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moldoff

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Since: Dec 25, 2007
Posts: 1



(Msg. 1) Posted: Tue Dec 25, 2007 6:45 pm
Post subject: 2001 530i
Archived from groups: alt>autos>bmw (more info?)

It amazes me that people are so suspect of BMW engineers. Hello,
higher output engines, tighter suspensions, and tank-like build will
always require a little more TLC than your everyday domestic POS. My
E39 has 67000 miles and absolutely no problems. In fact my only
problem is deciding when to replace my water pump, which every
diligent BMW owner knows will fail around 1000,000 miles. I replaced
the fluid in the ZF transmission at 60,0000 along with the trans fluid
filter and you what..it was free of debris and the fluid looked like
new.I use Lubro Moly oil every 7000 miles instead of 15 thou like BMW
says, but most importantly, I pay attention to how the car behaves on
the road and I check under the hood frequently looking for leaks and
worn parts. All the tranny problems I hear about are made by GM and
used in the 3 series vehicles. Not that they're cheap by any means,
but I guess if you bought a budget BMW you really should expect budget
reliability. After all, how many other cars were built for the race
track or the autobahn.

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Pete

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Since: Apr 17, 2007
Posts: 115



(Msg. 2) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 3:55 am
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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<moldoff.TakeThisOut@gmail.com> wrote
> After all, how many other cars were built for the race
> track or the autobahn.

It makes me laugh when people are trying to make their bmws look like some
kind of superpowered gods. There are many other cars out there that can
handle the autobahn just fine.

Pete

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John Carrier

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Since: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 235



(Msg. 3) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 7:22 am
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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While I love my '03 530i, it has been subject to just about every one of the
BMW OBTW's. Instrument cluster pixels, MID pixels (both requiring
replacement of the component). Ignition coils (a recall item). Rear door
vapor seal leaks (my nickel). Sunroof lift brackets.

I've done all the fluids per the old maintenance schedule (coolant, brakes,
diff, trans, P/S). I'm in the planning stages for the cooling system
pre-emptive replacement (radiator, water pump, thermostat ... do you go high
bucks aftermarket or OEM and do it again some day?). This is the price you
pay for the best combination of luxury and handling available.

OTOH, it would seem to me that BMW could make a car that is as bulletproof
as Lexus/Acura but still retains its "soul." I think it has to do with the
concept of production quality control employed by the Germans versus that by
the Japanese.

R / John
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Pete

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Since: Apr 17, 2007
Posts: 115



(Msg. 4) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 9:55 am
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"John Carrier" wrote
> While I love my '03 530i, it has been subject to just about every one of
> the BMW OBTW's. Instrument cluster pixels, MID pixels (both requiring
> replacement of the component). Ignition coils (a recall item). Rear door
> vapor seal leaks (my nickel). Sunroof lift brackets.

Join the club. The list of aches on my '02 530i is even longer. I'm at 44k
miles right now.

Pete
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John Carrier

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Since: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 235



(Msg. 5) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 11:52 am
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"Pete" <nouser.RemoveThis@nodomain.com> wrote in message
news:fktn2t$klf$1@inews.gazeta.pl...
>
> "John Carrier" wrote
>> While I love my '03 530i, it has been subject to just about every one of
>> the BMW OBTW's. Instrument cluster pixels, MID pixels (both requiring
>> replacement of the component). Ignition coils (a recall item). Rear
>> door vapor seal leaks (my nickel). Sunroof lift brackets.
>
> Join the club. The list of aches on my '02 530i is even longer. I'm at
> 44k miles right now.
>
> Pete

63K, outside of any warrantee window.

R / John
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Dean

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Since: Jun 23, 2006
Posts: 1



(Msg. 6) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 7:28 pm
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
Archived from groups: per prev. post (more info?)

My '03 530i (35Kmi) has had the instrument cluster pixel problem (repl
under warranty), and gets fluid replacement per the old maintenance
schedule. Only other problem was a scrambled computer (don't know which
one) that left central locking inoperative, headlights on, and no start
condition. Momentary disconnect of battery, while waiting for BMW
roadside assist, reset the computers and fixed the problems (try it,
you'll like it). Now that it is out of warranty the CDV will be disabled.

Question about pre-emptive radiator replacement. My independent mechanic
says not to use an upgraded (aluminum) radiator because then an
overheating scenario (eg failed water pump) will blow a head gasket
rather than the new, sturdy radiator. The only failure I can think of
that would use the radiator as a "fuse" is a stuck shut radiator cap.
How likely is that?

Dean

John Carrier wrote:

>While I love my '03 530i, it has been subject to just about every one of the
>BMW OBTW's. Instrument cluster pixels, MID pixels (both requiring
>replacement of the component). Ignition coils (a recall item). Rear door
>vapor seal leaks (my nickel). Sunroof lift brackets.
>
>I've done all the fluids per the old maintenance schedule (coolant, brakes,
>diff, trans, P/S). I'm in the planning stages for the cooling system
>pre-emptive replacement (radiator, water pump, thermostat ... do you go high
>bucks aftermarket or OEM and do it again some day?). This is the price you
>pay for the best combination of luxury and handling available.
>
>OTOH, it would seem to me that BMW could make a car that is as bulletproof
>as Lexus/Acura but still retains its "soul." I think it has to do with the
>concept of production quality control employed by the Germans versus that by
>the Japanese.
>
>R / John
>
>
>
>
>

--
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Pete

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Since: Apr 17, 2007
Posts: 115



(Msg. 7) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 7:55 pm
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"John Carrier" wrote
> outside of any warrantee window.

