Approaching 150k on the E61 - what should I be changing?
Discussion
evening all,
I'm approaching 150k on my E61 525d, and although I'm the "if it aint broke don't fix it" type, I'm relying on this car a lot to tow with and would be gutted if it let me down one day.
Just making a list of stuff to replace at the next service, which is due, but wondered if anyone had recommendations on things to inspect/replace.
I've had the car a little while now, iDrive has been repaired, air springs replaced, and all the front suspension arms have been replaced. Thermostats have been done. It still has a little bit of wobble on the brakes, but nothing dangerous. I do get the odd groan from the transmission when under load towing, so an oil service there shouldn't hurt, but what else should I consider?
My list so far
* Gearbox oil service
* Engine oil service
* New auxiliary belts
The areas I'm unsure on are the rear end, as I've not replaced anything there other than the air springs. Is anything prone to failure that should be replaced? The engine itself has been solid, the flex disc from the gearbox to prop shaft seems good. Engine/transmission mounts could probably do with a refresh.
Coming to a stop in the car often feels odd, think that's just an auto thing, or perhaps related to worn engine/trans mounts. I sometimes get a bit of a 'thud' when the car is going down between say 4-2mph.
I haven't spent a lot of the time on the forums about these cars so not too knowledgeable about their common faults, other than when something has broken. Just wanting to cover my back and continue many more miles
Cheers
I'm approaching 150k on my E61 525d, and although I'm the "if it aint broke don't fix it" type, I'm relying on this car a lot to tow with and would be gutted if it let me down one day.
Just making a list of stuff to replace at the next service, which is due, but wondered if anyone had recommendations on things to inspect/replace.
I've had the car a little while now, iDrive has been repaired, air springs replaced, and all the front suspension arms have been replaced. Thermostats have been done. It still has a little bit of wobble on the brakes, but nothing dangerous. I do get the odd groan from the transmission when under load towing, so an oil service there shouldn't hurt, but what else should I consider?
My list so far
* Gearbox oil service
* Engine oil service
* New auxiliary belts
The areas I'm unsure on are the rear end, as I've not replaced anything there other than the air springs. Is anything prone to failure that should be replaced? The engine itself has been solid, the flex disc from the gearbox to prop shaft seems good. Engine/transmission mounts could probably do with a refresh.
Coming to a stop in the car often feels odd, think that's just an auto thing, or perhaps related to worn engine/trans mounts. I sometimes get a bit of a 'thud' when the car is going down between say 4-2mph.
I haven't spent a lot of the time on the forums about these cars so not too knowledgeable about their common faults, other than when something has broken. Just wanting to cover my back and continue many more miles
Cheers
I have an E61 of similar mileage used for similar duties. If it doesn't need replacing, I wouldn't bother, in my ownership it's only had service parts.
The wobble on the discs could be one of two things - when the arms start going, they can slightly warp the discs, so if enough meat on them, they can be skimmed.
As you've done the rear air bags, have a look at the top arms. As they are always under load, unlikely to fail an MOT, but likely to be shot, so will feel a little odd at the rear and cause wear issues on the rear tyres.
The wobble on the discs could be one of two things - when the arms start going, they can slightly warp the discs, so if enough meat on them, they can be skimmed.
As you've done the rear air bags, have a look at the top arms. As they are always under load, unlikely to fail an MOT, but likely to be shot, so will feel a little odd at the rear and cause wear issues on the rear tyres.
bigdom said:
I have an E61 of similar mileage used for similar duties. If it doesn't need replacing, I wouldn't bother, in my ownership it's only had service parts.
The wobble on the discs could be one of two things - when the arms start going, they can slightly warp the discs, so if enough meat on them, they can be skimmed.
As you've done the rear air bags, have a look at the top arms. As they are always under load, unlikely to fail an MOT, but likely to be shot, so will feel a little odd at the rear and cause wear issues on the rear tyres.
Cheers for that, I'll have a gander at the arms when the new tyres go on later this week. The wobble on the discs could be one of two things - when the arms start going, they can slightly warp the discs, so if enough meat on them, they can be skimmed.
As you've done the rear air bags, have a look at the top arms. As they are always under load, unlikely to fail an MOT, but likely to be shot, so will feel a little odd at the rear and cause wear issues on the rear tyres.
The wobble was the discs originally - I replaced all the front arms thinking it would be them, but it turned out to just be the discs. My wheels need a balance as I have a rumble at 70/80 so I'll rule that one out first.
6HP26 on those.
You could replace the plastic sump with its inbuilt filter (use genuine ZF only - nothing else) and replenish the oil with new stuff, ZF Lifeguard. Changing the bridge seal between the mechatronics valve block unit and the transmission casing is cheap on parts but not a very pleasant job. That's strictly a ramp only job, exhaust off etc and unless you're getting rough gearchanges I wouldn't bother.
Unlike the previous E39 they are not plagued with rust and cooling system/ABS faults so there's not much to do.
