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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 168 of 274

#1668 of 2734 Re: BMW- good to lease and then move on [dino11] by div2

May 12, 2006 (7:06 am)

Replying to: dino11 (May 12, 2006 4:45 am)
After owning a number of Beemers
 
Excuse my impertinence(after all, I've only owned eight BMWs), but repeat after me:
Beemer=BMW Motorcycle
Bimmer=BMW Automobile
  
 
i have come to the conclusion that they are to lease new or while under factory warranty with full maintenance. Otherwise, you will drive yoruself(sic) into the poor house. The parts are virtually all dealer and quite expensive
 
Oh, really? Then how come my one owner 103K 1995 E36 track rat has averaged less than $40/month to run? And then there's my 130K E39, which averaged out to $85/month. By the way, those figures included four sets of Z-rated tires on the 3er and one V-rated set for the 5er. And as for parts prices, I've found them to be quite reasonable-especially with a 20% CCA discount.
 
For example, the pixels in the dashboard display burned out. The service advisor said it was a simple repair and that they stocked the part... Hmnn.. I should have been alerted. I initially thought what a good dealer, full inventory, etc. What I found out is that the displays do go bad and that they cost about $900 apiece. With labor you are looking at $1,000 to replace what used to be a light bulb in the dash! Good going BMW!
 
That's what you get for not doing your homework; a little digging would have revealed that BMW will usually pick up the cost of a bad high-level display. The owner will only be responsible for one hour of labor. So it seems that YOU cost yourself $900. Good going indeed...
 
So, lease if you can - enjoy yourself and walk away. Owning an older one off of factory warranty? Take out a seocnd(sic) mortgage for car repairs.
 
Find a good independent BMW tech, use your CCA discount, and do some research instead of whining. I believe you'll find BMWs don't cost all that much to run. For what it's worth, I'm literally putting my money where my mouth is; I'm adding another BIMMER(an E46 330i) to my stable. And I'm buying it "as is".

#1669 of 2734 Re: BMW- good to lease and then move on [div2] by andys120

May 15, 2006 (8:41 am)

Replying to: div2 (May 12, 2006 7:06 am)
I'll second Div2's sentiments from my personal experience with a pre-owned '00 528iA. After two years of ownership I've found the cost of ownership to be reasonable but certainly not minimal but the E39 is an extraordinarily fine automobile. There will certainly be more Bimmers in my future garages.

#1670 of 2734 "Chirping" 528i by docstu

May 23, 2006 (6:27 pm)

I just purchased a 1997 528i, I have had to do countless things to the vehicle but I know have it running great. However, it has a "chirp" that only lasts for a few miles at start up and is only heard when the vehicle is moving (usually over 25mph). I have had the brakes checked and it doesn't appear to be a suspension problem. Has anyone had the same problem. It is a 1997 528i with 122k. Thanks. Randy

#1671 of 2734 Clunking front suspension by drenthe

May 24, 2006 (7:16 am)

I have a 2001 525iT (Sport Wagon) which runs great. Lately however, when I drive on a bumpy road (like any road in Michigan) at any speed, the front train produces a loud clunking noise, so much so that I am afraid there is something wrong. When driving on smooth surfaces (Interstates) the suspension is absolutely quiet. Before I bring it in and hear that the complete suspension has to be replaced, does anybody have any idea what it could be? Thanks, Jan

#1672 of 2734 Re: Clunking front suspension [drenthe] by div2

May 24, 2006 (8:22 am)

Replying to: drenthe (May 24, 2006 7:16 am)
Before I bring it in and hear that the complete suspension has to be replaced, does anybody have any idea what it could be?
 
It could be any number of things; a control arm bushing, an anti-roll bar link, an upper strut mount...
That said, it might be something as simple as a loose or broken exhaust hanger.

#1673 of 2734 Re: Clunking front suspension by ndegroat1

May 24, 2006 (11:17 am)

Replying to: drenthe (May 24, 2006 7:16 am)
I have a '99 528i that had the same clunking problem. Replaced the bushings and all seems to be well(quiet) right now...

#1674 of 2734 Re: "Chirping" 528i [docstu] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 24, 2006 (11:24 am)

Replying to: docstu (May 23, 2006 6:27 pm)
See if the chirp goes away when you step lightly on the brakes.
 
See if the chirp goes away if you turn on/ or off the AC.
 
See if the chirp goes away the second you let your foot off the gas.
 
do these tests and report back to us!

#1675 of 2734 Gas mileage on 2006 525xi by bon_bon

May 24, 2006 (11:24 am)

The gas mileage on my 2006 525xi is pretty bad. Granted I have not even completed the first 1000 miles yet. Still, I am averagin only 14mpg or less. It is supposed to be around 20-29. Will this improve as the engine settles a bit ? What are the other owners getting ? My 2002 ML 500 gets better mileage than my 2006 525 xi.

#1676 of 2734 Informational icons on the 5 series NAV by bon_bon

May 24, 2006 (11:27 am)

Would like to know if there is any way to switch the informational icons "on" on the map. These are like the Hotels, gas stations, restaurants, etc. I was told that there is a way to do that. Currently my map is just plain and simple road map. The other NAVs I have used in other cars have these other icons that allow you to spot a hotel, gas station, etc. on the map itself. A very useful feature when you are on a highway.
 
Thanks in advance.

#1677 of 2734 Re: Informational icons on the 5 series NAV [bon_bon] by jb_shin

May 24, 2006 (3:35 pm)

Replying to: bon_bon (May 24, 2006 11:27 am)
At least on my 03 model Nav, I just need to "search" for a particular type of landmakr or icons, as you say, and all nearby icons are displayed in the map. It goes away when you search for something else, or something you are not likely to find.

Messages Page 168 of 274

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