Is Bimmerfest Meeting It's Goal?

If education is one of the purposes of this forum, it appears to me, based upon my obviously informal observations, that it is fulfilling that purpose. I was thinking yesterday as I scrolled through the treads that several things have changed during the short time I have been a participant, e.g. there are far fewer reports of catestrophic cooling system failures than a couple of years ago. Also, the general questions asked indicate a higher level of understanding and greater knowledge.

I certainly know that in my case I've learned a lot. I have a pretty good understanding of cars and mechanical things in general. But, I really didn't know much about this particular car before my wife's hearing a squeal that I couldn't led me to this forum. My cooling system looked immaculate; not even a crumb of dirt anywhere under the hood. But, I am pretty certain that had I not taken advice received here, I would have been sitting along side of the road by now because as it turned out, my bleeder screws were like tar paper, thus the rest of the system to follow. I think that I could pretty much know where to look in the case of a problem if/when it occures no matter what it may be.

So, thanks.

I've noticed an increase in the number of ricers posting - lowering suspension, dubs, kitsch, etc. As these cars get cheaper, we get a whole new element of owners.

Sadly, methinks this will be my last Bimmer. Hard to imagine owning the follow-on models.

I modified my engine to run on saki.

EdJack, how long will you keep your E39 do you think? What would it take for you to pack it in (i.e. what will have to go wrong at this point and when do you think it might happen due to age? just curious). I like you, can not imagine owning a newer 5 or other model. Primarily because the newer models do not speak to me the way the E39 has always been able to do. Secondarily I don't have the huge funds required to buy newish and then maintain it.

A strange thing about Bimmerfest - for whatever reason, I am totally hooked on it and have been for over a year. My favorite web sites are few and far between but this one has me coming back at least once almost every day. I've never wrenched on a car before nor had the desire or aptitude. Since landing here I am comfortable doing the required work (so far at least). Fantastic site!

ima get E92 M3

Originally Posted by edjack

I've noticed an increase in the number of ricers posting - lowering suspension, dubs, kitsch, etc. As these cars get cheaper, we get a whole new element of owners.

Sadly, methinks this will be my last Bimmer. Hard to imagine owning the follow-on models.

I noticed that over the past 3 years or so as well, E39s are cheap now...even M5s.

I am seriously considering getting an E60 550 with M package...but I would keep my 540 as my daily driver, for a while longer. The latest 550 just doesn't do it for me...

The E39 forum is STILL a wonderful exchange of information and technical support. I don't care for the NW Region forum, as it seems to be filled with nothing more than ads for guys selling various parts and peices off 3 series BMWs...

I just don't get why I should buy a new car.

Regarding OP, I agree. I am in the process of replacing a lot of cooling items at once, some of the hoses look pitiful right now at 120K, glad I will be doing a lot of the 'little things' recommend here, I hope it keeps my car reliable for a long time.

This forum has certainly educated me in regards to maintenance of my E39.

I am 54 this year and don't envisage getting another car for the next 10 years.

This forum has helped me through a ABS Module change, cooling system O/H, OFH seal change, M5 rear sway bar change, and the next things I have parts ready for are the spark plugs and front sway bar links which will be done with the aid of some great DIYers from this forum

I source all my parts from the US and even with shipping costs I spend no more than if I was driving a Holden or Ford.

I've had my 530i for 3 years now and still look back and admire it when walking away.

As far as the forum 'changing'....as mentioned above not as many cooling problems posts, maybe the 'search' button is doing it's job.

The "search" function on Bimmerfest works great. I've never really had to look farther down then 3 maybe 4 links to find pretty much anything I'm looking for.

The BMW is a much sought after vehicle and for good reason. As they get older, they become available to us "unedumicated folk". I'm well aware of how expensive some EU cars can be to maintain. I wasn't even looking for a BMW when I found mine. Sometimes the stars align just right and chance gives you a good roll of the dice. Thanks to the Fest I don't fear any of the mechanical issues that may arise and I have a clear plan of maintenance to eek every last mile out of her as possible. So far, the DIY prices that I've looked at aren't as frightening as I was expecting. Getting work done for you, yeah...that's Romney money.

I'm a relative noob here, so I don't notice any actual change, but I've been into car forums since the late 90's. It's the same with any make/model, as the price drops with age you're going to find gearheads like myself finally able to afford them. But you're going to get an influx of "ricers" at the same time. The video game generation prefers things to be handed to them, so they often don't search. I don't mind that so much. What bothers me is the way some people won't use the slightest hint of grammar. I'm no professor, but I'm not going to take the time to answer your question if you can't capitalize the first word in a sentence. A period or comma here and there wouldn't hurt either. I don't see to much of that on here, but some of my "other" favorite forums have been gifted with them.

Thanks to those that came before me, you've made my life much easier.