Hello there-

I am a new owner of a '99 528iT with 48K miles. I have been checking things over on my new ride and have a few questions. I can see this is going to be an interesting car to own.

1. What's up with the sludge? I looked at 5 or 6 different 3-series and 5-series models with between 33K and 60K miles, and all had some degree of sludge and varnish built up in the engines. It's easily visible (and scrapeable by finger) inside the oil filler on the valve cover, and on the dipsticks. Is this a by-product of the synthetic oil and longer oil service intervals, or what?

2. I noticed several of the '99s I looked at had a lot of leakage from the power steering fluid reservoir and hoses. Is this a common issue? Any good fixes?

3. Can anyone recommend the best source for a shop manual? I was a NIASE mechanic long ago, and I still like to lay my hands on a nice machine once in a while.

4. Anywhere I can find a listing of the diagnostic codes that read out on the dashboard?

5. Does anyone know where to find a list of the defect codes that appear on the dealers vehicle history report?

Thanks...

Daniel

Congratulations on your purchase!

The sludge you see is probably the result of longer service intervals. The sludge in my engine is gradually disappearing after a few oil changes every 3,000 miles.

The Bentley manuals appear to be the most comprehensive for our cars. I have the one for the E36, and I've referred to it so many times that the binding has come apart.

Daniel,

Welcome to BFC! Swing by the 5er forum, we might be able to get you some better answers to your questions.

As for the manual, the E39 manual isn't due out from Bentley until this summer. I wouldn't waste your money on anything else.

--Bakos

Go on ebay and search for ETK TIS These are the official manuals on CD-Rom that the dealer uses. The ETK disc has part numbers and exploded diagrams showing part locations. The TIS disc has repair procedures. I paid $18 with shipping for my set.

:confused: Might have to look into that--

it has lots of good info, I just got an E39 for my wife in Nov

it is a great car

http://www.bmwtips.com/