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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 14 of 274

#129 of 2734 RE: 1995 540i new engine by markalananders by snagiel

Sep 05, 2002 (6:31 am)

True, early versions of BMW's V8's were biased towards European gasolines, so the high sulfur content in US fuels eroded the nikasil cylinder liners of those engines. You can read about the problem at http://www.koalamotorsport.com/tech/misc/v8shortblock.htm.

As the article states, different remedies were devised to deal with this. Whether the particular car you're looking at had just a new (but same type) block assembly installed, the problems will resurface eventually. Have it checked out to make sure you have the new, compatible, Alusil-lined block.

I don't know of other trouble spots of the '95 models, but even routine maintenance may add up quickly. I'd get a quality, thorough extended warranty if you can. Good luck.

#130 of 2734 Re: Tranmission Problem by darkblue

Sep 05, 2002 (1:44 pm)

riez, I'd agree with you except that this problem occurs only when I try to speed up after first slowing down and it happens in speed range of under 20mph, such as when you approach a Yield sign. This leads me to believe that the shifting problem is when the car is trying to shift from 1st gear to 2nd gear(speed up) immidietaly after slowing down. I don't have this problem when I start from standstill. I have very smooth gear shift. This problem with the transmission is pronounced enough that I have change my driving habit accordingly. I haven't had this problem with my other models of BMW (3, 5 and 6 Series) that I have owned previously.

#131 of 2734 Maintenance Costs by shahens

Sep 05, 2002 (3:17 pm)

I'm considering buying a 1997 540i. The car is off of a lease and has almost 50,000 miles on it. The dealer is asking for $25,000 for this car on an as-is basis. It looks like it is in fairly good shape although the leather seats look slightly worn and the car will need new tires after another 8,000 to 10,000 miles. A warranty is available at additional cost. The car does not have any added options other than a 6 disc CD-changer in the trunk. Is this a good price to pay for this car? Also, what type of maintenance costs can I expect in the future? I know its going to differ for different cars, but on an average - how much should I expect to incur on an annual basis in terms of repair costs and general maintenance?
Any input will be greatly appreciated.

#132 of 2734 Certified Pre-owned wrnty about to expire help! by blkmanwrkin

Sep 10, 2002 (7:11 pm)

I have a 98 528, which I bought at Beverly Hills BMW. My Certified PO warranty will be up in a few months. So far I've had the following problems:
1. Motor in rear lft wndw went out.
2. Auto mirrors wouldn't adjust, pad not working
3. Loud idling noise when car is running & when
     it's shut off least for 1 minute after eng-
     ine is shut off
4. AM radio gets very poor reception.
 
Dealer repaired problems 1/2. Said prob. 4 was because back window was tinted (even though they sold to me tinted) so that what's giving poor reception. Dlr. said prob. 3 was normal but I just don't think it is. My old 3 series of 8 yrs didn't make such a noise.
 
I was wondering if anyone else has experienced these or other problems that perhaps I could have checked before the warranty runs out. If you know something I should have checked please list it. I don't want other things breaking just as soon as warranty expires.
Thanks

#133 of 2734 Poor AM Radio Reception by riez

Sep 11, 2002 (6:02 am)

The AM reception in my '98 540i6 is poor. FM isn't that great either, but a lot better than AM. The AM reception in my wife's '00 323iA is horrible. Her's even gets electrical interference which makes me wonder if everything is ground. I've had dealer try once and will have dealer try again next week. I think a big part of it is due to a lack of an extended antenna. (In-window antennas are terrible.)

#134 of 2734 darkblue, riez -- transmission by pap5

Sep 11, 2002 (11:25 am)

Darkblue, my '01 530iA behaves the same as you describe -- a lag or dead spot when coming off a low-speed coast to power-on. That is one of several driveability problems I've had that prompted a warranty repair of the transmission and replacement of the throttle pedal module. While general driveability is now much better, the lag remains. I suspect it's inherent in the execution of the drive-by-wire throttle, the Steptronic, or both. BTW, even at these low speeds, the transmission probably never shifts below 2nd, or even 3rd unless you're in Sport mode. The problem is less pronounced in "Manual" mode.
 
Riez, I agree that no slushbox is going to be as direct and immediate as a manual, but the BMW is worse in this regard than anything else I've ever driven, including POS 4-cyl. rentals. It's baffling how a premium marque that does so much right would get this wrong. I prefer manuals too, but an automatic was the price of purchase approval by the Boss.

#135 of 2734 Radio reception by pap5

Sep 11, 2002 (11:42 am)

Riez, I agree with you about the quality of the reception. I disagree, however, that it's a function of the in-window antenna. Our '98 Volvo wagon has one also, and station-for-station it pulls in AM and FM frequencies better. It's unfortunately another example - rare but aggravating - of BMW getting something wrong that seems to elude no one else.
 
Now, if someone says anything about the comfort of the standard driver's seat, you'll touch on my third gripe with the 5er. After that, it's just about miraculous.

#136 of 2734 poor am radio reception by blkmanwrkin

Sep 11, 2002 (5:11 pm)

I had a 3 series for 8 yrs with a window antenna. I never had bad reception & my windows were tinted. This is the 2nd time I took my 528 into 2 different dealers both said it had something to do with the tint on the back window. You'd think for all this money I'd get a stereo that works correctly!

#137 of 2734 Poor AM Radio Reception by swhee

Sep 12, 2002 (11:38 am)

I have a 2000 528 and I thought the AM radio station that I listen to had suddenly changed their signal strength (I recently purchased the used 528). My windows are not yet tinted. If anyone has a fix for this problem (maybe an antenna booster) I would love to hear about it.

#138 of 2734 Poor AM Reception by darkblue

Sep 16, 2002 (3:45 pm)

I didn't have any problem with AM or FM reception on my '95 525i. It had tinted windows as well.

Messages Page 14 of 274

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