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Re: buying a used 1999 car [krajala]
Written by: mhutchinson on Jul 21, 2011 5:27:15 AM
I own my second 5 series (2003). My first was a 1998. Both are pretty reliable and great driving machines. If you can perform the repairs, you might find the costs tollerable. If not... Issues: 1998: computer display losses clarity (some LED dots quit lighting up) but still readable). Both of my cars experienced this problem. AC compressor failed at 120k - expensive part and labor is at a premium at ... Read More
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Buying used 530i
Written by: auaq on Mar 28, 2011 4:19:47 PM
Hello there! I am thinking into buying a bmw 530i. So far I have found two of them. Both of them are from 2003 model. One has 155,000 mi on it which costs $7995 and the other has 111,798 mi which costs $10,990. I have been reading a lot of consumer reviews about the reliability of the 5 series and nearly half of them state no problems while others had reliability ... Read More
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [mhutchinson]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on May 30, 2009 6:21:32 PM
Oh no I meant injury from pressurizing and depressurizing the AC. I assume you're smart enough not to poke yourself in the eye with an air nozzle--LOL! * The oil should be replaced whenever a ruptured component is replaced, because the quick discharge causes some of the oil to be released along with the refrigerant * Use only PAG oil in an R-134a system (not mineral oil) * Use only mineral ... Read More
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: mhutchinson on May 30, 2009 3:11:02 PM
Got it. I appreciate the risk of injury using compressed air. I will wear eye protection. I plan to blow air through the high side line toward the dryer (disconnected of course) into a cloth rag and inspect it for particles. What about the oil capacity? Any idea whether the 1.5 oz. pre-charge will be adequate? I can't find the specs online and I haven't purchased a manual yet (although I ... Read More
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [mhutchinson]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on May 30, 2009 2:53:23 PM
I think you could blow them dry with air. I cleaned mine in a solvent tank---that might have been a bad idea, I don't know, but it worked. Maybe you could just use air at first to see if anything comes out? I'm not an expert on AC and due to chance of injury etc, I'm not keen on advising you on a casual basis.
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: mhutchinson on May 30, 2009 2:40:10 PM
I pulled the belt. The compressor is turning fine by hand. No squeaks, no drag, no serious play in the shaft. Wash out the lines. I've never done that before. I'm guessing you remove the lines from the car and run [what] through them? How do you dry them out again? Thanks again Mr. S. The refurbished compressor contains 1.5 oz. of ICE32 oil. I have not lost any oil. Do ... Read More
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [mhutchinson]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on May 30, 2009 1:03:24 PM
Yeah you're sort of doomed if you do, doomed if you don't. Generally, you wouldn't get debris unless you seize the compressor but since it was knocking, one has to wonder. You'll have to open the system to remove the dryer or replace the compressor anyway. I'd wash out the AC lines as best one can and see if there is any debris in there. If you see lots of debris, ... Read More
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: mhutchinson on May 30, 2009 12:44:38 PM
Thank You! I just got to the dryer bottle and it is larger than the replacement offered by O'Reilly Auto Parts. Soooo....since I have not opened the system yet, and the refrigerant is not lost, I will need to ensure the compressor did not send shavings into the lines. Background: I am replacing the compressor as it began knocking and recently it became loud enough to hear it inside the car ... Read More
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Re: BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair [mhutchinson]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on May 30, 2009 9:25:55 AM
Removing And Installing/Replacing Drier Flask For Air Conditioner NOTE: A/C system is drawn off. Notes On Replacing Drier Bottle Or Drier Insert The drier bottle or drier insert does not have to be replaced at regular service intervals in a functioning, leakproof A/C system. However, the drier bottle or drier insert must be replaced without fail in the event of: * fouling of the refrigerant by filings/shavings (e.g. when the compressor ... Read More
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BMW 540i 1998 A/C repair
Written by: mhutchinson on May 30, 2009 8:45:25 AM
Who knows how to replace the evacuator/dryer? It is located just behind and below the passenger headlight. Do you have any other insights: warnings, online manuals available, etc.? Thanks.
