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E39 (1997 - 2003)
The BMW 5-Series (E39 chassis) was introduced in the United States as a 1997 model year car and lasted until the 2004 when the E60 chassis was released. The United States saw several variations including the 525i, 528i, 530i and 540i. -- View the E39 Wiki |
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#1
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New E39 (528i) Owner
Bought a 2000 528i from a friend I know from work, it was his wife's car. It has 133,000 miles on her and the exterior and interior were in great condition. No leaks, no engine light, just needs a few things like light bulbs and new filters. Very happy with the car so far, its a comfortable ride and handles turns great.
To make oil changes easier, I bought a oil extractor from Bavarian Autosports. Its a great little unit, very durable and easy to use. And I dont have to worry about any goof-balls stripping the threading on the aluminum pan. Since this is a budget build I am keeping maintenance cost as low as I can, which means doing work myself, and utilizing local parts and fluids. I filled up the oil extractor today and replaced the old oil with Wal-Mart's "Super Tech" Synthetic 5W-30. The previous oil hadn't been changed since 2008! It was so sludgy I couldn't even see my reflection in it. It runs a lot better with the new oil and WIX filter. My question is it really necessary to "re-set" after an oil change? Couldn't I just log the oil changes/mileage in my owners manual? I replaced the air filter with a new "WIX" made in china but again, this is a budget project. No window tinting, no after-market exhaust, and no new rims. This car is staying as-is. ![]()
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#2
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In my opinion. I don't thing you should be using Walmart oil in any E39 or BMW castrol, and mobile 1 are available options. I personally use oil from my local BMW dealership
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#3
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^^^ Oil from the bmw dealership is Castol GTX just rebottled with their logo on it. Just like Costco and their Kirkland brand
Sent from my SPH-M820-BST using Bimmer App |
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#4
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I say that because its cheaper to get Castol GTX from any auto parts store than the dealership
Sent from my SPH-M820-BST using Bimmer App |
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#5
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I did 2 short interval oil changes in my car and then settled into using the good stuff. Needed to flush to funk out before I was satisfied my engine was happy.
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#6
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I started getting Pentosin Synthetic for 18.00/gal so I have been using that. So far so good. Frequency is more important then brand IMO. You can reset the oil change light with a paperclip connecting pins 7 and 19, free and easy!
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=327491
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![]() Touring the nation, one state at a time |
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#7
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Quote:
But this won't affect anything else.
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my wagons faster than yours
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#8
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Do another oil change at say 1000 miles.... Them put Mobil1 in her. Actually the Walmart oil is ok for the 1000 mile flush . After that you can run 10000 miles on the Mobil 1 with no worry . Check your radiator build date on the passenger side of the radiator.... If original , you will need to do the recommended complete cooling side replacement. Nice car and welcome
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#9
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Walmart oil is fine even for 5K, 6K, and 7K interval.
I have used all kinds of oil in my E39: $2 standard dino, Castrol standard, Castrol Synthetic, Walmart Supertech, Costco etc. The bottom line: there is no difference at all. Engine smooth as silk. Time to move on rather than discussing oil. We don't need another oil thread. |
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#10
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Oh and I refuse to ever get service done at a Stealership. The local one here has very rude, incompetent young people as receptionist, they dont answer phones and act like I am on their time not MY time. Cant stand them. What I do need is a replacement lens for the left fog light, the bulb is burnt out also. I may just get some after-market ones off ebay. Once the basics are done, I might look into a beefier exhaust, a simple bolt one would be great so I could install it myself without welding.
Last edited by Y2K528i; 10-04-2012 at 04:12 AM. |
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#11
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. 2000 528 is a great car
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#12
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It is a great car enjoy it, but wow no oil change since 2008??!! Thats just ridiculous.
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#13
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Pics will be up soon, I am considering getting a profession headlight restoration, as well as new fog lights. I found a BRAND new Craftsman buffer at a garage sale. I spilled my coffee on the leather and it needs some wiping with armor all. These cup-holders....not made for Americans with their mega sized drinks. :' )
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#14
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The cup holders on these cars are an after thought. Hasn't bothered me one minute since I am usually concentrating on the road and grinning at how wonderful my 14 year old e39 is.
Check this out for headlight restoration----> http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=583867 |
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#15
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I would change the oil again soon, but not because of the brand, just because of the previous long change interval. I don't know if you warmed up the engine, but it is especially a good idea with the suction method. Search oil threads and decide what oil will work best for you long-term, most here follow the LL01 spec.
Last edited by aspensilver540; 10-04-2012 at 10:44 PM. |
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#16
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Replace the VANOS seals.
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Ed in San Jose '97 540i 6 speed aspensilber over aubergine leather. Build date 3/97. Golden Gate Chapter BMW CCA Nr 62319. |
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#18
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Ive got a power steering leak. Havent had time to locate the leak yet but hopefully its just a hose. My other car is 2003 Infiniti g35 so I am not to worried about this BMW, I might give it to my g/f if she would ever get her drivers license.
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