1997 528i-Maintenance Advice Wanted

Hello All

Hope you all enjoy driving your Ultimate Driving Machine as much as I do. I am loking for some advice to to ensure that my car does not end up becoming the Ultimate Maintenance Machine. The 1997 528i is a pre-owned vehicle I purchased in October 2004 with 89,000 KMS. The vehicle currently has 100,100 KMS. I'm looking for an independant mechanic to take over servicing the vehicle and would like to know what I should do and when(e.g when do I need to change spark plugs,fluids etc.) to keep up the maintenance. My last 2 oil changes have been BMW Oil filters and 5W-30 Oil (not synthetic), next Oil Change will be fully synthetic oil.

MY MAINTENANCE HISTORY (between Oct.2004 and March 2005)

Nov.2004 Wiper Console Replaced and replaced cracked windshield
Dec.2004 OIL/FILTER Changed at 92,000 KMS
March 2005 OIL/FILTER Changed at 99,000 KMS

PREVIOUS OWNER BMW SERVICE HISTORY (between April 2002 and May 2003)
Jan.1998 @ 11,000 KMS BMW OIL SERVICE
Nov.1998 @ 26,000 KMS BMW INPECTION I
Jun.1999 @ 36,000 KMS BMW OIL SERVICE
Dec.1999 @ 48,000 KMS OIL/FILTER Change
June 2000 @ ???? BMW INSPECTION II
April 2002 @ 71,000 KMS BMW OIL SERVICE,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
Dec.2002 @ 77,000 KMS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT
May 2003 @ 82,000 KMS BMW INPECTION I,Wheel Alignment,Alarm Service
...this is the known BMW service confirmed with BMW dealer.

THANKS IN ADVANCE TO ALL THAT REPLY.

"528i owner"; sorry I've been away from the Forum a bit, still too busy house building but will always try and answer 'private messages'. Some of the 'newbies' are a "hoot".

Anyway, your E39 has been very well maintained up to this point from the records. Continue oil & filter changes every 10KMS with synthetic and replace the cabin micro filters every 30 KMS [you can easily do this your self under the hood]. Now, hoping I keep my conversion notes straight [K to miles], you'd be due for a 2nd Inspection II about 140KMS but don't know if I'd wait. Review your records. At the current 'kilometerage' you should have the, nevermind, you appear to want to take good care of the car, we'll deal with finding an Indepentent Tech. in a moment.

Have a complete Inspection II performed at the next oil change [110KMS] including:

>sparkplugs
>cam cover gasket inspection [they harden and leak oil into the sparkplug wells ruining the plug boots]
>air filter
>fuel filter
>cabin filters
>brake fluid flush
>coolant change and correct bleeding
>diff. oil change w/BMW approved synth. oil
>complete vehicle inspection including belts, brakes, front and rear ball joints and bushings, flex disc, power steering fluid and hoses [the supply and return hoses tend to leak] and a read and printout of all vehicle system faults.

I suspect the belts and brakes have been replaced at least once, the steering fluid will be dirty and hoses seeping and even with the low milage, these cars tend to suffer 'permature' ball joint wear. You should also 'save-up' for an impending air pump, waterpump and radiator replacement [the upper neck break at the most inconvient times]. There will be other 'minor' problems cropping up [SRS and CHECK ENGINE] for various 'minor' component failures but nothing serious goes wrong with E39's that presently come to mind.

Finding a GOOD Independent Tech. can be bothersome I suppose, WHOOPS! just remembered it's my wifes birthday and it's breakfast time sooo I'll try and be concise here.

excellent reputation
minimum 5 years of dealership experince and factory training
posesses and is fluent with either a MoDiC II or GT1 system
has access to past and current TSB's [i.e. and ALDATA system]
also has the needed 'factory' tools for certain repairs

I think you'll find 'paying' a slight premium for a well versed, quality oriented Techncian who actually enjoys his/her work WILL save you money EVERY time. I get new customers all the time from other shops who've spent $$$ to $$$$ and not corrected a problem.

Best to you and stay in touch, I do hope this helped...........jeff b.