New 2003 530i owner

[nrthwing]

First off, excellent forum, I've learned a lot so far. Second, this is the first BMW I've had the pleasure of owning. I love the car.

If you'll indulge me, I have a few simple questions.
I purchased the 2003 530i (97000 mls) from a Saturn dealer and thought it best to change the fluids. I started with changing the oil. Following advice from the forum I used Castrol full synthetic 5W-30. Unfortunatly I did not have a socket big enough to fit the oil filter cap and unsuccessfully tried channel locks. Just to be sure, the cap screws off counter clockwise?

I plan on changing the rear-end differential oil as well. What type should I use - weight & brand? I think I'll have an import repair garage change the transmission fluid. In addition I would like to suck out and replenish power steering fluid. Again, what type of replacement fluid is recommended?
The vehicle did not come with an owners manual.

Thanks for the advice.
Mike

[PJB]

There are manuals for several years of e39s available at www.e38.org/e39 (http://www.e38.org/e39/). Hit Ctrl+F to invoke the search function of your browser and type in "owner's manuals," or scroll all the way down to the bottom left side of the page to the heading titled "Owner's Manuals," where you'll find that you can download a manual in PDF format. For direct link, here is the Owner's Manual for a 2003 BMW E39 5-Series (http://www.e38.org/2003Manual-5Series.pdf).

The electronic manuals are great because you can search for text through them much faster than searching through a hardcover manual.

In response to your question, yes, the oil filter cap does indeed unscrew in a counterclockwise fashion. Oil changes are frequent enough that, in my opinion, it would be worth it to visit your local auto parts chain and purchase a 36mm socket. I got mine for about $17 and change from AutoZone, and most stores will have this item in stock. Again, since oil changes are frequent, it would be good to use the correct tools.

I would suggest a search for the "correct for you" differential fluid, as this can fluctuate between owners like their favorite ice cream. Personally I went with Pentosin, though I would be open to Royal Purple.

As far as your power steering fluid, any off-the-shelf DOT4 fluid from your local auto parts store should be okay.

And welcome to the forums. Give us a pic of your car!

[jamesdc4]

First off, excellent forum, I've learned a lot so far. Second, this is the first BMW I've had the pleasure of owning. I love the car.

If you'll indulge me, I have a few simple questions.
I purchased the 2003 530i (97000 mls) from a Saturn dealer and thought it best to change the fluids. I started with changing the oil. Following advice from the forum I used Castrol full synthetic 5W-30. Unfortunatly I did not have a socket big enough to fit the oil filter cap and unsuccessfully tried channel locks. Just to be sure, the cap screws off counter clockwise?

I plan on changing the rear-end differential oil as well. What type should I use - weight & brand? I think I'll have an import repair garage change the transmission fluid. In addition I would like to suck out and replenish power steering fluid. Again, what type of replacement fluid is recommended?
The vehicle did not come with an owners manual.

Thanks for the advice.
Mike
Welcome to the forums, Mike. :)

Just pick up a 36mm socket, although one member said that hand tightening was all that was necessary.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a282/jamesdc4/IMG_9324.jpg

Try using an evacuator next time.
Oil Change with Evacuator (540i) (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1161468)

There are manuals for several years of e39s available at www.e38.org/e39 (http://www.e38.org/e39/). Hit Ctrl+F to invoke the search function of your browser and type in "owner's manuals," or scroll all the way down to the bottom right side of the page to the heading titled "Owner's Manuals," where you'll find that you can download a manual in PDF format. For direct link, here is the Owner's Manual for a 2003 BMW E39 5-Series (http://www.e38.org/2003Manual-5Series.pdf).

FYI: I think it is the bottom, left side.

[xisco44]

As far as your power steering fluid, any off-the-shelf DOT4 fluid from your local auto parts store should be okay. whatt power steering fluid is auto tranny dexron III

[nrthwing]

Thanks to all for the advice. The 530i is running great so far (knock-knock). I'll pick up that socket at Auto Zone.

PJB - Thanks a lot for that owner's manual link!
I'll post a pic asap. So busy right now with my son's baseball.

Mike

[MaxVQ]

As far as your power steering fluid, any off-the-shelf DOT4 fluid from your local auto parts store should be okay. whatt power steering fluid is auto tranny dexron III

Ummm this may be a typo/brain fart but Dot 4 is brake fluid... Don't use that in the power steering!!

[taylorwilsdon]

Agreed, you are supposed to use ATF for the power steering. It says right there on the cap.

Pick up a strap wrench for the filter housing cap. Its much cheaper ($5) and works great.

[nrthwing]

Strap wrench - great idea!

[taylorwilsdon]

Strap wrench - great idea!

I've always used strap wrenches for oil filter housings... just doesn't make sense to buy a giant socket that I won't ever use for anything else.

[ijmlach]

New 525i owner here; just did my first oil change. I went with the 36 mm socket (about $15.00) so I could use it with my half inch torque wrench when reattaching. It's my first bimmer too, and I'm just feeling a little anal about making all connections to the proper torque.