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BMW Oil Specifications...
Written by: shipo on Jun 15, 2011 4:13:53 AM
BMW Long-Life 2001 (aka. LL-01) is BMW's required oil specification for ALL late model BMWs with a gasoline engine (except "M" series cars). BMW Long-Life 2004 (aka. LL-04) is BMW's required oil specification for ALL late model BMWs with a diesel engine. Mobil 1 oils which meet LL-01: -- Mobil 1 0W-40 -- Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 Mobil 1 oils which meet LL-04: -- Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 Simple as that. ... Read More
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [mhutchinson]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Feb 8, 2011 11:20:20 AM
I'm not sure exactlyl where the drain exits on your car---probably down low in the middle of the firewall, in the engine bay---and perhaps you can run a wire up that drain and unclog it. otherwise, you have to pop the cowl vent off and peer down in there.
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: mhutchinson on Feb 8, 2011 9:41:27 AM
Is there a simple way to check for risk of clogging before we find water in the carpet? How do we unclog the vents? I'm guessing we remove the screen cover and try to drag the debris out of the vent cavity?... Is there a simple way to access the drain?
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [usdbimm]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Feb 7, 2011 8:38:45 AM
Probably a clogged drain in the fresh air vent system---pretty typical. Leaves or other organic matter get past the screen in the cowl vent (under your windshield wipers) and eventually form a "goop" that plugs the vent drain---and then you have a fishtank in there, which will eventually spill through the firewall (which is not meant to be a fishtank) into the passenger or driver area. it's really not the fault ... Read More
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [045]
Written by: usdbimm on Feb 7, 2011 5:03:47 AM
...This is exactly what happened to me...it rained and all of a sudden the car smelled like stagnant water...like it was submerged in a swamp...It was driving me nuts . I checked the floorboards and the front passenger as well as the rear compartment carpet was soaking wet. I took my car to a local shop specializing in bmws and they drained a bucket of water out of the front passenger ... Read More
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [sportcourtguy]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Dec 21, 2009 11:42:07 AM
Ah well, the great mystery. I don't know what to say. I can only give you some solace, in a weird comparison to my laptop computer. I dumped a large cup of coffee on it, and of course, it shorted out, etc---but once we took it apart and cleaned it, it's been fine.
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: sportcourtguy on Dec 21, 2009 10:04:01 AM
It was water, it migrated fom under heater under the carpet to the lowest spot on the car which was the back seat footwell. When the water was in the back it did cause all sorts of electrical items to go off, i.e. active steering said it was not communicating, stereo was weird, seat would not work, etc...all the water is now gone and all communication seems to be ok. The ... Read More
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Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: roadburner on Dec 20, 2009 10:25:27 PM
Are BMW driveshaft still not rebuildable? Some aftermarket shops rebuild them as does BMW.
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Re: BMW 530i 2004 water leak!! [sportcourtguy]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Dec 20, 2009 4:19:12 PM
Water or coolant. If water, from the heater box, that was probably clogged drainage in the fresh air vents (situated under the wiper blades). Wires are wrapped up pretty well so I wouldn't worry, unless it dripped on some component...but usually what this type of leak does is drip along the inner firewall. I don't think I'd worry about it. I'd be more concerned for the power seats I guess.
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BMW 530i 2004 water leak!!
Written by: sportcourtguy on Dec 20, 2009 3:03:35 PM
OK, Had a major leak in my car, if I left car in rain the rear passenger side foot well would fill up with water (over 2'' + deep) the issue is that it took BMW service forever to fix it in that time it fill with water several time. Found out the it was coming in from the heater box and rolling in under the carpet so who know how ... Read More
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Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [roadburner]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Dec 20, 2009 11:36:52 AM
Are BMW driveshaft still not rebuildable? I remember that for a long time the u=joints were not replaceable. U-joint wears out, well, then, you replace the entire driveshaft. I could see a driveshaft out of balance, definitely, but bent? A frozen u-joint would give that same symptom, too.
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Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: roadburner on Dec 20, 2009 9:53:57 AM
I wonder what a "cracked" driveshaft is then? Sounds very unusual. My wife's CPO 1997 528i had a low speed rumble/vibration that was independent of engine speed and wheels/tires fitted. My dealer has a first class service department and they diagnosed a bent driveshaft. It was replaced under the CPO warranty, no questions asked. I still wonder how one could tweak a driveshaft without hitting/running over something. FYI, BMW continues to ... Read More
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Re: 530i (2004) driveshaft [adhocbmw]
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Dec 19, 2009 11:21:57 AM
If it's a torn flex disk that you're talking about, that is a very common BMW E39 series ailment. Not sure if that's your model or not but I think 2004 was the last year. I think BMW regards this as a normal wear item.
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530i (2004) driveshaft
Written by: adhocbmw on Dec 18, 2009 10:06:23 AM
Driveshaft cracked at 83,000 miles. All service previously done at BMW service. Any similar problems. (not covered under warranty).
