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BMW 5-Series Sedans

12737 messages,  Last post on Feb 16, 2013 at 11:05 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 1242 of 1274

#12407 of 12737 Engines & Oil Dipsticks by nyccarguy

Mar 02, 2008 (8:59 pm)

Replying to: anon3 (Mar 02, 2008 9:05 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 12737 Re: FOLLOW-UP [anon3] by tx_buzzard

Mar 03, 2008 (4:02 pm)

Replying to: anon3 (Mar 02, 2008 9:05 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 12737 FIrst Oil Change by wolfer2

Mar 05, 2008 (12:20 pm)

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.

#12410 of 12737 Re: FIrst Oil Change [wolfer2] by shipo

Mar 05, 2008 (2:17 pm)

Replying to: wolfer2 (Mar 05, 2008 12:20 pm)
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 12737 535i transmission problem/battery drain by professor6

Mar 05, 2008 (2:18 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 12737 Re: FIrst Oil Change [wolfer2] by tx_buzzard

Mar 06, 2008 (11:25 am)

Replying to: wolfer2 (Mar 05, 2008 12:20 pm)
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.

#12413 of 12737 Re: Picked up an 08 535i [troysb] by anon3

Mar 08, 2008 (8:42 am)

Replying to: troysb (Mar 02, 2008 7:48 pm)
I did the same thing when I ordered my most recent BMW... paid for the heated seats and skipped the cold weather package because I HATE the headlight washer that sprays fluid all over a clean vehicle if you're not careful. The headlight washer is logical (if the windshield is dirty, the headlights will be too), but I can live without it and I don't need to shower the entire vehicle just to wipe a bug off the windshield.

#12414 of 12737 Re: Picked up an 08 535i [troysb] by xg300

Mar 12, 2008 (12:36 pm)

Replying to: troysb (Mar 02, 2008 7:48 pm)
Hey troysb hit me up with what you had to do for this issue. I had the same problem with my 08 528i and the service department counld not find any problem after a week and two days in their hands. I don't want this to become a bigger problem later with only 2100 mls on the clock.
 
Rock

#12415 of 12737 550 vs 535 in Western PA by orion53

Mar 14, 2008 (9:33 pm)

I'd appreciate comments re BMW owners experience re sport packages on driving the roads in Western PA.
 
Seriously considering either a 550i (w/sports package, 19" low profile tires) or a 535xi. Had the opportunity of brief, back-to-back test drives of both (actually the 535i) in TX ... road surface better there ... but not the windy/curvy backroads here. Both plenty fast ... but preferred the "feel" of the 550i. If the 550i, would plan to use only as a 3 season car. Some questions.
 
1. Any sense when the new 5 series will emerge this year ... and anticipated differences from 2008 models? Am I correct, I understand the 5s will be redesigned, however, major change will be for models released in 2009 (not 2008). Also, any insight re potential price increase (above 2008 models)? Or, if build slots are still available (I'd plan to customize) ... would some advise buying now?
 
2. Might I find the ride of a 550i sport too harsh (I realize this is a subjective question). I'd like to hear from 550i owners ... and/or those who decided against and chose either a 550i non-sport or 535 for such reasons.
 
3. I read of some owners (e.g., in Manhattan) regretting decision to purchase with low profile tires/rims ... because of frequency of flats/damaged rims. Related to #2, is there much of a difference in "ride" and less potential damage when comparing 18" to 19" wheels.
 
4. Again, a subjective question ... opinions/experience with Active Steering. My inclination is to not get Active Steering.
 
5. Assuming similar driving styles for 550i (360 hp) vs 535 (twin-turbo 330 hp) ... how much potential difference in MPG.
 
6. Finally, any strong +/- experiences with dealers in the Pittsburgh area ... both during the sale ... and routine service afterwards.
 
Thank you!

#12416 of 12737 Re: 550 vs 535 in Western PA [orion53] by tayl0rd

Mar 18, 2008 (12:37 pm)

Replying to: orion53 (Mar 14, 2008 9:33 pm)
1. September/October
2. Depends on what you like. What are you driving now?
3. Attributed more to inattentive drivers than the wheels/tires. Common sense says steer around or take it easy over potholes.
4. Those that have it, love it. Those that don't have it deride it. Who're you gonna listen to?
5. Easy driving? Better in 535i. "Aggressive" driving? Better in the 550i since you don't have to push it has hard to get the same results.
6. N/A
 
I have an '08 550i Sport.

Messages Page 1242 of 1274

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