You could replace the plastic sump with its inbuilt filter (use genuine ZF only - nothing else) and replenish the oil with new stuff, ZF Lifeguard. Changing the bridge seal between the mechatronics valve block unit and the transmission casing is cheap on parts but not a very pleasant job. That's strictly a ramp only job, exhaust off etc and unless you're getting rough gearchanges I wouldn't bother.
Unlike the previous E39 they are not plagued with rust and cooling system/ABS faults so there's not much to do.
Touring442 said:
6HP26 on those.
You could replace the plastic sump with its inbuilt filter (use genuine ZF only - nothing else) and replenish the oil with new stuff, ZF Lifeguard. Changing the bridge seal between the mechatronics valve block unit and the transmission casing is cheap on parts but not a very pleasant job. That's strictly a ramp only job, exhaust off etc and unless you're getting rough gearchanges I wouldn't bother.
Unlike the previous E39 they are not plagued with rust and cooling system/ABS faults so there's not much to do.
Cheers, I have access to a ramp but getting the exhaust off probably won't be pleasant. If I go for it then I'll order new bolts for that! You could replace the plastic sump with its inbuilt filter (use genuine ZF only - nothing else) and replenish the oil with new stuff, ZF Lifeguard. Changing the bridge seal between the mechatronics valve block unit and the transmission casing is cheap on parts but not a very pleasant job. That's strictly a ramp only job, exhaust off etc and unless you're getting rough gearchanges I wouldn't bother.
Unlike the previous E39 they are not plagued with rust and cooling system/ABS faults so there's not much to do.
I don't have rough gearchanges but it does seem a little bit unsure at times. As said earlier up I get the odd groan from it as well when under load towing. I just thought at 150k/16 year old it would be a good idea to swap it.
A couple of suggestions....although some may have been done already...
- Water pump / thermostat (have you checked that it's getting up to temperature using the hidden dash temperature display?)
- Belts / tensioners,
- Check the colour of your power steering fluid, it could be getting a bit murky now,
- Use the hidden dash display to check that your alternator is charging correctly. Might need a replacement regulator, or the battery might need to be replaced if it's quite hold.
I'm sure I'll think of a few more sooner or later!
- Water pump / thermostat (have you checked that it's getting up to temperature using the hidden dash temperature display?)
- Belts / tensioners,
- Check the colour of your power steering fluid, it could be getting a bit murky now,
- Use the hidden dash display to check that your alternator is charging correctly. Might need a replacement regulator, or the battery might need to be replaced if it's quite hold.
I'm sure I'll think of a few more sooner or later!
S54B32 said:
I don't have rough gear changes but it does seem a little bit unsure at times
I notice that against my ZF8 cars. Mine (LCI 535d) does that if it's on basic fuel. If on Premium diesel, or with an additive the lockup points are much smoother. You can have the gearbox re-coded (xHP flashfool gearbox tuning) bigdom said:
S54B32 said:
I don't have rough gear changes but it does seem a little bit unsure at times
I notice that against my ZF8 cars. Mine (LCI 535d) does that if it's on basic fuel. If on Premium diesel, or with an additive the lockup points are much smoother. You can have the gearbox re-coded (xHP flashfool gearbox tuning) Thanks chaps, good suggestions
I do run super through it now and then. Given its 14ppl more at my local Shell the Yorkshire man within me doesn't allow it so often. Over a tank I'm sure some aftermarket additives would be better spent.
Looking forward to giving it some love. One thing I forgot to ask, and I know this is vague, but it does have a bit of an oil leak from the engine. It's not bad enough to cause a drip on the floor, but it is noticeable when you're underneath it.
Are there any common places that the M57 likes to leak from?
Oh, and any pulleys worth changing when doing the belts? I do have the occasional chirp from something. I don't get a lot of time to work on the car so would prefer to just order some pulleys with the belts
I do run super through it now and then. Given its 14ppl more at my local Shell the Yorkshire man within me doesn't allow it so often. Over a tank I'm sure some aftermarket additives would be better spent.
Looking forward to giving it some love. One thing I forgot to ask, and I know this is vague, but it does have a bit of an oil leak from the engine. It's not bad enough to cause a drip on the floor, but it is noticeable when you're underneath it.
Are there any common places that the M57 likes to leak from?
Oh, and any pulleys worth changing when doing the belts? I do have the occasional chirp from something. I don't get a lot of time to work on the car so would prefer to just order some pulleys with the belts
Hmm I think there's a few places, but the main one is around the oil filter housing.
Can you roughly estimate whereabouts on the engine it might be coming from? Front-left, back-right etc?
Forgot to ask...have you got the undertrays still installed? As that will obviously be masking where it's coming from....
Can you roughly estimate whereabouts on the engine it might be coming from? Front-left, back-right etc?
Forgot to ask...have you got the undertrays still installed? As that will obviously be masking where it's coming from....
Edited by wol on Wednesday 7th July 16:57
S54B32 said:
Thanks chaps, good suggestions
Are there any common places that the M57 likes to leak from?
I do have the occasional chirp from something.