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Re: Very close to buying a used 2004 545i [djl01]
Written by: bristol2 on Jan 24, 2008 11:00:36 AM
From the pricing I have seen that sonds like a good deal with all the options. Don't forget that a full 100k warranty will add about 2k. Most on this forum are BMW fans so I don't think you will hear much on the cars being unreliable.
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Very close to buying a used 2004 545i
Written by: djl01 on Jan 24, 2008 10:32:02 AM
Hi all, I'm hoping to get some advice on buying a used BMW 545i. First of all, it is black w/ the beige leather, full options, heads up display and only 32k miles on it. It was a lease return but is NOT CPO. The full service warranty is up this year in 9/08 and the carfax report shows it was maintained regularly and had no prior damages. Paint, rims, body, ... Read More
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Re: 2004 530i Lease return [bristol2]
Written by: qbrozen on Jan 11, 2008 6:41:52 AM
I am going from a loaded v6 Accord sedan with 6-speed, giving up approx 20 hp with the move to the BMW. Will I be disappointed by the get up and go? Did you drive the car? I also drive a 6-spd accord sedan. I recently test drove a 330Ci automatic and thought, even with the auto, it blows the doors off my Accord. Its not all about HP numbers. What ... Read More
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Re: 2004 530i Lease return [bristol2]
Written by: 530ir1150r on Jan 10, 2008 8:28:31 PM
I believe for a BMW to last it has to be serviced more often than current BMW recommendations. I also believe following BMW recommendations will increase repair costs over time, like the old Fram commercials. My experience is to budget $1500 per year for maintenance. I did not purchase extended warranties or maintenance plans and I paid $1400 for services and repairs that would have been covered by either. All warranty ... Read More
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Re: 2004 530i Lease return [shipo]
Written by: bristol2 on Jan 10, 2008 6:24:29 PM
I'm definitely not an 'own maintenance' guy unfortunately. I would be buying from Carmax so it sounds like the CPO is out of the question. I am not a believer in buying extended warranties but I have heard that Carmax offers a competitive one for Bimmers (the buyer goes to a BMW dealership and carmax pays them). We do have a great private shop that specializes in BMWs in my town ... Read More
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Re: 2004 530i Lease return [bristol2]
Written by: shipo on Jan 10, 2008 6:04:33 PM
I think I've found where you've posted your questions. ;-) I wouldn't worry about buying a lease return BMW simply because the maintenance during the lease period is free so the chances are extremely good that any lease return vehicle has been maintained properly. If you're not sure, typically the dealer will print out the entire service history of the car. By buying a used BMW from a BMW dealer, there ... Read More
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Re: 2004 530i Lease return [shipo]
Written by: bristol2 on Jan 10, 2008 4:47:45 PM
I'm not sure I understand the question. Could you please rephrase it? I guess what I'm trying to ask is, should I be more cautious knowing that the car I'm looking at was a returned lease? Also, I have read a couple of times about BMWs being certified beyond the usual warranty, should I assume that would only be true for cars that were bought? I'm assuming a leasee would have ... Read More
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Re: 2004 530i Lease return [bristol2]
Written by: shipo on Jan 10, 2008 1:00:00 PM
"I assume it is a lease return. When you guys (Shipo & 530ir) refer to 'only free maintenance being done', what is the disadvantage suggested by that comment? I thought all maintenance for a that reliable?" I'm not sure I understand the question. Could you please rephrase it? "I am going from a loaded v6 Accord sedan with 6-speed, giving up approx 20 hp with the move to the BMW. Will ... Read More
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2004 530i Lease return
Written by: bristol2 on Jan 10, 2008 11:05:50 AM
Hi all, Currently excited about a 530i with 31k miles, 6-sp manual (manual is a 'must have' for me) for $27,998. Questions: I assume it is a lease return. When you guys (Shipo & 530ir) refer to 'only free maintenance being done', what is the disadvantage suggested by that comment? I thought all maintenance for a that reliable? I am going from a loaded v6 Accord sedan with 6-speed, giving up ... Read More
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dealer service
Written by: zoelman on Aug 23, 2007 4:58:37 PM
is there much difference between BMW dealers and the service they offer quality-wise? i just bought a cpo 2004 545i with extended warranty. is location the only factor or are there other things to look for when hooking up with a dealer for all service needs? i live in the los angeles area, with three BMW dealers within a reasonable distance, Pacific (Glendale), Beverly Hills, and one in Studio City/Universal City. ... Read More
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Re: BMW safety [nyccarguy]
Written by: vavavavolvo on Aug 21, 2007 2:35:37 PM
"In addition to what shipo said, you have to take the test results with a grain of salt. The E60 (current body style) BMW 5 series was completely redesigned for the 2004 model year. Every car in its class (E-Class, Volvo S80, Audi A6...) are pretty much brand new cars for '07 or '08." The one they tested was the new model. Shipo's point about there being some types of collisions ... Read More
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BMW safety
Written by: nyccarguy on Aug 19, 2007 12:13:15 PM
In addition to what shipo said, you have to take the test results with a grain of salt. The E60 (current body style) BMW 5 series was completely redesigned for the 2004 model year. Every car in its class (E-Class, Volvo S80, Audi A6...) are pretty much brand new cars for '07 or '08. Read real life testimonials in BMW Magazine, Roundel Magazine (official magazine of the BMWCCA), and Posts & ... Read More
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Content, features and/or gadgets. . .
