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
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
#2281 of 2734 Re: Expiring warranty on 2003 530 [cornea]
by lovemyclk
Mar 13, 2009 (8:27 am)
Like you, I went through this for my beautiful '03 530SP as it rolled off of CPO warranty in 1/09. I now have 66k miles and echo the cooling system comments (water pump, radiator). The '03 has an improved design for the hose fittings on the radiator and is not as susceptible to cracks as earlier e39's. Still, my top-drawer independent BMW Tech tells me that I need to prepare to replace cooling system components around 75-85k miles. No problems yet.
I am the sole owner, having leased it in 1/03, then purchasing it because it was simply too good a car to let go. I leased thinking the new e60 might be worth trading for in '06, but could not pull the trigger. My '03 has been a terrific ownership & driving experience, with the only warranty issue being the power steering hoses at around 62k miles - slight leak. Also had the belt tensioner (along with main drive belt) replaced as the original was getting noisy. You may want to have yours checked.
If you are like me, it a real pleasure everytime I drive this terrific car
#2282 of 2734 Re: Expiring warranty on 2003 530 [lovemyclk]
by andys120
Mar 13, 2009 (10:25 am)
If you are like me, it a real pleasure everytime I drive this terrific car
Amen to that, E39s rock!
#2283 of 2734 Switching BMW Motor Oil to Synthetic Oil
by dfrilot
Mar 17, 2009 (10:32 pm)
I drive a 2005 530i with approx 58K miles. I was told by independent mechanic that I should switch over from BMW factory mineral-based motor oil to other high-quality synthetic oil. Has anyone emcountered any problems or warranty issues doing this?
I was also told I should have trans fluid flushed and replaced as car approaches 75K miles (as preventative maintenace), even though factory guidelines say not needed. Good idea or waste of money???
DF SoCal
#2284 of 2734 Re: Switching BMW Motor Oil to Synthetic Oil [dfrilot]
by shipo
Mar 18, 2009 (5:38 am)
I'm not sure where that independent mechanic got his advice (unless he is an Amsoil [aka. snake oil] salesman). Why do I say that? Because BMW oil that meets the BMW LongLife-01 oil specification is in fact a synthetic oil.
The two most common oils sold here in the U.S.A. that meet the LL-01 oil spec (besides the BMW oil) are Mobil 1 0W-40 and German made (says "Made In Germany" right on the bottle) Castrol Syntec 0W-30.
I'm also thinking that were I in your shoes, I'd be looking for a new independent mechanic.
Best regards,
Shipo
Mar 18, 2009 (8:04 am)
did you/they manage to get it off alright? i only ask as the same is happening with a car i'd like to buy but the sales guy wont do it as part of the sale - typical!
Mar 18, 2009 (9:34 am)
I watched them take it off with hot water, and it seemed quite easy. I didn't watch CLOSELY to see if he used some kind of rough pad or scraper, but it was done in 15 minutes.
#2287 of 2734 Re: Switching BMW Motor Oil to Synthetic Oil [shipo]
by roadburner
Mar 18, 2009 (8:19 pm)
Exactly. That poor guy is absolutely clueless. It's amazing how much ignorance is out there...
Mar 20, 2009 (8:55 am)
I have a few questions- I have a 2000 528 with about 79k miles- the windshield washer has quit working- I checked the fuse and I think it's ok- does that washer plug in somewhere? is it possible it got knocked loose? i had it in the shop and noticed shortly thereafter it was not working. Also, when are they redesigning the 5 series? I heard either 2010 or 2011 model yr. anyone know where any pix of the new 5 are? Finally, will a full-size tire fit in the place where the stupid donut tire is? My 5 has a full size spare but I dont think they do that anymore, right? Thanks for your help.
#2289 of 2734 Re: Some questions [milner007]
by andys120
Mar 20, 2009 (10:47 am)
Questions, questions, questions...
The washer fluid has to have a hose that plugs in at the base of the nozzle somewhere and, yes, it is possible that it got knocked loose (possibly while it was being serviced).
The new Five Series (F10) is due out in 2011.
The only actual photos/videos so are of the a new hatchback variant known as the 5 Series GT. The software for posting photos isn't working but you can follow
this link for details.
Sketches of the sedan and wagon versions are all over the web, most resemble the E39 more than the current E60 Fiver series. link.
#2290 of 2734 Re: Some questions [andys120]
by milner007
Mar 20, 2009 (11:33 am)
if the hose had been knocked loose would that mean the fluid would have drained out? My fluid resevoir is full.