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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#2424 of 2734 Re: Why is RPM over 3x1000 when going down the hill? [lovecd] by andys120

Dec 18, 2009 (8:22 am)

Replying to: lovecd (Dec 18, 2009 8:00 am)
BMW says their A/Ts are "lifetime fill". Considering the expense of replacing a modern A/T most savvy owners are changing their ATF every 60,000 miles (using synthetic). I follow this procedure and have over 120K on the Steptronic in my '00 528iA and the trans operates perfectly in either automanual or full automatic mode.
 
In fact it's a whole bunch smoother than the A/T in my MIL's 2000 LeSabre which has only 42K on it. That one will not give you a smooth kickdown if you are over 3000RPM, it's quite harsh and there's a delay of a second or so that is not pleasing.

#2425 of 2734 530i (2004) driveshaft by adhocbmw

Dec 18, 2009 (11:06 am)

Driveshaft cracked at 83,000 miles. All service previously done at BMW service. Any similar problems. (not covered under warranty).

#2426 of 2734 Re: Why is RPM over 3x1000 when going down the hill? [andys120] by lovecd

Dec 19, 2009 (11:58 am)

Replying to: andys120 (Dec 18, 2009 8:22 am)
I used to replace transmission fluid to my other cars myself, is it hard to do on BMW or better have it done with BMW dealers?
 
Thanks!

#2427 of 2734 Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [adhocbmw] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 19, 2009 (12:21 pm)

Replying to: adhocbmw (Dec 18, 2009 11:06 am)
If it's a torn flex disk that you're talking about, that is a very common BMW E39 series ailment. Not sure if that's your model or not but I think 2004 was the last year. I think BMW regards this as a normal wear item.

#2428 of 2734 Re: Why is RPM over 3x1000 when going down the hill? [lovecd] by roadburner

Dec 19, 2009 (9:08 pm)

Replying to: lovecd (Dec 19, 2009 11:58 am)
I used to replace transmission fluid to my other cars myself, is it hard to do on BMW or better have it done with BMW dealers?
 
You can do it yourself, but the procedure is somewhat more complicated than you may be used to. This how-to is for an E36, but it will still give you an idea of what is involved. I usually have my dealer change the ATF and transfer case oil at 50,000 mile intervals. They only charge me $208.

#2429 of 2734 Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [Mr_Shiftright] by roadburner

Dec 19, 2009 (9:11 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 19, 2009 12:21 pm)
2003 was the last year for the E39 platform. The flex disk(AKA guibo) can last up to 150K or more, depending on the car's horsepower, weight, and driving conditions.

#2430 of 2734 Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [roadburner] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 20, 2009 (9:30 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 19, 2009 9:11 pm)
Thanks. I keep seeing two different answers for when the E39 phased out. I guess the theoretical lifespan of the guibo should be 150K, but it seems that most people don't get that far with them. Certainly worth checking periodically.
 
I wonder what a "cracked" driveshaft is then? Sounds very unusual.

#2431 of 2734 Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [Mr_Shiftright] by roadburner

Dec 20, 2009 (10:53 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Dec 20, 2009 9:30 am)
I wonder what a "cracked" driveshaft is then? Sounds very unusual.
 
My wife's CPO 1997 528i had a low speed rumble/vibration that was independent of engine speed and wheels/tires fitted. My dealer has a first class service department and they diagnosed a bent driveshaft. It was replaced under the CPO warranty, no questions asked. I still wonder how one could tweak a driveshaft without hitting/running over something.
FYI, BMW continues to use two-piece driveshafts fitted with 1-2 guibos and a center bearing, as you can see on this F01 parts diagram.

#2432 of 2734 Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [roadburner] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Dec 20, 2009 (12:36 pm)

Replying to: roadburner (Dec 20, 2009 10:53 am)
Are BMW driveshaft still not rebuildable? I remember that for a long time the u=joints were not replaceable. U-joint wears out, well, then, you replace the entire driveshaft.
 
I could see a driveshaft out of balance, definitely, but bent? A frozen u-joint would give that same symptom, too.

#2433 of 2734 BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! by sportcourtguy

Dec 20, 2009 (4:03 pm)

OK, Had a major leak in my car, if I left car in rain the rear passenger side foot well would fill up with water (over 2'' + deep) the issue is that it took BMW service forever to fix it in that time it fill with water several time. Found out the it was coming in from the heater box and rolling in under the carpet so who know how long it was going on!! With all the electrical that is in the area should I maybe just ell the car to get rid of a potential issue long term with the electrical going bad from all the moisture?!?!?!?!?!?!?!??!??!
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