How Frequent must i visit the workshop

[initialM]

Thx guys,

a lot of useful information here...

i've asked one of my friends (non beemer).. he said.. "Hey... BMW is only for those earns more than 10K / month..." which, i'm not..

Its not bout how much u earn. Its more on how much you willing to spent on cars:listen:

 

[Eggie86]

Its not bout how much u earn. Its more on how much you willing to spent on cars:listen:

Damn right! :top:

 

[C K A]

he..he... Sifu initialM.....just that i'm not willing to spend as much as you... 50K within 3 years...

 

[Hellraiser]

I thought about the same issues before I bought the E36, my first UDM in 2005. I've since upgraded to an E46 3 years back and am now thinking of upgrading again, maybe getting a Z4.

psssst...!...you only live once, live life to the fullest...!! (**grin**)

 

[rpmnut]

I own a Proton Gen2 as well as an E39. When the Proton was new, I had to send the car in to the workshop to sort out minor issues almost every week. First the central locking failed, then the engine crankshaft sensor failed, then the radiator fan packed up...all within the first year.

Side note : Did you guys know a Proton radiator fan motor costs almost 1k to fit?!?!

Point of the story - an E39 is actually no more troublesome than a brand new Proton! LOL

 

[Hellraiser]

I own a Proton Gen2 as well as an E39. When the Proton was new, I had to send the car in to the workshop to sort out minor issues almost every week. First the central locking failed, then the engine crankshaft sensor failed, then the radiator fan packed up...all within the first year.

Side note : Did you guys know a Proton radiator fan motor costs almost 1k to fit?!?!

Point of the story - an E39 is actually no more troublesome than a brand new Proton! LOL

Eh?...i paid the same when my radiator conked...LOL !!!

 

[initialM]

he..he... Sifu initialM.....just that i'm not willing to spend as much as you... 50K within 3 years...

Am not sifu just a small time car freak! I had enuff time & money wasted on proton & japs but still dun get the feel of UDM. Buying a used BMW will cost more cash than new but new BMW is not cheap either. Its up to you to decide "tepuk dada tanya selera". BMW is quite delicate but the driving experience makes you crazy. E39 nowadays is the best value money can buy frankly speaking your question is quite subjective. And its not applicable to BMW or at least for me as I changed engine oil every 5k km which will be last around 2 months.

 

[JFT63]

Bro iM, u change yr eng oil every 2 months? Thats quite fast. Do u travel everyday with yr UDM? I drive my car everyday also but the eng.oil is changed after 5k kms or approximately 6 months..

 

[initialM]

Bro iM, u change yr eng oil every 2 months? Thats quite fast. Do u travel everyday with yr UDM? I drive my car everyday also but the eng.oil is changed after 5k kms or approximately 6 months..

I change every 5k km mileage. Bout 2 to 3mths plus/minus lar. I dun follow the service engine lights.

 

[C K A]

Dear mentors,

thank you for all the advices.

Since :
1. We (read: wife) didn't agree to have 2nd car...
2. We (again...read:wife) are the one who pay the d/p
3. We (should i mention?) are not ready for all the hassle visiting workshop
4. We (read: We ) have priority to raise our kids first..
5. We (read: me) think we aren't financially strong enuh to own UDM

...even though I (read: me) had been in love with UDM for years...

Ican only stick as BMWCM member..... without owning any Bimmer...for now...

But one fine day...I will... I MUST OWN A UDM@SDP...

Keep in touch.

Regards,

Sad C K A...

 

[SEN5241]

Why not go for an E34? Cheaper to buy compared to an E39, and cheaper to maintain. Experienced sifus here have written in the maintenance threads that an E39 is a lot more expensive to maintain than an E34.

 

[JFT63]

My fren CKA, my wife also thought that way at first..then i bought an iswara for her..brand new n it didnt create such headache..then i bumped into a beemer that was e34..my love at first sight lar..so get her a brand new car n u get a UDM for yrself..i hope i dont sound so selfiish....haha..cheers

 

[JFT63]

Why not go for an E34? Cheaper to buy compared to an E39, and cheaper to maintain. Experienced sifus here have written in the maintenance threads that an E39 is a lot more expensive to maintain than an E34.

you are right bro..e34 is a lot cheaper to maintain than e39..used to hv that 525 n still feel missing it..but the e39 is just irresistible...go for e34 first n upgrade later...:top:

 

[jsng]

But is the E39 really that fragile? that require frequent visit to the workshop?
Sorry guys .. i am new to E39 and the main reason why i am looking at this baby is because my frens are highly recommending the E39 when he knows that i am in the middle of considering to change my car

But to my surprise after going through some threads here, the E39 seems not "that" durable .. correct me if i am wrong ... shouldnt the German made vehicle be durable? hahahaha durability is one of my concern as well

Oh before that, in common, what type of engine oil are recommended for the E39? Full Syn or Semi-Syn? It looks like the Mobil 1 is quite popular if a full Syn oil is to be used, what will be the usual service interval? 15k?

