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BMW 7-Series Maintenance and Repair

831 messages,  Last post on Feb 17, 2013 at 11:00 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 7 Series, Electrical, Engine, Sedan

Messages Page 78 of 84

#764 of 831 Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW by slammy420

May 15, 2010 (5:17 pm)

I have a 2000 BMW 740i. Alot of smoke comes out of the muffler when i start the car but no smoke when its running. Just when it starts. But when i restart after 5 to 10 mins or an hr the smoke doesnt come out. Im planning to sell this one and get a 2000 BMW convertible. How can i stop it? Is there any Fluids i can use to Stop it?

#765 of 831 Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

May 15, 2010 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: slammy420 (May 15, 2010 5:17 pm)
Might be a defective oil separator, which is an elaborate German idea of a PCV valve. It's about a 3.5 hour job if that's the culprit. Only other thing I can think of is bad valve stem seals or worn valve guides (high miles engine?) and that would cost more to fix than the separator.
 
No, sorry there is no fluid, additive, pill, device or chemical that stops oil burning.

#766 of 831 Re: maintainance package [x5fan10] by msnln

May 19, 2010 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: x5fan10 (Mar 31, 2010 6:03 pm)
I had same problem in 2007 when my warranty ran out on my 2002 745i, not so much for maintenance but for extended warranty. My concern was major problems like engine or transmission having problems and causing repair bills in thousands but since you probably have CPO extended warranty, you will not have to worry about that for some time.
 
As for $2747 for maintenance package, it seems bit excessive. BMW 7 series needs oil change every 15K miles and brakes should last at least 35K miles. So, basically you are looking at spending $500 per year and $1500 every two years, if driven at least 15K miles/year. So for two years, your maintenance cost comes to $2500 at your dealer quote for two oil changes and brake repair. Besides, every time I had taken my car in for maintenance service, I had dealer always tells me I need extra "repairs" that usually come to more than $1K that are not covered under the warranty.
 
However, you do not need to go to the dealership for these services. you need to find a reputable mechanic who will do these services. I recently had rear brakes installed for $120 -- $50 for the pads, $20 for the sensors and $50 labor. Had I replaced rotors it would have been extra $130 for price of rotor but I returned the rotors because old rotors looked sparkling new and mechanic told me rotor replacement was not needed. I would change brakes on other cars myself but it's sometimes pain to take off rear wheels on these cars so I did not want to bother.
 
As for oil change, there is local shop that will do oil change on my car for $90. if I bring in the oil and filter, labor charge is $30. Go to pelicanparts.com and buy BMW oem filters and Mobil 1 oil. BMW holds 8.5 quarts of oil and I don't want to have to deal with disposal of 2+ gal jugs of oil.
 
So, my cost for your maintenance is $300 (or $430 with rotors). Where do I find these guys, you ask? I ask around friends, neighbors and search the web. I then go talk to the mechanics to see if they really know what they are talking about. When I talk to them, I tell them I can do these myself but do not want to be inconvenienced and they will not screw around with you. You'd be surprised how many incompetent mechanics but that is another story. BTW, I do all maintenance on my other cars - Toyota Highlander and Honda Accord. So basically, if you want peace of mind but don't mind getting ripped off, then go for the dealership service but in the long run, you would be so much better off finding a mechanic you can trust.

#767 of 831 Re: Maintenance question plleasse help new bmw buyer [ohsosmooth] by msnln

May 19, 2010 (4:30 pm)

Replying to: ohsosmooth (Sep 13, 2009 7:37 pm)
Microfilters is fancy name for a cabin filter and it is two minute replacement job. The part itself costs around $30.
 
This link shows how it's done and reset the computer:
 
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260208
 
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296557

#768 of 831 Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [Mr_Shiftright] by slammy420

Jun 11, 2010 (11:49 pm)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (May 15, 2010 7:55 pm)
I have talked with a machanic and they said it might be the head gasket. It might cost from 750 to 1200 to fix it. But my concern is that whether the head gasket actually causes this problem? What is PCV valve? What should i do? The car runs excellent but this smoke is drivin me nuts,

#769 of 831 Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 12, 2010 (7:16 am)

Replying to: slammy420 (Jun 11, 2010 11:49 pm)
Well I wouldn't let them do that until they tested positively for a head gasket.
 
If the smoke is BLUE, then they are on the wrong track---if it's white, like steam, then they might be right.
 
The PCV is Positive Crankcase Ventilation, a kind of sucking device that removes fumes from your engine and reburns them. If it's plugged, your engine builds up a lot of crankcase pressure and could force oil past rings or valve stem seals.

#770 of 831 Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [Mr_Shiftright] by slammy420

Jun 12, 2010 (7:28 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jun 12, 2010 7:16 am)
Yes it is BLUE/WHITE AND THICK. Stays in the AIR!!!! and it has a sweet smell. No SMOG like smell. I Dont know how to explain that. How do you Fix the PCV?
By the way my check coolant signal is always coming on. I just filled it up a month ago and again it came up. I was reading about the head gasket and it was saying that if the Coolant is low, the head gasket gets ruined. So i was wondering whether it started from there. Do you know any Extended warranty company which is actually a really good one and not a scam? Thank you for helping me out.

#771 of 831 Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jun 12, 2010 (9:03 am)

Replying to: slammy420 (Jun 12, 2010 7:28 am)
Well they can easily test for a bad head gasket or a clogged PCV. There doesn't have to be any guess work here. Not sure, but I think your car is too old for extended warranties. I haven't had much experience with them, other than that these are not warranties of course, they are insurance policies, with lots of exclusions possible. They are betting your car doesn't break and you are betting it does. They decide the size of the bet, and you know they've done their homework.

#772 of 831 Re: Need HELP WITH 2000 740i BMW [slammy420] by blnewto

Jun 17, 2010 (8:32 pm)

Replying to: slammy420 (Jun 12, 2010 7:28 am)
Just about every aftermarket warranty has a giant list of exclusions and the almighty "warranty doesn't cover parts that fail due to overheating". Good luck trying to prove your transmission or motor wasn't overheating when it failed.
Even if by chance you can prove it they have ways to wait you out and more lawyers than you

#773 of 831 my bmw 1994 740il by bmwandme

Jun 25, 2010 (9:09 pm)

slips into 3rd gear right after car starts moving and stay on 3rd gear all the time. gear letter display on dashboard disappears. dashboard gives message" transmission program"

Messages Page 78 of 84

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