have been drive by fairly spirited drivers are fully exhausting the oil by as little as 5,000 miles. Said another way, assuming you only occasionally beat on your car, a 7,500 mile oil change sounds very much in order.   If you plan on keeping your car for any length of time you might want to consider sending a sample of the drained out oil off to http://www.blackstone-labs.com/ to have it analyzed. Then you'll know for sure whether you still had some miles left in the oil or whether it was already a goner.   Best Regards, Shipo
#12411 of 12657 535i transmission problem/battery drain by professor6 Mar 05, 2008 (1:18 pm)
I have a 535i (purchased new) that has been driven 6,000 miles. Approximately 25% of the time, it is difficult to get the transmission from park to drive without "jiggling" the stick. I don't know if the problem is getting worse, but this was not an issue when new.   While I am whining, my wife tells me that, when starting the vehicle, she occasionally sees an icon showing the car on a service rack with an indication that the battery is low. I might understand that much drain after sitting for several days, but the car is driven at least five times/week.   Anyone having the same or similar problems? Any input before taking the car to the dealer will be appreciated.
#12412 of 12657 Re: FIrst Oil Change [wolfer2] by tx_buzzard Mar 06, 2008 (10:25 am)
Replying to: wolfer2 (Mar 05, 2008 11:20 am) The time to change your oil is actualy calculated on the wat you drive your vehicle. Check the iDrive from time to time and you may notice the intervals will change accordingly. Regarding the first oil change... I did mine at 2,600. Like you, it just seems odd to go any longer. Just look at it as insurance. The single most important thing you can do to ensure a problem free experience is to change the oil on a regular basis. I plan on changing my oil between BMW intervals myself, that way the clock will not be reset.

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