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BMW 5-Series Engine Questions

82 messages,  Last post on Apr 20, 2011 at 8:16 PM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Engine, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 1 of 9

#1 of 82 Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? by cls1949

Jan 28, 2007 (1:52 pm)

A good friend leased a new 2007 525 in early Fall last year. A few months later he notice a bad knock in this engine. BMW ended up replacing his engine. My friend now tells me that this is not an isolated incident, and that BMW is trying to keep it quiet. I'm currently looking to replace my 2004 525, and am a bit concerned. Has anyone heard anything, or worse, had a similar situation?

#2 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [cls1949] by shipo

Jan 28, 2007 (6:02 pm)

Replying to: cls1949 (Jan 28, 2007 1:52 pm)
What is the basis of his claim?
 
The engine in the 2007 525i has been on our roads for nearly two years now and I've yet to hear of a single engine failure, err, with the exception of one in your friend's car. Said another way, with the way such news travels around here at Edmunds, consistent engine failures from E90 325i and 325xi and E60 525i and 525xi models would practically be front page news.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#3 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [shipo] by cls1949

Jan 28, 2007 (7:14 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jan 28, 2007 6:02 pm)
That's been my position. My friend is much more knowledgeable about autos that I'll ever be, so I tend to listen closely when he talks. But I'm not finding any supporting information in the public domain. I thought it might be helpful if I posted this question in a BMW owner's forum.
 
He's been told that other engine failures have occured, and have resulted in repairs, replacements and in some cases, the car being bought back by BMW USA.
 
I recall BMW having some trouble when they introduced the new 7's.
 
For what it's worth, I'm in the Chicago area.

#4 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [cls1949] by shipo

Jan 28, 2007 (7:58 pm)

Replying to: cls1949 (Jan 28, 2007 7:14 pm)
In the mid 1990s BMW released their first V8 engine (in both the "7" and the "5"), first in Europe, where it was proven to be very reliable, and then here in North America. Funny thing, those engines started dropping like flies once here on our side of the pond. The problem (as I understand it) was traced to the fact that our fuel has (errr, had) far more sulfur, and the sulfur was literally eating away the cylinder walls. BMW stepped up to the plate and replaced virtually all of the affected engines. To the best of my knowledge, no such problem has existed with BMW engines since then.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#5 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [shipo] by cls1949

Jan 31, 2007 (7:52 pm)

Replying to: shipo (Jan 28, 2007 7:58 pm)
The reason I posed this question was because I'm considering a new 530xi, and a friend had to have the engine replaced on his new 2007 525. I heard from my friend today that the replacement engine has developed the same knock. He expects to turn back the car to BMW under Illinois's Lemon law.
 
He maintains that his dealer's mechanic, who worked on his car, says other new cars with 6 cylinder engines have come back with problems.
 
I'm scared to pursue a new 5 series at this time. I'm still looking for any feedback here. Thanks.

#6 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [shipo] by tayl0rd

Feb 01, 2007 (8:05 am)

Replying to: shipo (Jan 28, 2007 7:58 pm)
In the mid 1990s BMW released their first V8 engine...
 
  BMW just got a V8 in the mid 90s??? I did not know that. That kind of makes me want to rethink wanting a 550i.

#7 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [tayl0rd] by shipo

Feb 01, 2007 (8:26 am)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Feb 01, 2007 8:05 am)
I wouldn't worry too much about the current crop of BMW V8s, they've proven to be quite robust. That said, the new 535i is sure to be a blast to drive.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#8 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [shipo] by tayl0rd

Feb 01, 2007 (9:09 am)

Replying to: shipo (Feb 01, 2007 8:26 am)
I'm looking forward to testing a 535i. The 530i was just too slow for my tastes, but the 550i isn't really worth the extra, what, $9,000 over a 530i. Swift-wise, it definitely blows the 530i away, but when it comes down to actual substance...

#9 of 82 Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [tayl0rd] by shipo

Feb 01, 2007 (9:44 am)

Replying to: tayl0rd (Feb 01, 2007 9:09 am)
I made the exact same decision back in 2002 when I opted for my 530i 5-Speed over a 540i 6-Speed. IIRC, including the Gas Guzzler tax that was then levied against the 540i SP models, the difference via the ED program was just over $8,000. That having been said, the 2008 535i 6-Speed should actually be about as quick as the 2002 540i 6-Speed. Geez, cake and being able to eat it too.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#10 of 82 So far, so good. by sixpaqs

Feb 05, 2007 (1:42 pm)

I have had a 530i for a month now. So far, so good. No knocking coming from my engine.

Messages Page 1 of 9

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