Thanks and looking forward to hear from all sifus around

 

[Herbert]

jsng,

I would suggest that you introduce yourself in the Newbie section before making any further postings. Introduction is just a formality so that other members may get to know you better.

As to the reliability of e39, you must first understand that the 1st batch of e39 started in 1996 and the last batch being 2003. So what you are hearing about high maintenance for e39, the cars are between 7 to 14 years. Given the age of the cars, don't you think there will be wear and tear of components?? You mentioned about durability.....what is your expectation, 5, 10 or 15 years?? I believe German made (especially BMW ori) components can easily last at least 5 years.
Buying a used e39 can be tricky sometimes as the condition of the car very much dependent on the previous owner, whether the car was well maintained or otherwise. Having said that, after buying the car, one has also to put aside at least RM1k per month to maintain the car as components would slowly degrade and need replacement.

Yes, owing a used BMW for that matter could be a rather expensive affair but then again the thrill & fun of driving this Ultimate machine is what many of us in the forum crave for.

 

[jsng]

Thanks Herbert I had just introduced myself there sorry for not doing this in the first place

Yeap .. i do understand that the E39 is there for quite some years and wear and tear will definitely be an issue. Well, i cant be expecting a 7 years old car can be problem free, right? But from the pages that i had gone through, it seems like there are lots of stuff to be changed and i am really surprise to hear that.

Currently i am a Proton Waja owner, the car is with me for about 7 years old as well, by looking at the number of parts that some of the forumers had changed during a "major?" service, i am surprised cause even my old Proton Waja doesnt encounter such situation:

• 3 Wheel Speed Sensor
• Front Brake Pads
• Wear Sensor
• Brake Fluid Package
• Spark Plug
• Wiper Tank Cap
• Radiator Tank
• Resevoir Tank
• Top Hose
• Bottom Hose
• Coolant
• Water Pump
• Water Pump Pulley
• Alternator Belt
• Thermostat
• Fan Clutch
• Power Steering Belt
• Bleeding Plug

Do we need to change some many parts during the service? most of these are quite durable stuff and even my Waja wont be hitting any problem with these often .. like Radiator tank, Reservoir Tank, water pump all those hose and belts? Or are these just for preventive maintenance?

I do remember that each parts got its own lifespan but my expectation with the BMW is "DURABILITY".Iit can be expensive, but i do expect that its durable. For example, the shock absorber for the E39 can cost up to RM1k per pair, but i do heard that i can last for few years, to me this is durable. As compare to the Waja, the shock absorber could be cheaper, say about RM 350 per pair, but it can only last for 2+ years.
So do you think my expectation to the old E39 is reasonable? or its just over ambition? hahahahah

sorry guys ... just to ensure i will be making a wise decision

BTW, my expectation to the BMW is Nice To Drive, Nice To Handle and DURABLE

jsng,

I would suggest that you introduce yourself in the Newbie section before making any further postings. Introduction is just a formality so that other members may get to know you better.

As to the reliability of e39, you must first understand that the 1st batch of e39 started in 1996 and the last batch being 2003. So what you are hearing about high maintenance for e39, the cars are between 7 to 14 years. Given the age of the cars, don't you think there will be wear and tear of components?? You mentioned about durability.....what is your expectation, 5, 10 or 15 years?? I believe German made (especially BMW ori) components can easily last at least 5 years.
Buying a used e39 can be tricky sometimes as the condition of the car very much dependent on the previous owner, whether the car was well maintained or otherwise. Having said that, after buying the car, one has also to put aside at least RM1k per month to maintain the car as components would slowly degrade and need replacement.

Yes, owing a used BMW for that matter could be a rather expensive affair but then again the thrill & fun of driving this Ultimate machine is what many of us in the forum crave for.

 

[bmw7833]

U compare BMW with Waja, how can..U drive what u pay..TOTAL diff class.

When u are not ready to pay for maintenance and parts, stay away from e39. Buying the car is one thing, maintain the car is another thing.

