New BMW owner - a few questions

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Scott - 23 May 2004 14:06 GMT

Greetings all.

I recently aquired a 1992 525i Touring wagon with 144k miles. It sat for
about a year, but runs great. I contacted the local dealership who did the
maintainence and its up to date (although I did change the oil right away).

I would like to switch to Mobil 1 on the next oil change, will that be an
issue with so many miles? Also, would an engine flush be advisable? I have
always heard they're not a good idea, but it seems every quick oil place is
pushing them.

I was also thinking about cleaning the throttle body and butterfly valve.
Is there anything I should be aware of?

Finally, the computer says my coolant is low, but I checked and its filled
up to the full mark...what might be causing that?

- Scott

(to reply directly, remove the "no-spam" from the email address)

Reply to this Message

Papa-Russ - 23 May 2004 15:49 GMT

Replace the coolant level sensor (high failure item) Bottom front drivers
side.

Russ

92 525i

> Greetings all.
>
[quoted text clipped - 16 lines]
>
> (to reply directly, remove the "no-spam" from the email address)

Reply to this Message

fbloogyudsr - 23 May 2004 17:15 GMT

> I would like to switch to Mobil 1 on the next oil change, will that be an
> issue with so many miles? Also, would an engine flush be advisable? I have
> always heard they're not a good idea, but it seems every quick oil place is
> pushing them.

I wouldn't bother with synthetic. The recommended interval is 7500
miles; changing to synthetic wouldn't save you anything (sounds like
you're an oil-change junkie and would go from 3K to 7.5K), and IMO
won't protect the engine any more than a good quality regular dino.
In an engine that old, an oil flush is more likely to cause more trouble
(loosen built-up sludge that will clog the journals) than good. It's
just another way for the lube houses to pry money out of your pocket.

> I was also thinking about cleaning the throttle body and butterfly valve.
> Is there anything I should be aware of?

Since you will be due for an "Inspection II" at 150K, I'd wait until then
on the throttle body, especially since it's not a known trouble spot.

Have the front end's ball joints/control arms checked for wear; if they're
not relatively new (~ 40K miles), replace them.

> Finally, the computer says my coolant is low, but I checked and its filled
> up to the full mark...what might be causing that?

Russ already mentioned the sensor. Be sure to get all the pieces out if
it's broken. Also, consider changing the water pump if it looks original -
early M50 engines had a plastic impeller that breaks. Likely you've
got a new one with that many miles, however.

I'd replace the coolant.

Floyd '91 525i

Reply to this Message