Just bought a 1994 525i. First time bmw owner. No manual. Checked by my mechanic and said car is in excellent shape except for some minor quirks, e.g. headlights need alignment, ?transmission fluid may need to be changed (??lifetime transmission fluid in this model), ??timing chain replacement, ?brake fluid change. Coolant, differential fluid changed by previous owner. Car is auto with 156,00 km. Loaded. AC, 6 pack CD, sunroof, stock rims with Michelin. will appreciate very much for any suggestion. Thanks.
new owner 1994 525i
- Thread starter carl94bmw525
- Start date
All BMW's should have the brake fluid changed every other year, the differential and transmission do not require annual or even bi-annual changes. I would change the automatic transmission fluild every 50k, because I do not believe in "lifetime" fluids. I would change the diff fluid at the same time. I am not sure about the timing chain on that model.
Yeah brake fluid is hydroscopic (absorbs moisture) so you need to change it anually irrespective of how many miles you do.
I have seen E34's with the replica M5 alloys and they look quite nice but I'd imagine the ride quality suffers substantially as a result... If you like the look and don't mind the harshness then go for it. But you'll probably have to get the suspension geometery adjusted of you go for this so that means more money. Don't forget that the handling will also change dramatically, so if you like the handling balance of your car the way it is then DON'T CHANGE THE WHEELS!
Get rid of those front mudguards too!
Welcome to the board. You'll find lots of useful (and lots of useless!!!) info here.
Keep us posted.
I have seen E34's with the replica M5 alloys and they look quite nice but I'd imagine the ride quality suffers substantially as a result... If you like the look and don't mind the harshness then go for it. But you'll probably have to get the suspension geometery adjusted of you go for this so that means more money. Don't forget that the handling will also change dramatically, so if you like the handling balance of your car the way it is then DON'T CHANGE THE WHEELS!
Get rid of those front mudguards too!
Welcome to the board. You'll find lots of useful (and lots of useless!!!) info here.
Keep us posted.
Thanks for the reply Pete. That's very helpful. I think I will stick to the stock 15" alloys + Michelins for now. Quite happy with the handling. Car came with factory installed front and rear mudguards so therefore no rust considering the winter driving here in Toronto, CAN where they salt the roads whenever it snows, otherwise roads freeze!! I haven't seen any bimmers that have them though.
My headlights need adjustment, beam too low. Can you pls help on how to. I don't have manual. Also how to replace cabin microfilter.Thanks
My headlights need adjustment, beam too low. Can you pls help on how to. I don't have manual. Also how to replace cabin microfilter.Thanks
Yeah I think it's probably best to stick with the standard setup, but hey, if you want to change the wheels then by all means go for it.
There are two screws (i think) either side of the headlight which adjust the aim of the headlights, but it's a difficult job to get right. Your best bet is to get your mechanic to do it, otherwise here's a link to help you with it: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.
I'm not sure how to change the cabin microfilter though! Perhaps a few of the other boys have some advice?
There are two screws (i think) either side of the headlight which adjust the aim of the headlights, but it's a difficult job to get right. Your best bet is to get your mechanic to do it, otherwise here's a link to help you with it: http://www.danielsternlighting.com/tech/aim/aim.
I'm not sure how to change the cabin microfilter though! Perhaps a few of the other boys have some advice?
Carlos, first off welcome to the board. Second, I have a good friend that owns I believe it is a 91 525i and he put on chrome M5 replica wheels (not sure the size, but I can find out) and it looks fantastic on the car. His is black and with the chrome (believe me it look good) it really stands out.
I am usually not a big fan of chrome on BMW's, but it really sets off the black 525i. I say go for it. One thing to remember is that Michelin's are great tires, but tend to not last as long. They wear very fast....
Good luck and post photos when you can.....![[cheers]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_cheers.gif "Cheers [cheers]")
I am usually not a big fan of chrome on BMW's, but it really sets off the black 525i. I say go for it. One thing to remember is that Michelin's are great tires, but tend to not last as long. They wear very fast....
Good luck and post photos when you can.....