Quote:
Originally Posted by StradaRedlands
Fluids, fluids, fluids... replace all of them.
Look for oil leaks around the engine. You'll need to replace the appropriate seals which are easy-ish, middling, and hard.
Get the suspension components assessed and decide what you want to replace. You can slow walk that one depending on your wallet.
Most everything else is general maintenance as a problem comes up. You'll find a posting on just about every one of them here and/or U tube, so decide how dirty you want to get! FCP is probably the go-to for parts. Delivery is slow to West Coast. Pelican Parts is in the South Bay, might be more convenient if you need in a hurry.
Find a good independent BMW specialist. Someone that gets you and the car.
Drive and enjoy!
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^This^ is all excellent advice!
+1 to dumping and changing all fluids (I'm an advocate for doing that with any decent used car purchase).
Congratulations on your "new-to-me" Bimmer!!! I love the hell out of my 15' 535i.
The "big boo boo" oil leak to keep an eye out for on the N55 engine is the Oil Filter Housing Gasket (OFHG). If left unaddressed, the oil can leak down onto your accessory belt, deteriorate it, and then all sorts of bad can happen. Google this one after the euphoria from the honeymoon of new ownership has worn off.
Fortunately, it's an easy leak to keep an eye out for
@~120k miles I'd consider Coolant System PM work (if it hasn't happened already) Electric Water Pump, Thermostat, Hoses, convert the "mickey mouse flange" to aluminum.
Transmission oil/filter changes every 60k (according to ZF the manufacturer).
DON'T FLUSH. Gravity drain and fill (at temp w/ vehicle lifted, level, and running) - check out ZF service procedures.
You very well may still have the original battery (I do on my 15'). If so, keep an eye on your state of charge vs your driving habits. Better to replace this on as PM before it dies.
I'm leaving a lot out but those are a few of the "bigger" items to check out.
Definitely get your hands on a scan tool that can read BMW specific codes and if you're a DIY'er there's some fun stuff you can code on your Bimmer as well (like killing the nag screen at start-up)
Oh, and +1 to having an inspection done by a reputable Indy that knows BMWs. Many shops will do it for free if you bring your BMW in for service (like brake fluid flush).
Congratulations & Enjoy!!!
After 2-1/2 years of ownership of my 535i I still feel like my car is giving me a big hug every time I get inside.