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BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

2734 messages,  Last post on Mar 25, 2013 at 4:00 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Electrical, Engine, Sedan, Wagon

    
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Messages Page 106 of 274

#1047 of 2734 sasquatch98 by div2

Jan 25, 2005 (2:17 pm)

The 1998 528iAs are reliable and relatively cheap to run. Go to http://peakeresearch.com/ for information on the reset tools. I bought the $149 R5/FCX that also reads engine fault codes. I do the 9K mile oil changes myself-$40 using Mobil 1 0W-40 and a BMW filter. The minor(18K mile) service(Inspection I) will run $250-$300 at a dealer; figure about 40% less at a good BMW indie shop. Every 36K miles or so the Inspection II is due and will cost $650 at a dealer and $400 from an independent. I have the dealer change the ATF and final drive oil every 75K-100K for $110. I let the dealer change the brake fluid every two years and the coolant(BMW Coolant only!)every three. The cost for both is $140. Learn to do the brakes yourself. It's easy and you will save a TON of money. Use BMW rotors and Axxis Deluxe plus pads; see: http://www.zeckhausen.com/BMW/E39.htm The front pads last 20K miles while the rotors will go 40K miles. The rears last about twice as long. Get the Bentley two volume service manual and you'll be fine.

#1048 of 2734 Re: iDrive [bartalk2] by hihomike

Jan 26, 2005 (3:48 pm)

Replying to: bartalk2 (Jan 20, 2005 12:18 pm)
You can change stations on the radio without going into I-Drive, but you cannot change HVAC settings, which I find to be a nuisance.

#1049 of 2734 Re: Sirius install problems [gold233790] by hihomike

Jan 26, 2005 (3:49 pm)

Replying to: gold233790 (Jan 24, 2005 3:35 pm)
I have sirius which was installed at my dealer. The only problems I have are with reception - every so often I lose the signal. I am told this is a Sirius issue, not BMW. Is that correct?

#1050 of 2734 Sirius..... by gold233790

Jan 26, 2005 (4:10 pm)

Well, my install was completed and the problems fleshed out. Service was apologetic and helpful at the end. I can handle a delay- it is the lack of communication that really gets me.
 
Anyway..........my first 24 hours have seen no signal issues. I can even get it in my garage- not that I am going to run the engine in there, but I thought I would at least lose the signal pulling in. Didn't happen.
 
First free year makes a little dent in the exhorbitant install cost.

#1051 of 2734 Re: iDrive [hihomike] by jas

Feb 01, 2005 (11:59 am)

Replying to: hihomike (Jan 26, 2005 3:48 pm)
I found the nuisance to be the other way around. Although you can use the seek to change radio stations or the programmable steering buttons to change CD-Radio, I usually do this through the I-drive. Volume of course can be done through the hard controls.
 
Although, once I had setup the HVAC, I have never needed the I-drive to change any HVAC functions, the hard controls let me change temp, turn on/off A/C and defrost. And, the HVAC also kicks in the defrost when I need it.

#1052 of 2734 Bluetooth For 2001 525i by chazzy

Feb 02, 2005 (8:40 am)

Has anyone heard of a retrofit bluetooth kit that actually works with a 2001 525i? BMW has informed me that they do not make the analog phone that goes with the car - despite the phone capability built into it - and that no BMW retrofit bluetooth kit is sold for that model year. I have found only one website marketing the product I seek (www.advancedautovations.com) but am unsure of spending so much money for the kit (and install) when I have no idea whether it will work. PLEASE HELP ME!!
Thanks.

#1053 of 2734 Re: Bluetooth For 2001 525i [chazzy] by hazard

Feb 02, 2005 (3:23 pm)

Replying to: chazzy (Feb 02, 2005 8:40 am)
I just bought a mint condition 2001 525i w 19k miles on it and have no complaints except for the radio, the mid's are a little weak and the low's are non existent, has anyone found a way to improve the sound? I've raised the base level which results in muddy sound and I've tried to fade to the rear which is even worse.

#1054 of 2734 Re: Vibration and Sound - '02 525iT 5speed [mod62] by waynef

Feb 04, 2005 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: mod62 (Mar 17, 2003 12:29 pm)
I just purchased a 99 528it wagon that is experiencing the same thing. The vibration begins at about 60 mph and is most noticable at 75-80. Your thoughts or solution to this problem would be greatly appreciated.
 
Regards,
 
Waynef

#1055 of 2734 "Service engine soon"... by andys120

Feb 05, 2005 (9:57 am)

light is showing on my dash ('00 528iA-53k mi). Indie BMW tech advises trouble codes indicate bad auxiliary air pump and check valve.
 
My extended warranty does not cover $432 in replacement costs. What exactly does this air pump do, is it similar to "smog pumps" that were used
prior to cat converters?
 
I'm thinking if it's part of the emission control system BMW might legally be required to provide warranty repairs (up to 100K). Anybody know?

#1056 of 2734 andys120 by div2

Feb 06, 2005 (9:07 pm)

I had the same problem on my '97-it's a common failure mode on the earlier cars. The electric secondary air pump operates at start-up to reduce cold emissions. The check valve fails which allows the exhaust gas to cook the pump. BMW has superseded the check valve and pump with much more robust parts. I can't believe that your dealer is blowing you off. My dealer covered both parts under the CPO warranty without the slightest hesitation. I think it may be time to start voicing your complaints a bit higher up the BMW food chain.

Messages Page 106 of 274

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