About the list,

Wheel Speed Sensor
Front Brake Pads
Wear Sensor
Brake Fluid Package
Spark Plug
Wiper Tank Cap
Radiator Tank
Resevoir Tank
Top Hose
Bottom Hose
Coolant
Water Pump
Water Pump Pulley
Alternator Belt
Thermostat
Fan Clutch
Power Steering Belt
Bleeding Plug

i believe not at all are need to replace immediate but to get back the UDM driving pleasure asap. Most of them only need to replace after 3-5 years after new. It is up to u whether the parts are need to replace immediate or not.

 

[Herbert]

BMW is a high performance car and you really cannot compare it with a Proton. Also bear in mind that e39 engine optimum operating temp is at 110 degree celius. Cooling system therefore plays a very important role to ensure sufficient cooling for the engine to achieve optimum performance. Therefore you would also observed that the parts below mainly consist of critical components for the cooling system. Driving a BMW, it is better to do preventive maintenence and not get stranded in the middle of the highway.

Thanks Herbert I had just introduced myself there sorry for not doing this in the first place

Yeap .. i do understand that the E39 is there for quite some years and wear and tear will definitely be an issue. Well, i cant be expecting a 7 years old car can be problem free, right? But from the pages that i had gone through, it seems like there are lots of stuff to be changed and i am really surprise to hear that.

Currently i am a Proton Waja owner, the car is with me for about 7 years old as well, by looking at the number of parts that some of the forumers had changed during a "major?" service, i am surprised cause even my old Proton Waja doesnt encounter such situation:

• 3 Wheel Speed Sensor
• Front Brake Pads
• Wear Sensor
• Brake Fluid Package
• Spark Plug
• Wiper Tank Cap
• Radiator Tank
• Resevoir Tank
• Top Hose
• Bottom Hose
• Coolant
• Water Pump
• Water Pump Pulley
• Alternator Belt
• Thermostat
• Fan Clutch
• Power Steering Belt
• Bleeding Plug

Do we need to change some many parts during the service? most of these are quite durable stuff and even my Waja wont be hitting any problem with these often .. like Radiator tank, Reservoir Tank, water pump all those hose and belts? Or are these just for preventive maintenance?

I do remember that each parts got its own lifespan but my expectation with the BMW is "DURABILITY".Iit can be expensive, but i do expect that its durable. For example, the shock absorber for the E39 can cost up to RM1k per pair, but i do heard that i can last for few years, to me this is durable. As compare to the Waja, the shock absorber could be cheaper, say about RM 350 per pair, but it can only last for 2+ years.
So do you think my expectation to the old E39 is reasonable? or its just over ambition? hahahahah

sorry guys ... just to ensure i will be making a wise decision

BTW, my expectation to the BMW is Nice To Drive, Nice To Handle and DURABLE

 

[initialM]

I used to drive waja also but sucks. BMW gives you joy & sheer driving pleasure of an Ultimate Driving Machine. Its not but buying but more on maintain it. Its not bout how much you earn but how much you willing to spent. E39 is still 1 of the best BMW around. More solid feel than E60. Not sure bout F10 coz never test one but already "play" once. Banyak Makan Wang & Banyak Masuk Workshop is the true meaning of BMW

[video=youtube;thJvgQYaJLk]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thJvgQYaJLk[/video]

 

[jsng]

Hi,
Actually i am not comparing a Waja with a BMW .. as its just totally different class
I am just trying using it a an analogy, as u can see, i am expecting the BMW to be much more reliable and durable. When i see the huge list of stuff that required replacement during a "major" service, it really shocks me. But off course if these are for preventive maintenance and once these are changed, it can last for few more years, than it will be different story. To me, Waja is a car that is not easy to maintain due to the spare parts reliability and durability issue and i do believe many had been cursing on it since its launched years ago; and i am expecting the BMW can do much better than this. If the Waja can serve me well througout these years without much headache, i am expecting much more from the E39, afterall this is one of the reason why i am trying to eye on the E39 with the perception of good GERMAN quality.

BTW, i am still aiming for a well balance driving pleasure and durability/reliability. If the BMW will always break down due to parts failure, than no matter how pleasure is it to be driven, i still would not think that its a wise choice for me to own it Spending hours or days in work shop or waiting for hours in the middle of no where to wait for the tow truck to come is definitely not a pleasure thing to do

U compare BMW with Waja, how can..U drive what u pay..TOTAL diff class.

When u are not ready to pay for maintenance and parts, stay away from e39. Buying the car is one thing, maintain the car is another thing.

About the list,



i believe not at all are need to replace immediate but to get back the UDM driving pleasure asap. Most of them only need to replace after 3-5 years after new. It is up to u whether the parts are need to replace immediate or not.