Only Bimmers

Anyone have a high mileage N62 or know how long with proper maintenance they tend to last?

Mileage post :130k
Maintenance : First major - gaskets, belts and such.

stoic1

I haven't even hit 90K and I have had replaced gaskets, secondary air system parts (still have P0492 code though) and just last week the expansion tank, plus a few other things. I bought it second hand, not much else to do but fix it or sell it. I'm sticking with her though, she's too much fun to give up.

BimmerFan52

Yeah, that's the attitude! If you buy a basically sound car at the right price it is a lot of motoring fun for the dollar. The car is a beast!

All of us 545ers have done plenty of repairs (ourselves or previous owner), but it can be manageable.

Keep your oil drain intervals short, maintain all fluids and be proactive on cooling system replacements and you can enjoy many miles.

Only Bimmers

I have been discussing on a separate thread about how the amount of coolers, especially the oil cooler has made quite a difference in the longevity of the components on the engine. Such as seals, etc. Amazing condition at 130, i would swear every component was low mileage. I just tore my 550 apart for preventative maintenance. This was because of the many 545 threads i read stating all kinds of issues with leaks and such. Mine was tight as could be. So if i could make a recommendation, put an oil cooler on it if you have low miles. It will save you lots down the road. Honestly all of this didn't need to be done, i had a small valve cover leak. But it was a good way to learn.

TU2TLE

where would you purchase an oil cooler for a 550

phlfly

It's already there all 550 came with one. Funny thing I did research and the varieties 7-series( E6..) don't have or have one but very small, so guess the problem did they have? Oil seal, yes its but this is not important compare to cooling pipe seal, and it's not many reports for 550 for this problem. You could this same research on REALOEM.

Only Bimmers

And why does the 545 have so many leaks and such? Why doesn't the 550 see the kind of leaks and cooling transfer pipe failure that the 545 does? Can this difference be attributed to the oil cooler alone? Interesting.

For what i see the added parts would be

Oil Cooler
Oil Cooler Lines
Alternator Bracket (possibly different)
Support Bracket (for oil lines on drivers side head)

AchtungE60

130K is not high mileage but at this mileage do basic things you would do for any car.

Blackwolffm

Would it be risky to do a tranny oil change. Or should I pull the trigger now?

545iMike

Do the oil cooler lines plug into the alternator bracket? Just curious. That seal behind that bracket has to be for something. Could you snap a couple pictures of the mounting for the oil cooler itself once its back together. Just wondering where and how it mounts. I had mine apart recently and saw your post. I had a look at mine (545) and was trying to figure out where the oil cooler would mount. In front or rad, behind, etc.....