01 E39 540i Maintenance List (185k)

[bf21]

Hello, high school E39 owner here. Had this car for about a year and have had virtually no issues with it besides replacing a couple coils and little stuff like that. This gets me thinking that I need to do some maintenance or else everything is going to start going bad very soon all at once. The car has 187k on it so I am just looking for the basic maintenance needed for my vehicle and maybe some cheap performance mods because I am not looking to spend loads of money. I would prefer to get all the maintenance out of the way before doing any big mods. Any tips are appreciated.

[douglawrence42]

You need to give us status on:
Cooling system (rad, exp. tank, hoses, wp)
Chain guide status
What is currently leaking (check plug wells also)
Plugs and coil age
Fuel filter age
Any current codes or issues

Basically, anything on that list that hasn’t been addressed is at least suspect.


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[ex1988shark]

I have a similar 540, except mine id 6 sp. I have a pretty good maintenance record as an Excel file to give you an idea of the spend coming. I'm at 196K now, and is my daily until summer when I get my loaned SUV back. If you PM me, I will send the file to you. Cheers

[sienayr]

I would prefer to get all the maintenance out of the way before doing any big mods.

Kudos to you. As stated it is kind of hard to give you specific advice without knowing any history. If you don't know the history, then here are things to check (most of these you can google to get details)

cooling system (hoses, radiator, overflow tank)
timing chain guides
ccv
valley pan leak (you can re-seal the intake manifold on this job too)
suspension components- look for compromised rubber boots
giubo
rubber muffler mounts
drive shaft (I don't recommend replacing the CSB only, I did that only to have the U-joint go bad less than a year later and had to replace the driveshaft anyway, which comes with new CSB)
tie rod ends/other steering components
charging system- you can stop by a parts store when you're out and about and have them run a free test to check the alternator and battery

[waters17]

I started a thread a while ago regarding costs. A few others chimed in too. This should give you some idea of what to expect. I haven't updated my table, but I'm over $10k now.

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-the-last-year

[bf21]

Thank you. I will definitely do a full check this weekend.

[Nobleprofessor]

With 185K, the most relevant question is whether the timing chain guides have been done. At that mileage, they have either been done or you are on borrowed time. They WILL fail. I used to be a doubter, then mine went. Of course, I had 255K miles. But, I think my car was the exception. Most go much sooner.

The timing chain guides are the most relevant because the other items either cost less or (most) will not cause a catastrophic failure. Plus, if the timing chain guides have not been done, I wouldn't spend a bunch of money on preventative maintenance items until they do get done or you decide it is not worth it.

[bf21]

I appreciate all the help. This weekend I will check on everything and update everyone on the status.