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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 101 of 274

#997 of 2734 rgrossman by div2

Jan 01, 2005 (10:05 pm)

I can't say that I've found BMWs to be expensive to run; the repair and maintenance costs on my wife's 1997 528iA work sled have averaged about $84/month over the last two years/30K miles-and that number includes an Inspection II as well as changes of the AT, final drive, brake system, and cooling system fluids, a set of BMW OEM brake pads, and four V-rated summer tires. And by the way, the 5er just rolled over 112K last week. As for my 1995 Club Sport, it costs less than $30/month to run.
One final thing: your local "mechanic" needs to do his homework- his statements about obtaining BMW service information are dead wrong. The GT-1 diagnostic tool is readily available and BMW offers online access to their current service data for $2500/year. FWIW, BMW also offers a daily rate for the DIY contingent as well as shops that service BMWs infrequently. You need to check with some local CCA members; I'm certain that they can direct you to a good independent shop in your area that actually knows something about BMWs. The local indie shop that I use has worked on every BMW I've owned from my first E3 to my E39 and the techs have never had a problem obtaining BMW servicing information.

#998 of 2734 Re: intermittent electrical problems [rgrossman] by davv62

Jan 02, 2005 (10:38 am)

Replying to: rgrossman (Dec 31, 2004 1:50 pm)
Thanks. I look forward to hearing the outcome of your problem.
 
My warranty is up in March, and if the repair costs become too expensive, I'll sell the car and get a different one.

#999 of 2734 Re: intermittent electrical problems [rgrossman] by sad owner 525i

Jan 03, 2005 (10:06 am)

Replying to: rgrossman (Dec 28, 2004 3:57 pm)
I am having electrical issues with my brand new 2005 525i. I have had the car now for almost two months and it is in the shop for the third time with same problem. On a cold start in the morning, I am receiving the error message "High Battery Drain". This happens every third or fourth day so there is really no rhyme or reason to it. BMW has been unable to diagnose the cause- has anyone else experienced this? It has now been at the shop for a week with BMW talking with the engineers and still no solution.

#1000 of 2734 Should I be concerned... by ny540i6

Jan 03, 2005 (11:33 am)

So I take the machine in to the dealer this morning, since I noticed that my exhaust was hanging a bit low, and there was more movement on the tailpipe than historic. Out comes a service manager who walks to the back of the car. takes a look, and says "Whoa... you got problems. Where'd you get that big aftermarket pipe installed?" I look at him and laugh, since I'm thinking he must be kidding. One of the mechanics standing there tells him that the 540 with SP or the 6 speed comes with the big pipe. He looks at us both like we are nuts, makes a note on the Work Order, and walks away... can't wait until I go pick the car up.

#1001 of 2734 Re: 528 FrontEnd Wreck [jjohnjohn] by jas

Jan 03, 2005 (2:59 pm)

Replying to: jjohnjohn (Dec 30, 2004 6:50 am)
Sorry to hear about the wreck - I hate when that happens. Although I love a factory pain job, it is better to replace metal than to have a frame or suspension problem.
 
I would take the car back and ask about the two things you noticed. Not sure about the high beam situation.
 
However, the A/C compressor can run in the winter to remove condensation from the windshield so it may be you are just more aware of the operation right now.

#1002 of 2734 Update by ny540i6

Jan 03, 2005 (5:36 pm)

Need new rear bracket for exhaust. Adjusted parking brake. Service advisor also had front brakes replaced as a "favor". Got rid of bum Oxygen sensor (no drivability issue, just service engine soon light). Bracket in on Friday, so I'll get that done then. Original SA from this morning came over and said something about never really taking a look at the back end of one of these before! All in all a good day.

#1003 of 2734 Re: 2002 540i [stl540] by childersb

Jan 04, 2005 (9:29 pm)

Replying to: stl540 (Nov 04, 2004 10:56 pm)
FWIW - I am on my second set of Bridgestone Potenza Pole Positions. The first were SO2s and the 2nd SO3s. I got a clean 20K from the first set and expect to get at least that from the SO3s. They handle fantastically - particularly love the rain - seemingly better than the dry. They're very quiet and have never squealed and I take every turn above the posted limit - many wa-a-ay above. I drive about 17K/yr - a lot on I-85. I live in Atlanta and therefore don't have to contend with snow and I stay home when it ices.
 
I recommend the SO3s. Give 'em a try, I bet you'll like them, too.
 
Childersb

#1004 of 2734 Re: Not really a problem but need opinions/inputs on tires.... [mtv65] by childersb

Jan 04, 2005 (9:41 pm)

Replying to: mtv65 (Nov 09, 2004 1:31 am)
I hate to sounds like an ad for Bridgestone Potenza SO3s - but they're great tires. I have a 2000 540i, 6-Speed. They are QUIET and hold the road great in rain or dry. Never had a spin out or slippage and I routinely (every day on the way into work) take a sharp turn (35 mph posted) at 60-65 mph, not a peep.
 
I read some reviews that helped me choose the first set I had (SO2s), but I can't find where they were. Sorry
 
Good luck!
 
Childersb

#1005 of 2734 Re: 2002 540i [childersb] by lovemyclk

Jan 05, 2005 (12:04 pm)

Replying to: childersb (Jan 04, 2005 9:29 pm)
I also live in Atlanta and deal with Butler Tire... you? Just put on Pirelli P-Zero Nero summers on my 2003 530i SP and am impressed for the nearly 1000 miles so far. They gave me a great deal that included on-car high speed balance. Been dealing with Butler for years...

#1006 of 2734 new wiper blades squeeking against windshield by cmr530i

Jan 06, 2005 (8:09 pm)

I just had the dealer put in new wiper blades for the rainy season. During the first storm, the blade on the left side seemed to press rather firmly against the windshield creating a squeeky noise. Is there an easy way I can release some of the tension on the blade myself? This weekend is supposed to be very wet and I'd like to get rid of that noise. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Messages Page 101 of 274

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