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Re: My 1st BMW- 97 528i - NEED INPUTS PLEEZ [jackieb]
Written by: mhutchinson on May 30, 2009 8:43:15 AM
Do you happen to know how to remove the evacuator/dryer on the 540i, 1998 version? It is just below and behind the passenger headlight. Do I remove it from underneath or above? I see the round plate on top of it and the three anchoring screws. One is hard to reach with an allen wrench. Must I remove the headlight? I can't determine how to access it from the underneath.
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Re: Question About The Wisdom Of Buying A Brand New 1998 528I [gkg680]
Written by: div2 on Sep 29, 2006 8:02:07 PM
Recently, all the fluids were replaced I'm assuming that includes brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and final drive oil- using BMW approved fluids/lubricants? Blue Book trade-in value is $13,000, private party trade value is $15K, and dealership retail is $17,000. I wouldn't pay over $15K; why pay silly money for very low miles on a car you are going to drive? It's not like an E39 528i is collectable. I've never ... Read More
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Question About The Wisdom Of Buying A Brand New 1998 528I
Written by: gkg680 on Sep 29, 2006 4:37:29 PM
If anyone would care to share their thoughts with me, I'd be grateful. I have an opportunity to buy a 1998 528i with 2200 miles on it. It's showroom new, been sitting for years in a heated, secure garage. Recently, all the fluids were replaced, I'm not sure about the hoses and belts, and the battery needs a charge, but it's new also. Blue Book trade-in value is $13,000, private party ... Read More
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1998 528i sedan 5sp, Premium
Written by: casey103 on Oct 20, 2003 7:37:55 PM
I haven't owned a BMW since 1985 (320i). Yesterday I test drove a 98 528i sedan w/ 5sp. It drives really nice..80k miles. Two owners.17 inch wheels. He wants $14,100. This seems to be reasonable based on Edmunds or KBB. It seems that other comments indicate that I need to be able to verify service records to be comfortable. Any other feedabck would be greatly appreciated. I am anxious to get ... Read More
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Resale Values
Written by: riez on Oct 19, 2003 2:33:15 PM
530bmw... I wouldn't draw too many firm conclusions from such a small sample size. Resale values have declined for many marques and models. All the subsidies, rebates, incentives to dealers, low interest loans, etc. have taken their toll. Just look at how much BMW was recently offering on the last E39s. Was cheaper to buy a new '03 E39 than a used '02 E39. That put pressure on all used E39s. ... Read More
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riez, et al
Written by: habitat1 on Oct 18, 2003 6:09:31 PM
That trade in on a 540i 6-speed is an eye opener. I know you bought it used, so you didn't do poorly, but my guess is that the 540i 6-speed was about $50,000 new in 1998. A trade in of $18,000 is a $32,000 5-6 year depreciation hit. By comparison, I almost bought a 1998 E300 Turbodiesel new in late 1997 for $42,200 (still have the purchase papers). Based upon what ... Read More
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sdg380
Written by: habitat1 on Oct 15, 2003 6:36:39 PM
Actually, the E320 CDI I might consider waiting for won't be out until next spring. I don't know the exact specs, but I've been told by a reliable source that it is capable of 0-60 in the 6.5 range (comparable to a 530i manual transmission) and is rated 5+/- mpg higher than the former 1998/1999 E300 Turbodiesel. I believe it will employ Mercedes new 7-speed automatic. I'm not a big fan ... Read More
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Splitting the hair...
