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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 251 of 274

#2496 of 2734 Coolant Leak by larrynguyen

Mar 18, 2010 (9:16 am)

My 2006 BMW 525i keeps giving me warning "low coolant" about a week after I filled it up. I took it to a local shop. The technician tested it (blowing air to the coolant openning) and he found no leaks at all on the tubes and radiator, although we saw water leaks to the bottom tray. He then open the engine oil cap and said the water must have leaked to the engine because the oil color has changed to light brown. He susggested to take it to the dealer for further testing and repair. My questions are:
1) Was his diagnostic correct?
2) If he knows what's wrong, why didn't he accept the job to fix it?
3) How big a job to repair the problem when coolant mixing engine oil?
4) What shops (in Orange County, CA) are good to repair the car besides the dealer to reduce the cost?

#2497 of 2734 Re: Coolant Leak [larrynguyen] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Mar 18, 2010 (9:26 am)

Replying to: larrynguyen (Mar 18, 2010 9:16 am)
This doesn't sound like a diagnosis at all, but rather a guess based on an oil cap??
 
There are very conclusive ways to test for head gasket failure or even oil separator (BMW's fancy PCV valve) problems, so yeah, you need to go somewhere that knows about BMWs.
 
If in fact you have water + oil extensively distributed throughout your engine, you'd better pour yourself a stiff drink. I think not, but you need to have this properly diagnosed and stop driving the car until you do.

#2498 of 2734 Re: Coolant Leak [larrynguyen] by roadburner

Mar 18, 2010 (1:02 pm)

Replying to: larrynguyen (Mar 18, 2010 9:16 am)
I'll bet it's either the water pump, t-stat housing, or the expansion tank.

#2499 of 2734 Re: Weird Happenings [kaybe] by petecastro99

Mar 28, 2010 (6:16 am)

Replying to: kaybe (Nov 04, 2005 11:54 am)
I have a very similar issue with lights coming on and going off intermittently. Also have my horn and radio sometime not work, then start to work again.
I'm assuming it's the computer module but curious as to what you found when you had it serviced.

#2500 of 2734 2006 BMW 530i Oil Reset by steve_gauntt

Mar 30, 2010 (1:50 pm)

The mechanic I use doesn't know how to reset the error light on the idrive. Can anyone explain how to do this? I have tried pushing the trip odometer and turning key to accessory but do not get any reset ability.
 
Frustrated in Wisconsin.

#2501 of 2734 Cracked Windshield by pen101

Apr 02, 2010 (5:51 pm)

I have not written here in a long while. I still have my car that I purchased new in December, 2001. I love the car and will probably keep it a few more years.
 
While on the freeway, a rock or something hit the windshield and now there is a long crack across it. My car, '02 530i has 89K miles. It has the premium-sport package which comes with the rain sensor on the rear view mirror. My insurance deductible is higher than the replacement cost so I will pay for it my self. Question is, I received quotes from a few highly recommended glass shops. It comes down to whether I want to have installed a BMW windshield ($650) or an after market windshield ($350). Each shop claims that the aftermarket windshield is just as good as the BMW part, except it does not have the BMW logo on it. Considering the age and mileage of the car, would it be a mistake to use the after market windshield instead of the BMW windshield?

#2502 of 2734 Re: Cracked Windshield [pen101] by shipo

Apr 02, 2010 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: pen101 (Apr 02, 2010 5:51 pm)
Hey Pen, long time...
 
How's that "new" clutch holding out for you?
 
Regarding the windshield glass, the only thing I've ever been warned about regarding replacement glass is the actual thickness; I've "heard" (but never experienced) that some aftermarket glass makers skimp on the thickness, and as such, the new glass cracks and pits easier.
 
I've taken a different route regarding the one broken windshield I've had to deal with on a German car, namely a used windshield. My insurance company told me they'd actually waive my deductible and pay for the entire glass replacement if I'd agree to a used part. Needless to say I agreed.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#2503 of 2734 Re: Cracked Windshield [shipo] by pen101

Apr 02, 2010 (10:30 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Apr 02, 2010 6:02 pm)
Shipo, you have a great memory. Same clutch, works great. Only other non-standard maintenance issue is that the drivers door window-lift gave out. Oh, and I have been through 3 cup holder sets, couple sets of brakes, lots of tires (standard Pilots lasted over 40K, but then I used PS2's and they lasted about 25K each set), a few bulbs here and there, a new front Bumper (a parking curb pulled the old one out) and a new rear bumper (was rear ended). The car is great (you know that) and I expect to keep it a few more years (feels good not have a car payment) before I get the 2012 5-series (always avoid the first year).
 
Based upon your comments, I will research the aftermarket glass option a little more carefully. Maybe I could find a used windshield replacement instead. The bottom line is that I want to make sure it does not have distortion, is thinner or causes added wind noise compared to a new BMW windshield.
 
Pen

#2504 of 2734 Re: 2006 BMW 530i Oil Reset [steve_gauntt] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Apr 03, 2010 (9:42 am)

Replying to: steve_gauntt (Mar 30, 2010 1:50 pm)
PROCEDURE TO VIEW OR RESET SERVICE ITEMS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER E90, E91, E92, E60, E61, E63 AND E64
 
   1. Turn ignition to Terminal 15. (if equipped with 'Keyless Start' insert remote in ignition slot but do not start engine)
   2. Press and hold the Instrument Cluster Set/Reset button for 10 seconds.
   3. The upper display in the Instrument Cluster will be illuminated with a Service Item (example: An oil can is the designation for Oil Service). The lower display in the Instrument Cluster will indicate the remaining time or mileage left for that Service Item (example: 14000). Pressing the button repeatedly will allow the display to scroll through all of the Condition Based Service Items.
   4. Press and hold the Instrument Cluster Set/Reset button again and the lower display screen will indicate "OK" or "DUE".
   5. Pressing the Instrument Cluster Set/Reset button again will allow the "RESET" to appear in the lower window for that service. Releasing and reapplying the button one more time will reset the service displayed in the upper window only. Repeat the procedure for any additional service reset needs.

#2505 of 2734 Re: Cracked Windshield [pen101] by kyfdx HOST

Apr 03, 2010 (10:16 am)

Replying to: pen101 (Apr 02, 2010 5:51 pm)
hey pen101..
 
Weren't you the one that re-purchased your car after your lease, CPOed, for less than the residual?
 
I replaced a windshield on our '03 325i... The prices were much lower then, and we went with factory glass at the time, because they were the only ones that had the rain sensor.
 
I wouldn't be worried about the after-market glass, as much as the shop having experience with replacing BMW glass... Ours had a special sealant that had to cure overnight... otherwise, they would have come to my office to do it..
 
regards,
kyfdx

Messages Page 251 of 274

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