When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Congratulations, no doubt that took some work. I think hi mileage with the V8 is more of a challenge than with the sixes. We have had 5 of the sixes and one V8 and our 550 has been more problematic than the sixes. Is it fair to guess that you have done the water pipe, the valve stem seals (including cam cover gaskets et al) the alternator mount gasket, the starter and an alternator? The alternator mount gaskets, the starter and alternator on the V8 are each huge jobs. But the most time intensive is the VSS chore. Do tell...
That has not been my experience. My 2005 545 6M has 230 000 miles and it has not been more of a maintenance chore than the M10s, M30 and M20s that I have had (some 750,000 m) since 1971. Yes, the N62 has seen alternator gaskets, and valve and cam cover gaskets renewed and the alternator and water pump renewed, but that isn't any different than on the other engines throughout the years. There is absolutely no sign of leaking valve stem seals, nor the "dreaded" water pipe. Take care of the fluids (including the gasoline) and no modifications and these engines (except turbos) are no more a challenge than the 6's or the 4's. Also, don't skimp on changing the battery as needed.
That has not been my experience. My 2005 545 6M has 230 000 miles and it has not been more of a maintenance chore than the M10s, M30 and M20s that I have had (some 750,000 m) since 1971. Yes, the N62 has seen alternator gaskets, and valve and cam cover gaskets renewed and the alternator and water pump renewed, but that isn't any different than on the other engines throughout the years. There is absolutely no sign of leaking valve stem seals, nor the "dreaded" water pipe. Take care of the fluids (including the gasoline) and no modifications and these engines (except turbos) are no more a challenge than the 6's or the 4's. Also, don't skimp on changing the battery as needed.
FormerE30, good on ya, great results. Wonder if those are atypical though. What were your oil change intervals? Love to hear what GlacierBurst has to say. The inside of our 07 550i with zero varnish after 191,000 miles shows that we've taken care of the fluids. We've owned it for 130,000 of its miles and always ahead of service intervals and always Mobil 1 full synthetic, BMW blue coolant and premium fuel. I have seen the 6 series YouTuber who is convinced that 1/2 interval oil changes will avert the VSS issue.
Just did the valve stem seals and the old seals were definitely hogged out. A long idle got a huge puff of smoke upon takeoff. Can't pass CA smog that way. We'd used Oil Saver for a couple years but that was about as far as we could stave it off. The old cam cover gaskets were brittle and hard as plastic.
148K here and just did the Valve Stem Seals, Coolant Pipe, all heater hoses, heater valve, tank ventilation valve and anything else we could get
at when performing that hideous Valve Stem Seal procedure. Also prophylactic replacement of alternator as it was covered with oil from the previous alternator bracket debacle. They are fairly inexpensive for OEM.
For the heck of it, we replaced ALL of the suspension arms and shocks.
Runs better than when I received at 89K, much more of a joy to drive than the ponderous 2011 550i.
As a note, we have -2.2 additive adaptations that are mildly perplexing, though seems to have no effect.
148K here and just did the Valve Stem Seals, Coolant Pipe, all heater hoses, heater valve, tank ventilation valve and ... prophylactic replacement of alternator ... we replaced ALL of the suspension arms and shocks...Runs better than when I received at 89K ...
Well done! When we had our 197k 550i E60 in the air for the oh so painful VSS job, we should have replaced the suspension arms and sway bar bushings. Now with 200k and change needs all of that. Already did shocks.
Kind of tempted to buy one that hasn't had any of that done to it for a song and drop the motor and suspension and do everything you mentioned plus starter and water pump and have a rock solid 550i
Hello, new here and newish BMW owner. Have a 07 550i that has 127k. I thought I was getting a deal when I purchase for around $3500 around 2 years ago to use as a second car, everything worked, looked great and ran strong..but seems this car wants about $4k from me every 6 months or so. I did a battery Coils, Plugs when I bought it. Veh turned into a daily for my wife and within that year had to go with a New/Rebuilt Trans as developed a 1st gear issue, 5 months ago spent a few grand to have some oil leak issues taken care of, still leaves drops! Started the smoke screen over the summer and shop requested the valve seal replacement for for almost $4k(found an additive that works but know it wont forever!), Its developed a nice wiggle in the steering wheel while braking over the summer and now have a brake pedal like stone. Reason I joined this site- as I try to figure out what can do to resolve that!?!?
Sucks that such a beautiful modern looking car with nice performance is so dam needy! I'd sell it but don't know how as its such a money hole..
12-21-2020, 11:55 AM
