JaySmitty

Hi all. First time being a member of a forum. I hope to learn some cool stuff and meet new friends. I have an '06 550i, black/tan, no upgrades yet but I hope to change that. It's currently in the shop having valve seals and guides replaced. Just as any other religious Bimmer head, I've kept up on all maintenance over the years. But I'm disappointed at such a costly repair. Research has shown that this in a known problem for this E60 engine. I'm still learning the site and would like to post some questions. But still can't see how to post a thread So I'll ask my first question here. When I get the car back, I'm thinking of installing a Rotrex c38-81 supercharger. Anyone have some insight?

ETNav382

Are you doing a complete custom install?

If you are going the supercharger route ESS Tuning makes one, its about $15k, tho.

Private message member West, he has the ESS SC and is knowledgeable about our engines. Also, in case you didn't know, you will be spending thousands to get any noticeable gains.

Good Luck and welcome!

JaySmitty

Just considering it right now and seeing if it may be worth the time, money, and effort. May not be from what I'm hearing. Thanks for the post! Any problems with your valve seals or know anyone who has?

ETNav382

Yea, the other day I got the blue puff after a little idling, which is the indication of bad seals. For now though I will be getting my valve cover gaskets done sometime this month after my cooling system overhaul.

JaySmitty

Yeah. That's how mine started and got a lot worse in just a few months. How many miles and what's going on with your cooling system?

ETNav382

I am basically at 110k and still on the original water pump. Most say change it around 80k or so. My car has been good to me other than the normal expected leaks so I have been lucky there. I am replacing the OEM pump with an aftermarket one with a metal impeller. I'm also replacing all the hoses, belts, tensioner and the alternator. I've heard that the alt can go out soon and its basically the same procedure to get to it so might as well do it while I'm there.

JaySmitty

Cool. I'm at about 122k miles and mine has been good also except for this recent repair and an ignition switch at about 90k. Thanks for the tip on replacing cooling system components and alternator. Smarter to spend on preventive maintenance vs. addition performance options anyway. One last question, what kind of water pump are you installing? Thanks.
-Jordan

ETNav382

I went to the first link for the water pump, the second link for the alternator and here is a pic of the part numbers for what I believe is all the hoses and little connectors. I went with GRAF for the pump because the Saleri was sold out. I recommend ordering any oem parts you need from getbmwparts.com, they are close to the cheapest you'll find online. I say close to because I ordered, on the 26th, from the cheapest online parts dealer, bmwmercedesparts.com, and they STILL haven't shipped out my parts yet. While getbmwparts.com has superior customer service and faster shipping. Also go to realoem.com and put your vin in, if you every need to look for a specific part number.


BMW 5-Series E60/E61 (2004-2010) - Water Pump, Thermostat & Hoses - Page 1
BMW 650 Alternator from CarPartsWarehouse

JaySmitty

Great insight. I will check out the links. Never heard of realoem.com but I like I can enter my vin and look stuff up. FYI...repair called and said my engine also failed pressure tests on cylinders 3 and 5. Going in tomorrow to verify before I let them replace pistons and rings. Hopefully this will be the last hurdle before I get it back. Let me know how you overhaul goes. I'm considering that next.

ETNav382

Yea, there's quite a few sites like realoem, they're all great. Sounds like you're getting everything out the way now. I'm still waiting on my parts, last time I order from them. Right now I'm trying to put my Mtech kit on. Sideskirts are on but the rear bumper is gonna take a few hours tomorrow and front bumper is probably Sat.