Rocker cover gasket is quite a favourite, mine is currently 'sweating', its a PITA to change it. On the chirp, worth checking out the air-conditioning bearing, although that will normally be heard in the cabin, and noticeable at tickover.Are there any common places that the M57 likes to leak from?
I do have the occasional chirp from something.
S54B32 said:
The main sweat seems to be on the exhaust/turbo side. I've got the engine service bits so will check it over on the ramp before flushing it
AC bearing sounds possible, I have been using that a lot more lately!
If it is the AC, likely it has a leak. Just had the condenser changed on mine, it had done 13 years, so done well.AC bearing sounds possible, I have been using that a lot more lately!
Had a good look over the car this morning. The belt/tension noise sounded a bit more drastic today so up came the bonnet
On visual inspection the only pulley that shows a bit of wear is the power steering. It has a slight wobble at idle, nothing drastic, but certainly past its prime
Also check out the fluid... I have never seen it this colour before!
Awful!
As for oil leaks, I'm afraid that's now plural. Rocker cover gasket seems likely, and there's quite a patch appearing on this device (guessing it's vanos related? Something with the exhaust cam?)
Now perhaps most concerning is the amount of liquid sitting in and around the injectors. I'm hoping this is just spill from the last time I topped the oil up, but that was last year!
I'm hoping that's just engine oil, although my nose can't decide whether it's diesel or not. If it is fuel then we certainly have some bigger things to be worried about
Will update as I go along...
On visual inspection the only pulley that shows a bit of wear is the power steering. It has a slight wobble at idle, nothing drastic, but certainly past its prime
Also check out the fluid... I have never seen it this colour before!
Awful!
As for oil leaks, I'm afraid that's now plural. Rocker cover gasket seems likely, and there's quite a patch appearing on this device (guessing it's vanos related? Something with the exhaust cam?)
Now perhaps most concerning is the amount of liquid sitting in and around the injectors. I'm hoping this is just spill from the last time I topped the oil up, but that was last year!
I'm hoping that's just engine oil, although my nose can't decide whether it's diesel or not. If it is fuel then we certainly have some bigger things to be worried about
Will update as I go along...
I got under the car last night to change the engine oil and rear brakes, noticed some interesting stuff as I was there.
Firstly, the gearbox service can definitely be done without removing the exhaust, so that was a relief
Whilst checking the flex disc for wear I noticed a dripping pipe near the gearbox, it looked like water so I presume this was AC related. Thoughts?
Also noticed a build up of grease on the offside rear hub. I thought it was a torn CV boot at first but couldn't see any signs of that, it's a bit closer to the hub than the boot. The boot looks old too so perhaps not a previous repair half baked. What do we reckon?
The rear suspension on these is funky. I was surprised to see an alloy rear subframe. Just so happens that I was painting a rusty E46 steel subframe last night too!
Firstly, the gearbox service can definitely be done without removing the exhaust, so that was a relief
Whilst checking the flex disc for wear I noticed a dripping pipe near the gearbox, it looked like water so I presume this was AC related. Thoughts?
Also noticed a build up of grease on the offside rear hub. I thought it was a torn CV boot at first but couldn't see any signs of that, it's a bit closer to the hub than the boot. The boot looks old too so perhaps not a previous repair half baked. What do we reckon?
The rear suspension on these is funky. I was surprised to see an alloy rear subframe. Just so happens that I was painting a rusty E46 steel subframe last night too!
well, passed 156k at the weekend... really have been doing the miles lately
I gave the car an oil change and some new wipers. The odd tank of Vpower diesel (which it seems to love, but it's nearly a tenner extra per tank...)
I've noticed the gearbox things I mentioned earlier seems exclusive to 3rd gear at around 40mph, when towing. Something has a mighty groan on the go. I was in some 40mph roadworks the other day with a car on the back and it wasn't happy in 3rd.
Other than that still going well. Would like to know more about the rear suspension components above if anyone knows!
I gave the car an oil change and some new wipers. The odd tank of Vpower diesel (which it seems to love, but it's nearly a tenner extra per tank...)
I've noticed the gearbox things I mentioned earlier seems exclusive to 3rd gear at around 40mph, when towing. Something has a mighty groan on the go. I was in some 40mph roadworks the other day with a car on the back and it wasn't happy in 3rd.
Other than that still going well. Would like to know more about the rear suspension components above if anyone knows!
I’d do the gearbox oil sooner rather than later, too. As mentioned, the sump with filter and the good ZF fluid. A mate had a box die in a 6 series at 100k, so a service is a good idea. Maybe a couple of spill and fill services.
Also looks like CV grease on that rear arm. The oil leak on the engine could be from the vacuum pump, no VANOS on the derzels. Looking at and changing some of the vacuum lines around the engine will be a good idea too as they’ll be past their best.
Also looks like CV grease on that rear arm. The oil leak on the engine could be from the vacuum pump, no VANOS on the derzels. Looking at and changing some of the vacuum lines around the engine will be a good idea too as they’ll be past their best.
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