Written by: markcincinnati on Aug 18, 2007 7:28:45 AM
I understand, really, the desires of folks who want "less" and who do believe "less is more." My wife can't drive an automatic, but fears she'll have to learn; she has pushbuttons on her BMW sport steering wheel, but doesn't know which one raises and lowers the volume on her stereo; cruise control -- "fuggetabouddit." I do think, however, she has come to envy (slightly) the ability to walk up to ... Read More
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Re: 535Xi [150mphclub]
Written by: markcincinnati on Aug 17, 2007 4:51:30 PM
I am NOT speaking of HP or number of cogs in the transmission when I speak of content. I have grown to expect Bluetooth, pushbutton start, smart key, voice response for audio, nav and phone and a host of other "content" items. It is true that a 2004 Audi would have had only a 5 speed auto, but it would have been an SLine with 265 HP and 280 ft pounds ... Read More
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Re: 535Xi [150mphclub]
Written by: markcincinnati on Aug 16, 2007 8:19:30 PM
I have had 28 Audis. Most of them purchased from the same person, all of them from the same dealership. Maybe it is my age or simple sentimentality. . . I don't know anyone who has been as "loyal" as I have been. Somehow this makes me feel a tiny bit like I am betraying a long time friend for no "good reason." I actually hope that American car makers can ... Read More
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [natedog03]
Written by: shipo on Jan 27, 2007 5:04:56 PM
Lose the attitude dude. You asked a question and I answered it in a complete manner. FWIW, I am in the market for a used 5-Series, one that is bone stock. Best Regards, Shipo
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [shipo]
Written by: natedog03 on Jan 27, 2007 2:06:39 PM
Dude, I already have an 03 540, I just asked if there were mods on your 530 b/c you said you did brakes in your driveway??? Its a 530, there's alot around I don't care about your driving habits, this is a forum about someone buying a used BMW, not you. Best Regards, ND
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [natedog03]
Written by: shipo on Jan 26, 2007 7:16:28 PM
Nope, I don't like modded cars. Hmmm, maybe not quite correct. I suppose if I was to keep a car to say, over 100,000 miles, I might be tempted to breathe on it a bit, however, that really isn't my style. Pretty much bone stock or I don't want it. Just as my 530i was heading back to BMW at lease end, my annual driving profile changed dramatically. I went from ... Read More
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [shipo]
Written by: natedog03 on Jan 26, 2007 1:55:29 PM
That's cool bud. Did you add anything to it Dinan? AC Schnitzer?
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [natedog03]
Written by: shipo on Jan 26, 2007 11:21:16 AM
Hmmm, I guess we see things a bit differently. For required maintenance (i.e. oil and filter changes, brake and cooling system flushes and the first 30K scheduled service), I have no problem using the dealer. That said, even though brake jobs are effectively part of the "free maintenance" component of new BMWs, I would never use the dealer for those parts. Why? Because parts that offer superior performance (i.e. lower dust ... Read More
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [shipo]
Written by: natedog03 on Jan 26, 2007 10:36:42 AM
I've only had the older 7's V8, so my experience with the 6 is limited. You are correct, I apologize. If you can do the brake job in your driveway then you should. More power to you. I would never buy a used car from someone that didn't have the service records. When making any kind of investment dealership service offers some safeguards, and at least a papertrail in your research, ... Read More
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [natedog03]
Written by: shipo on Jan 25, 2007 1:57:07 PM
Last time I checked, BMW has never built a V6 engine. V8s? Yes, absolutely. I6s? Yes, and have for MANY years. V6s? Not yet, and hopefully never will. Regarding the other items of maintenance that you listed, the E39 530i and 540i have the same brakes, and so I can tell you first hand that they are a piece of cake to do yourself. I did mine with new pads, rotors ... Read More
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [natedog03]
Written by: natedog03 on Jan 25, 2007 1:15:16 PM
Just to add...... the most expensive service on the 01-03 5 series will be the SL2 60K mile service about $400 for the V6, $700 V8 you can shop around for BMW dealer specials and before 100K, you'll need a brake job, between $600 and $1200, depending your sport package options, size, etc. But if you get the maintaince done as scheduled, the driving experience outweighs the cost.
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Re: 2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy? [tdb99]
Written by: natedog03 on Jan 25, 2007 1:10:43 PM
I just bought a 2003 540I M sport with steptronic. It's the most amazing car I have ever driven, Black on Black with everthing from PDC to NAV and DSP stereo. I researched it intensley and I found BMW keeps great records. First I suggest CAFFAXing it, its $25 for a month long membership to run VINs, then contact BMW USA customer service, # is on the website. They will give ... Read More
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2004 / 2005 BMW 545i - happy?
Written by: tdb99 on Jan 20, 2007 2:58:41 PM
Wanted to know if anyone can share their ownership experiences with this vehicle, am considering to purchase. Thks. :D