Likewise. $4k spent last year.

Pete
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dizzy1

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Since: Nov 21, 2003
Posts: 672



(Msg. 8) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 7:55 pm
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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moldoff.TakeThisOut@gmail.com wrote:

>It amazes me that people are so suspect of BMW engineers. Hello,
>higher output engines, tighter suspensions, and tank-like build

Produce some evidence that the typical BMW has ANY of the above over,
say, a Honda. Other than the BMW having a better unibody, you're
wrong on every count.

>will always require a little more TLC than your everyday domestic POS.

Why?

>(snip)
>but I guess if you bought a budget BMW you really should expect budget
>reliability.

You're an idiot.
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John Carrier

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Since: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 235



(Msg. 9) Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:46 pm
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"Pete" <nouser.TakeThisOut@nodomain.com> wrote in message
news:fkuomn$kmc$1@inews.gazeta.pl...
>
> "John Carrier" wrote
>> outside of any warrantee window.
>
> Likewise. $4k spent last year.
>
> Pete

Do you own work? That can save a bundle, but the OEM parts come dear. The
door seals weren't too bad once I figured out the directions I had for the
trim panels weren't quite right. Even with the Bentley Manual and ETK/TIS
it's still an adventure and I'm a fair-to-middlin' mechanic.

R / John
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John Carrier

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Since: Jan 09, 2004
Posts: 235



(Msg. 10) Posted: Thu Dec 27, 2007 8:31 am
Post subject: Re: 2001 530i [Login to view extended thread Info.]
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"Dean" <marvinun-delspam.RemoveThis@socal.rr.com> wrote in message
news:47731be3$0$4364$4c368faf@roadrunner.com...
> My '03 530i (35Kmi) has had the instrument cluster pixel problem (repl
> under warranty), and gets fluid replacement per the old maintenance
> schedule. Only other problem was a scrambled computer (don't know which
> one) that left central locking inoperative, headlights on, and no start
> condition. Momentary disconnect of battery, while waiting for BMW roadside
> assist, reset the computers and fixed the problems (try it, you'll like
> it). Now that it is out of warranty the CDV will be disabled.

I did the CDV early and used a gutted valve as a (stealth) replacement. A
subtle but nice mod. Good time to flush the brakes and clutch with new
fluid too.

> Question about pre-emptive radiator replacement. My independent mechanic
> says not to use an upgraded (aluminum) radiator because then an
> overheating scenario (eg failed water pump) will blow a head gasket rather
> than the new, sturdy radiator. The only failure I can think of that would
> use the radiator as a "fuse" is a stuck shut radiator cap. How likely is
> that?

If I understand his logic, an overheat would be minimized by
overpressurization, subsequent failure of the radiator, and steam venting
from the failure thus delaying damage? Don't think so. If the temp does a
quick move to the red, you need to park it asap (I'd check my mirrors and if
clear, coast to the side of the road, clutch disengaged and with ignition
off as soon as practical). I don't think a catastrophic radiator failure
(typically a cracked hose neck) will have any less impact than a failed
water pump.

Excessive heat quickly warps and can crack the head. The head gasket
promptly fails. I don't think it much matters what causes the rapid heat
rise. V-8's are notorious for early cooling system problems, I-6's less so.
I think a move to the Zionsville cooling system and Stewart water pump make
good sense (leaving only the OEM thermostat and housing ... they make an
aluminum housing for the M-52 but not the M-54), but they're about 2.5 times
OEM price. Maybe worth it if you plan to explore the 250-300K miles region
of durability. Otherwise better to go with OEM parts around the 75-90K
range. Or you can just hope that the system won't fail (many last into the
100's) or if it does, you'll catch it in time.

R / John

> Dean
>
> John Carrier wrote:
>
>>While I love my '03 530i, it has been subject to just about every one of
>>the BMW OBTW's. Instrument cluster pixels, MID pixels (both requiring
>>replacement of the component). Ignition coils (a recall item). Rear door
>>vapor seal leaks (my nickel). Sunroof lift brackets.
>>
>>I've done all the fluids per the old maintenance schedule (coolant,
>>brakes, diff, trans, P/S). I'm in the planning stages for the cooling
>>system pre-emptive replacement (radiator, water pump, thermostat ... do
>>you go high bucks aftermarket or OEM and do it again some day?). This is
>>the price you pay for the best combination of luxury and handling
>>available.
>>
>>OTOH, it would seem to me that BMW could make a car that is as bulletproof
>>as Lexus/Acura but still retains its "soul." I think it has to do with
>>the concept of production quality control employed by the Germans versus
>>that by the Japanese.
>>
>>R / John
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
> --
> Remove -delspam to reply
>
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