Written by: shipo on Feb 13, 2003 9:25:41 AM
Hmmm, to me, I like driving a car that is highly capable, first and foremost. That said, I also like driving a car that is not as ubiquitous as the 1998 Green Metallic Dodge Grand Caravan Sport that I am currently driving. Given that my old house in New Jersey was less than a mile from BMW-NA, and that 3’s, 5’s, 7’s, X’s and Z’s were about as common as our ... Read More
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Jeffry
Written by: shipo on Feb 9, 2003 9:29:17 AM
For the most part, I tried to find Hotels that had their own parking areas. I did park the 530i on the street overnight in Belfort, France, but that was on a reasonably wide (by French standards) on-way street, and literally right outside of my hotel room. The only time things got a little tight/nervous (other than driving down the Avenue des Champs-Elysées at 5:15 PM and navigating around the Place ... Read More
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Winter tires, again...
Written by: shipo on Feb 3, 2003 12:59:48 PM
Hey Gang! This (long) post is sort of a catch-up post, prompted in no small part by our 5-Series friend and compatriot DaBimmer, who just sent me an E-Mail suggesting (very tactfully I might add) that I get off my butt and rejoin the discussions here in the TownHall. Thanks Tony for the kick in the hind quarters. ;-) For starters, I am NOT currently driving a BMW, I have instead ... Read More
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Value of "Free" Maintenance
Written by: riez on Jan 23, 2003 10:44:36 AM
mseals... What you wrote reminded me the real, if not so obvious, value to BMW's "free" maintanence program. I wouldn't buy a used BMW pre-1998 MY unless I knew the owner personally AND had the service records. Remember reading C&D's long-term wrap up for their MY 1997 540i6. They carped about how expensive it had been to maintain over 40,000 miles and were pleased that in MY 1998 BMW went to ... Read More
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'98 528i Sport Package
Written by: riez on Jan 4, 2003 11:42:09 AM
According to my dog-earred 42-page full-color 1998 BMW 5 Series brochure, in 1998 the 528i's Sport Package provided: -Electrically adjustable Montana leather seats and leather door trim -Technical Surface trim -Sport Suspension -235/45R-17 93W high performance tires -17-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels -Shadowline Exterior Trim -Choice of standard or metallic paint Interestingly, the "Electrically adjustable sport seats with adjustable thigh support" were only available with the 540i. And there was no sport ... Read More
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Billytong
Written by: mseals on Dec 30, 2002 3:25:41 PM
From what I have seen, both cars are reliable. That being said, the Accord is a new model so it is hard to tell what little bugs might come up. I just sold my 2000 Civic Si and bought a 1998 528i 5sp. I haven't had it long, but I can tell you the maintenance things is a little off. Maybe people over look it but most cars have scheduled maintenance, ... Read More
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3 Series Info
Written by: riez on Dec 29, 2002 8:22:50 AM
jb_shin... If you want a good source for a ton of infomation on all 3 Series, going back to the E21, you should get Jeremy Walton's book "BMW 3 Series Enthusiast's Companion" (Bentley Publishers, 2001). Great text, photos, production data, sales data, and specifications. You can get it at most bigger bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Borders. As Walton points out, European-spec LHD E46 full tech specifications issued 2/98 and ... Read More
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1998 5 Series Original BMW & Other Warranties
Written by: riez on Dec 2, 2002 5:11:50 AM
spyderred... Pulled out the "Service and Warranty Information" book for my '98 540i6. It lists the following coverages: 4yr/50K miles BMW bumper-to-bumper 12months/12K BMW Adjustment Period unlimited/2K BMW Other Items (wheel alignment, balancing, wiper blade inserts) 2yr/50K BMW battery 6yr/unlimited BMW Rust Perforation 3yr/36K BMW Free Maintenance Program 4yr/50K BMW Roadside Assistance Tires: Warranty by respective manufacturer, as detailed in their warranty statement 2yr/24K Federal emissions (all parts) 8yr/80K Federal emissions ... Read More
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New used car
Written by: mseals on Nov 13, 2002 6:30:31 AM
I don't know if I have posted this or not, I have been out enjoying driving again. I finally took posession of a 1998 BMW 528i with 80,000 miles on it. I is black with black leather interior. It has the premium pkg, power moonroof, heated seats and steering wheel and is in mint condition. The tires are new and the inspection II was just done. The car will need an ... Read More
