My '02 530i

[Quattro Pete]

I bought it in 2006 with 30k miles one the clock. Overall it's a decent car and handles well, but the upkeep is a little on the high side, especially if you don't DIY.


date / mileage / action
11/04/06 30,150 Purchased
11/04/06 30,150 Oil and filter change, Mobil1 5w-30
11/12/06 30,630 Dunlop SP Maxx 235/45/17 put on, alignment done
11/12/06 30,650 Rubber seal around front windshield replaced
11/27/06 31,150 Cabin and engine air filters replaced, CDV removed
01/12/07 31,915 AutoRx added
02/03/07 32,917 Alignment (modified specs to reduce floating) and tire rotation
02/26/07 33,578 Oil and filter change, Pennzoil Platinum 10w-30 (AutoRx rinse)
04/14/07 35,800 Final stage unit (64-11-6-923-204) replaced
06/02/07 37,400 Oil and filter change, Castrol Syntec 0w-30 (GC gold)
06/29/07 38,040 Replaced MID (BMW goodwill), suspension inspected, headlight range inspected
07/11/07 38,348 - replaced thrust arms and bushings
- replaced trans fluid (RP Synchromax)
- replaced diff fluid (Redline 75w-90 GL-5
- replaced brake fluid (DOT 4)
- replaced power steering fluid and reservoir
- replaced coolant
- replaced wiper blade inserts
- replaced passenger seat occupancy sensor
- fixed passenger power seat
- replaced missing lift support pads in the rear
10/27/07 42,185 replaced spark plugs (NGK BKR6EQUP, 23 ft-lb torque)
11/02/07 42,410 replaced thermostat, refill and bleed cooling system
11/03/07 42,460 Oil and filter change, Castrol Syntec 0w-30 (GC gold)
12/19/07 44,100 Front pads (Akebono Euro) and rotors (OEM) replaced

Rear pads and rotors will have to be replaced soon as well. I also had a trace of coolant in my last UOA sample, and it looks like I'm losing coolant at a very very slow rate. This could be either a leaking (ever so slightly) water pump or I may need a new head gasket. Whichever one it is, it won't be cheap to replace. I'm waiting to take another UOA sample before I start dumping $$$$ into it.

I'm averaging around 25 mpg on premium gas in leasurely mixed hwy/city driving, which I think is not bad for a 3-liter engine.

Here are a few mandatory pics...

 

[huffmuds9320]

Nice. Looks like your car is well maintained both inside and out. I like how the gas pedal is on the floor rather than hang down kind. I see you have a black iPod in there to match the car. What kind of wax you use? Can't see in the pic, but does the dash still have that analog fuel economy meter?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks. The last couple of times, I took it to a professional detailer because when I bought it, a lot of light scratches and oxidation was showing in the paint. He buffed it out and then applied some kind of a teflon-based wax product. Not exactly sure what brand it was. Recently I bought 1Z (Einszett) Glanz Wax because I want to start waxing it myself, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

And yes, the analog fuel economy gauge is there, in the bottom part of the tachometer. It's a bit optimistic though. There is also a digital one in the OBC.

 

[97tbird]

Pete,
Looks great! very (berry) nice!
any reason why you chose 1Z and not something like klasse? Just curious.

PS: did you ever consider removing the empty front vanity plate from the bumper? I guess it's not too bad 'cause the car is also black.
On my Tbird, the empty front vanity plate looks like a big obtrusion, pain in the eye...I'm gonna remove it pretty soon, along with getting clear white inner parking bulbs for a cleaner look (right now that part lights up amber due to the bulb being amber (someday clear corner park/turn light covers, too...hopefully)
I think removing those vanity plates makes the front end (of any car) look much cleaner, esp when the car is light colored.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Thanks.

I chose 1Z after the recommendations of some AudiWorld guys which I keep in high regard. If I don't like it, I'll switch to something else I guess.

As for the license plate holder... well, it looks like I'll be moving soon to a state that requires a front license plate, so I will need it.

 

[mcrn]

I love BMW seats!

 

[Stanley Rockafeller]

Originally Posted By: mcrn
I love BMW seats!


if you think those are nice, you gotta spend some time in a Volvo! I've owned BMW's too, but no car maker makes them nearly as comfy and supportive as Volvo does!

(well except for the 07 Caddy STS I had last summer, those seats were the closest in comparison to the Volvo seats I've ever experienced)

But I gotta admit, those 5 series' are very nice little cars

 

[double vanos]

The secret to reasonable BMW running costs is doing most of the work yourself and being a BMW Car Club member - that membership can get you nice discounts on parts, service and when buying a new Bimmer.

I had to do some work on my wife's 2002 Tahoe (front brake pads and 1 front wheel bearing) and the parts for those repairs were absolutely ridiculous. Made the BMW look like an economy car!Cheers!!

 

[ffracer]

Welcome to BMW ownership. Wait till it hits 70k. Then the big bucks get shelled out.

Signed,

97 M3 Sedan 5-speed owner

"They all do it" - most common phrase

Worst part is it is stupid stuff, not high performance related.