v_therussian

Some of you already know that I'm switching to the 535i from my 530xi soon, so I'm just getting my facts together. What do I need to know about the 535s?

1. I'd imagine oil changes every 3k miles are a must (based on my experience with Audi twin turbo engine). Do I use synthetic? What brand/viscosity, etc? I live in NY, so I usually ran 5w30 in the winter and 10w40 in the summer (I think... ) on my turbo Audi - would that be the case with the N54 engine as well?

2. I know that there were some issues with a fuel pump (HFPF or HPFP?) and warranty on it was extended, but what do I have to know about that? The car I'm getting is a 2008, so I'd rather be on the safe side, even though it definitely is under warranty.

3. The car's current driver let it run out of gas and per BMW dealer, that caused the engine to misfire - first, is that even possible? second, how serious of a problem is this? Would this cause someone to NOT buy a car? (I'm not buying - I'm taking over a lease, but I'm still concerned, bc I wanna do some mods, so it'll be best if I keep my dealer visits to a minimum).

What else? Maintenance tips and DIYs are welcome as well. Basically, please give me any and all info you have on the N54 engine and specifically the 535, please!


Thanks guys

Dandle

Oil changes at 3k are a waste of good oil. Theres no way the oil will be knackered in that short mileage, if you want to change it early do it at 10k otherwise your throwing money away.

v_therussian

the N54 doesn't "eat up" oil? I thought all turbo engines inevitably burn through oil at a much faster rate than the NA engines

Dandle

Some might use a bit of oil but alot of others wont use any. It all depends on that actual engine, even if its using oil just top it up the oil left will still be good. My last car which was a Volvo T4 and this current one dont use any oil in between their oil changes and both are driven pretty hard.

v_therussian

Yep, that's what I did with the Audi - when it ran low on oil, I'd just put some in.

BTW hypothetical question: if you have synth. oil and you put in a quart of regular to top it off, does that mean you need to flush the oil out of your engine ASAP? Or its ok to run like that til the next oil change?

v_therussian

Does this apply to the N54?

Dandle

The oil will just mix in fine as long as it the same viscocity and type of oil. The linky on you next post is applicable for the 535i as well.

craigm1841

my 535s i drive was screaming "engine oil low" after 5K

+1 kind of. ever hear of "synthetic blend"? you can mix regular and synthetic. i also wouldnt be too concerned with viscosity. however, there is no need to mix viscosity, just buy the kind the engine calls for. 5W30 should be fine, even in the summer on a newer car. all that 20W50 crap is for old high mileage cars


ALSO... DEFINE type of oil aside from viscosity...

v_therussian

that makes total sense. Guess, I'm just being overly cautious.

So you basically run the 535 without any "special considerations" when it comes to maintenance?

craigm1841

my car is a lease. i take very little into consideration aside from how shiny it looks when the valet pulls up in it when i am leaving the club

who wants my lease return???