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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 219 of 275

#2172 of 2734 HVAC fan speed by jhox85

Sep 16, 2008 (7:13 pm)

Guys I need help. I tried to look in the past discussions to see if I find something on my problem but found nothing. Anyway I have a 2002, 530i BMW 5-speed stick that has been a great car except for one thing. When I turn on the fan to get some air in the car (or even with A/C) the speed of the fan suddenly goes high and then low as if someone just arbitrarily changes the fan speed, quickly. If I shut the fan off completely I still can hear it run. The bad thing is that even when I shut the engine off and take the keys out, the fan still runs and it typically stops after about 5-10 minutes. But apparently last time it must have been running longer than usual so it drained the battery. One other electrical snafu that I have with this car is that sometimes when I put a CD to play it says “no disc” but after about 5-10 minutes of driving it starts to play.
 
I just need some guidance so when I take it in for repair then I have some ideas. Thanks a bunch.

#2173 of 2734 Re: HVAC fan speed [jhox85] by roadburner

Sep 16, 2008 (8:33 pm)

Replying to: jhox85 (Sep 16, 2008 7:13 pm)
I just need some guidance so when I take it in for repair then I have some ideas.
 
The problem is almost certainly what BMW calls the Final Stage Unit. It's an extremely simple DIY fix. The how-to can be found here. You should be able to find the part for under $90.
As for the CD changer, you might try a different CD magazine to see if the problem persists. Failing that, you will have to take it to an auto sound shop.

#2174 of 2734 Re: HVAC fan speed [roadburner] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Sep 17, 2008 (8:33 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 16, 2008 8:33 pm)
What IS that thing exactly?

#2175 of 2734 Re: HVAC fan speed [Mr_Shiftright] by roadburner

Sep 17, 2008 (10:22 am)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Sep 17, 2008 8:33 am)
What IS that thing exactly?
 
As I understand it, the FSU is essentially a somewhat complex resistor pack- which explains the strange HVAC fan behavior when it goes bad.

#2176 of 2734 Re: HVAC fan speed [roadburner] by andys120

Sep 17, 2008 (6:01 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 17, 2008 10:22 am)
the FSU is essentially a somewhat complex resistor pack
 
Leave it those German engineers, the Ashtray in my Bimmer has like 20 parts.

#2177 of 2734 V8 BMW by r34

Sep 18, 2008 (1:40 pm)

Nowadays, a V8 BMW could be around the same price as a V6 BMW. I have a question.
 
Consumer report said the V8 was unreliable but I didn't know whether they were based on 545i or 550i.
 
I saw quiet a number of V8 5-series on the roads. Any comments?

#2178 of 2734 Re: V8 BMW [r34] by roadburner

Sep 18, 2008 (5:05 pm)

Replying to: r34 (Sep 18, 2008 1:40 pm)
Nowadays, a V8 BMW could be around the same price as a V6 BMW. I have a question.
 
There is no such thing as a BMW V6.
 
Consumer report said the V8 was unreliable but I didn't know whether they were based on 545i or 550i
 
They require a bit more maintenance than the sixes, but most owners believe that the V8's power and torque characteristics outweigh any additional service/repair costs. In any event, Consumer Report's ratings do not provide conclusive evidence of a vehicle's overall reliability.
 
I saw quite a number of V8 5-series on the roads. Any comments?
 
See above.

#2179 of 2734 Re: V8 BMW [roadburner] by r34

Sep 18, 2008 (6:17 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 5:05 pm)
Oh, you are right. It should be I6 for BMW.
 
More maintenance? Does it mean more repairs or it means it will cost more for the same kind of maintenance?
 
For Consumer Report, I am ok with their consumer electronics reviews but I don't really trust their car reviews. It seems that they were looking cars for A to B drivers.

#2180 of 2734 Re: V8 BMW [r34] by roadburner

Sep 18, 2008 (7:17 pm)

Replying to: r34 (Sep 18, 2008 6:17 pm)
More maintenance? Does it mean more repairs or it means it will cost more for the same kind of maintenance?
 
The V8s valve covers tend to leak, and the eights also will usually require a new radiator at 60K-70K. You might check out BMW Tips.com for some specific information- at least as to E39 5ers.

#2181 of 2734 Re: V8 BMW [roadburner] by andys120

Sep 19, 2008 (3:58 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Sep 18, 2008 7:17 pm)
Wasn't there an issue with the Nikasil cyclinder liners on early E39 V8s ('98-'99), (BMW replaced most under warranty IIRC)?

Messages Page 219 of 275

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