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simpson
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| Joined: | Sun Apr 20th, 2008 |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 01:33 am |
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Dr. D - I'm a long time Sarasota resident who recently (6/07) got a 2003 530iA, sport & premium packaged car now with 68,500 miles on it. It was a leased car picked up by Encore Motors where I bought it with 64,000 miles. I thought at first it would become a hobby car - in as much as I would get the Bentley Repair manuals and do as much maintenance and repair as I could myself, but I seem to have run out of steam and am looking for a good independent shop. Heard about your shop searching the BMW forums etc.
Southpointe service rep checked the service history for it and it was on the system and up to date as far as BMW scheduled service and showed no recall or unusual issues. Been doing some reading and most enthusiasts don't subscribe to what BMW says is "lifetime" ATF fluid, neither do I. Seems like those changing their ATF fluid undertake it very cautiously - recommending against a flush out of concern for dislodging sludge that some report causing complete tranny failure. So they do it in two drains, fillls and filter changes close together. I've read where you do system flushes using the BG products. Are you confident that would be a correct course to take with the BMW AT?
I'm thinking a brake system flush & fill is long overdue, unless BMW did it at Inspection II, but I don't know. At any rate would be good to have done. Thinking of changing out the dusty OEM pads for something cleaner as well. Don't know what life is left in the rotors.
Engine oil & filter change. Encore apparently did that when they prepped the car for sale. Not sure what oil they used so with 4500 miles since, another change can't hurt. I am partial to the either the BMW recommended Euro Castrol synthetic 5-30 or Amsoil synthetic. Do you recommend the BG oil?
Would like to drain & fill rear differential.
Cooling system flush & fill. Might spring for the Zionsville overhaul/replacement kit when the OEM plastic stuff can't be trusted anymore.
Right now, knock on wood, the car has no symptoms in any of its systems and just want to keep it in good shape. May try to keep this one a long time. Can you give some ballpark costs for the above?
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Doctor D
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| Joined: | Sat Apr 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Sarasota, Florida USA |
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Posted: Sun Apr 20th, 2008 03:43 am |
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I've done many AT flush's. I use the full synthetic BG oil. Haven't had a trany fail yet knock on wood, but yes it possible as you say. Not just with BMW but all cars with the trans flush, sometimes it will kill them. Thats why I hate a manufacture to state such high mile intervals, just plain stupid! And even BMW admits "lifetime" only represents 100,000 miles only.
BMW flush is $279
Two options on oil changes with me. Full synthetic with BG MOA or regular oil with BG MOA. BMW recommends full synthetic but regular oil runs fine in them as well if changed in shorter intervals. $99 and $49 respectfully.
Ceramic Brake pads work good on BMW's, especially with the dust. But some is non-avoidable.
You have a great car, and if taken care of they last 200k miles trouble free for the most part.
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