The model from late 90s to early 00s, I think it's called E39 maybe? What are these like from a home maintenance point of view. I can normally do most jobs like brakes, cambelts, oil changes, etc. but no BMW experience. Lots of tools but don't have a lift or a pit. Is the 525D similar/better/worse? Any advice appreciated. Thanks Al
CAN Bus system for electronics. Computerised common rail fuel system. Not much you can do apart from regular maintenance like changing the oil and filters. No cambelt. If anything does go wrong you pretty much rely on the dealer with his computer to diagnose the fault, rectify and reset the software. Changing the oil, if you use the right oil, only comes up every
15,000 miles or so, depending on how you drive, so routine jobs are few and far between. It is a complex car otherwise, like most modern ones even bread and butter models now, so breakdowns, even a flat battery, could be expensive to repair.Huw
Most routine service jobs on an E39 are ok for DIY - including brakes etc. There's no cambelt. As regards fault diagnostics you'll be into buying specialist equipment to DIY that part, or get it done by a garage. Like pretty well every modern car.
The engine has no particular foibles, IIRC, although the group I belong to (address below) has few members with diesels.
Check the heater fan works correctly. And the engine aux fan comes on with the AC. Check for front wheel wobble when braking lightly from about 70 mph - or any wheel wobble. None of these are expensive to DIY fix but are common faults on all E39s.
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