Any valve guide problem free higher mileage v8 e60s out there?
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Joined: Apr 2012
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Any valve guide problem free higher mileage v8 e60s out there?
How many of you have above 80-100k without the car smoking a lot or haven't had valve guides / seal replacement needed? My independent shop says its not a matter of if it'll happen but WHEN it'll happen. Got me paranoid.. so far my car has 72k miles on it, and hoping it'll last me past 100k! He quoted me 6-8k thousand just to fix it when I do need to fix it.. holy crap. I initially chose the 550i over the 535i thinking the v8 was more reliable, but after owning it for 1.5 years, seems like the v8 is plagued with its own issues as well..
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Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 81
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From: Itasca, IL
My Ride: 545i
I now have 113k. No oil consumption and no smoke. I did have some secondary air system issues on Bank 2 in the past but I was able to clean that out with compressed air and carb cleaner. Some say the leaking valve guides contribute to the clogs but like I said; no smoke and no consumption on my end.
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,712
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From: Encino, CA
My Ride: 04 545i - Titanium Silver/Black, Sport pkg, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar, Premium Sound, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Steptronic, Park Distance Control, Fold down rear seats w/ski bag, Aux jack, 6-disk changer, puddle lamps...
Engine: Custom Remus cat-back exhaust w/chrome square tips, K&N Air Filter, Charcoal Filter Removed, Sprint Booster :-), 50/50 mix of 91+100 Octane, EuroRev ECU Remap (coming soon lol), Dinan High-Flow Throttle Body (coming soon...maybe lol)
Interior: Portable Sirius Stilletto 100 w/car kit, Garmin Nuvi 680 mounted below rear-view mirror, LCI-style I-drive knob, Dark Poplar Center Dashboard Trim.
Exterior: E60 forum clings, 5% rear tint, ACS roof spoiler (painted black for distinct look against limo tint), ACS trunk spoiler, ACS add-on front spoiler and rear apron (awaiting installation), "18 Black Staggered BeBeS Style OER (emergency replacement for cracked sport 124 rims), black kidney grill, white accessory lighting (including license and trunk lamps), Angel-eye upgrade, AIB xenon-matched fog lamps, AIB V3's on order, red rear reflectors
My 545 didn't start its smoking habit til around 150k or so. I cope by shutting it down at long lights/stops or revving above 3500rpm every 30 seconds or so.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Atl
I have 180k on my 545 and it started to smoke a little after sitting at long traffic lights back in april of this year. Well, after many on this forum strongly urged me not to, I put a quart of Lucas Oil Treatment in and it immediately stopped the problem and it has not reoccured again! As a matter of fact, its been running smoother and better. Now, I'm not suggesting you do it, just giving you my report on what I did, lol. I did it because I've used lucas oil treatment for many years on a number of cars with no issues what so ever. Just a little FYI gang...
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,652
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My Ride: 2006 BMW 550i
I have 180k on my 545 and it started to smoke a little after sitting at long traffic lights back in april of this year. Well, after many on this forum strongly urged me not to, I put a quart of Lucas Oil Treatment in and it immediately stopped the problem and it has not reoccured again! As a matter of fact, its been running smoother and better. Now, I'm not suggesting you do it, just giving you my report on what I did, lol. I did it because I've used lucas oil treatment for many years on a number of cars with no issues what so ever. Just a little FYI gang...
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Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 441
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From: Austin, TX
My Ride: 545i sport
Model Year: 2004
I am at 119k miles and need the seals done. I don't think the majority of cars have guide issues, but rather seal issues. My car uses oil and smokes after long periods of idling. Normal driving, no smoke is evident even after idling at red lights. I do have secondary air issues as well. I will tackle all issues when the weather turns a bit cooler here in Texas.
