Ask the Car People.SM


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

    
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

Messages Page 87 of 274

#855 of 2734 erice by div2

Oct 19, 2004 (9:30 pm)

If I had to drive my wife's 1997 528iA all the time, here's what I would do:
 
1.Larger front and rear anti-roll bars $400
2.Bilstein HD Shocks $500
3.540i front calipers and rotors $350?
4.16 or 17 inch wheels and summer
   high performance tires $1200-$3000
5.Conforti Shark Injector and Cold Air Intake $710
 
The brake upgrade really isn't necessary, but it more than doubles the front brake pad life and you can usually pick up an inexpensive set of used calipers and brackets from a 540i owner who is upgrading to Brembos or some other high-zoot setup. The above changes won't turn your 5er into an M3 eater but they will give the sled a broader performance envelope than 95% of the non-BMWs on the road today. Not bad for less than $4000.

#856 of 2734 Cupholder Fix by div2

Oct 20, 2004 (7:54 am)

My wife has always been unhappy with the flimsy cupholders fitted to her 528iA. Cupholders have never been a priority for me so I haven't spent much time searching for a solution. However, last week I was window shopping at the BMW Store in Cincinnati when I saw the TEC engineering cupholder:
http://tecaccessories.com/index.html . I decided to give it a try. While I was at it I also picked up a stainless steel insulated BMW tumbler(BMW Part # 99 00 0 003 908). The device took all of about two minutes to install, the tumbler fits perfectly, and my wife loves it. Highly Recommended.

#857 of 2734 Re: sport pack on 528i [erice] by jas

Oct 20, 2004 (8:46 am)

Replying to: erice (Oct 19, 2004 7:05 pm)
I would drive a non sport package and sport package car and see what works for you. A non-sport package car might be fine.
 
However, from the sounds of it, I think you would regret buying a non-sport package car for the times where you can really get on it.
 
I am sure there is a clean one out there with your name on it.

#858 of 2734 Re: cabin rattle [dallas92] by bmwna

Oct 20, 2004 (10:12 am)

Replying to: dallas92 (Oct 09, 2004 7:07 am)
I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. I’m so sorry to read you are being bothered by a rattle. If you and your BMW center need our assistance, please phone us at (800) 831-1117, and mention Reference #200429400265 so that we can help you more efficiently.

#859 of 2734 Re: erice [div2] by erice

Oct 21, 2004 (10:00 pm)

Replying to: div2 (Oct 19, 2004 9:30 pm)
The list of upgrades you list is almost exactly what I had anticipated for a sport upgrade.
 
However, would the Bilsteins alone lower the ride height? I would think that would raise the spring rate considerably.
 
I don't want to go super low...just as low as the stock sport pack.
 
The money you list is comparable to the extra premium people are asking for the sport-pack models. i.e.- non sports = $15,900 clean and sports are going for about 20k - all else being equal.
 
Thanks for the info Div

#860 of 2734 erice by div2

Oct 22, 2004 (7:24 am)

Great minds think alike No, the HDs won't lower the car, but in my case I don't want the car lowered-I live at the end of a .5 mile gravel farm road. And, the HDs work great with OEM springs; I loved them on my Bavaria 3.0 and 535is. Most all of the E39 aftermarket springs(BAS, Eibach, etc.) will drop the car 1.25 inches and cost $300-$400, if you go that route you'll need to use the Bilstein Sports. Note that the Sports and HDs have identical damping rates-the only difference is that the Sports are designed to work with shorter springs. If you are really lucky, you might find someone who has ditched his OEM sport springs for an aftermarket set.

#861 of 2734 Re: erice [div2] by erice

Oct 22, 2004 (8:53 am)

Replying to: div2 (Oct 22, 2004 7:24 am)
That's what I'm thinking. OEM sport springs, Bilstein Sports, heavier sway bars, and 17" wheels.
 
I could prob even find a set of OEM bars.
 
I haven't ruled out the non-sport pack just yet.
 
It would be nice though, to just have to add the Conforti injector and cold air kit and be done with it.
 
Thx

#862 of 2734 Re: cabin rattle [bmwna] by dallas92

Oct 22, 2004 (1:18 pm)

Replying to: bmwna (Oct 20, 2004 10:12 am)
Thank you so much for taking the time to post a message. My car had other problems as well, mainly with its computer system, which apparently crashed (no one admitted to it) and it spent 23 days at the dealer (7-8 visits) and I asked for my money back or another car which they finally agreed to, I am giving BMW a second and final chance hoping for a better experience this time around. Currently, the car is at the preparation center and should be arriving to my dealer within days. To date, none of the current problems has been fixed. I'll be glad to provide you with more info. if you are interested. It's been a terrible experience, except for the performance.
 
Again, thank you for your input.

#863 of 2734 Electrical weirdness by tjatja

Nov 02, 2004 (4:57 pm)

My 1998 528i has always had an issue of the motorized steering wheel adjustment sometimes not working, but it always resolves on it's own. I've resigned myself to the fact that it's a gremlin and learned to live with it. Yesterday the clock on the radio disappeared AND the turn signal arrows on the dash went out (no relay click either) BUT the turn signals still work. These may be independent issues but the same day thing is awfully coincidental. All fuses in glove box and trunk check out fine. Any ideas?

#864 of 2734 Re: cabin rattle [bmwna] by grios1

Nov 02, 2004 (9:31 pm)

Replying to: bmwna (Oct 20, 2004 10:12 am)
Hi, I have the same rattle on the left side. Sounds like its in the door but not sure. I havent taken it in yet but will soon.
 
my2004 525 3000mi

Messages Page 87 of 274

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement