1Animal1

Hi all...

First post on this forum as I've only owned the car since last Saturday - ex Audi chap

I'm just collating all the bits I need for a FULL service, based on the assumption it has never been done - full FSH, I just want to replace all the serviceables

Filters - particle, fuel, oil, auto box, induction, pollen (or is this the particle filter?
Coolant
Engine oil - what grade do i use, i assume my car will have a DPF - 55 plate none LCI?
Auto box oil (I know your not meant to touch)

Is there anything i am missing, rear diff maybe...


Also, if this car does have a DPF, has anyone tried to remove it and replace with a straight through pipe...you can do this on VAG cars and it saves fuel and increases performance by removing what effectively is a blockage

Any help appreciated

Tim

phelix

Pollen and particle filters are one and the same unless you mean the diesel particulate filer in the exhaust which is not a routine service item.

The gearbox oil filter is built into the sump of the gearbox and replacement is not straightforward and the oil is difficult to get.

You'll need to use an oil rated as LongLife 4 by BMW - something like Mobil 1 ESP 5-30.

Liam

Hi Tim,

Welcome to club - the 535d is great!

DPF removal is possible, and I would advise to do so when DPF replacement is due. Besides removing it, you will have to program the DPF out of the ECU. PLenty of companies doing this across the UK. Just google on "BMW DPF removal"... Should set you back no more £1,000, which is less than replacing the DPF at the dealer.

Regards,
Liam

1Animal1

Thanks for the info fellas - I am trying to install the BMW software on my laptop, struggling though as i have windows 7 64 bit

Can you code the DPF out with the generic software or is it specialist/dealer only?

I must say I've certainly got my work cut out, upon purchase the car seems to have every common E61 issue going! I've done the panoramic now, replaced the boot loom and got the glass working again (ordered a new seal too), cleared the drains which had leaked water in the boot and caused the auto tailgate module damage, changed that today and got the tailgate working again (just need a new gas slave strut to aid upward travel) - changed the power module for the iDrive to no avail, new CCC coming tomorrow - then getting everything ready to service it at the weekend including changing the pipes to the rear compressor.... oh and deflapping! fun fun fun

I have to say, this forum seems a lot more accomodating than Bimmerforums, i posted the same query over there and have had zero response ....

Phelix,so its worth leaving the auto box alone you? sounds like its not meant to be touched

Tim

1Animal1

oh and you need a thankyou button

mmitev

Animal, 2 things to add from me:

1. The autobox oil has to be changed if you want to expect any longevity from the box (although its much stronger and reliable than the Audi boxes afaik). 100K miles is the point of thefirst change, and then maybe every 50K. If you manage to find a workshop with good access to oil and filter, it might cost half of what a dealer would charge you. In Germany they have ZF Workshops for example. You can check on the ZF website if they have workshops in the UK as well and go that route. They will know exactly what they are doing.

2. The DPF can also be cleaned, which returns it to close to "as new" condition, and retains its functionality at a fraction of the cost of removal. I.e. 200 GBP or so. You can either remove it and clean it manually (Check Anzafin's thread in the DIY section of this forum), or let a workshop clean it with "Tunap" cleaner without removing it. Ask at www.tunap.de for a workshop in the UK that offers this service. I've gone the Tunap clening route and for ca. 150 GBP the DPF works much much better now.

1Animal1

Thanks Mmitev

Very useful info on the DPF, I know someone from a specialist garage that puts the ECU into a cleaning mode and takes the cars for a blast to clear the DPF's - obviously no where near as involving as the method your talking about, but a sign of what a none BMW specialist might do and charge for...

Regards the auto, does this mean a whole new sump if the filters integrated? The only reason i thought to change it was that i'm getting a slight surge in certain rev ranges - my thinking was a boost leak perhaps, but it is intermitant, so thought oil/filter would bve a good start.

One other thing, I've noticed a butterfly valve in one of the exhausts and it appears to be open when parked - my S3 had one of these which opened on full throttle only, maybe another pipe on its way out?

Tim

mmitev

Auto oil change: In fact, what my mechanic did was have a look at the old oil when it was drained and as it was exceptionally clear (i.e. no visible metal shavings), he decided that we can just pour in the new oil without changing the sump with filter. But my major concern back then was not cost, but timing (until new sump is delivered) and the risk of the new sump leaking after the change. The cost of a new sump is around 150 GBP.

So you can also draiin the old oil and decide then whether to change the sump. Mind you, my mechanic said he has not seen old auto oil that is as clear as that before.. And it was still visibly 5 years old as it was thicker and darker than the new oil, a bit like dark honey.

1Animal1

Hmmm, bit of a dilemma then I think, im finding from researching that everyones 50/50 on the subject - I'll ask my specoialists opinion when it goes and, then decide there I think...

Liam

DPF reprogramming is specialist work as far as I can tell. The dealer will not do it for you (at least not here in Holland).