Just bought 1997 528i. Maintanence suggestions

[Benz n BMW]

I pick up my 528i 1997 on TUE. You'll have to forgive me as I'm a noOb to the BMW scene. I'm also a Benz guy ( immaculate '90 420SEL ) so go easy on me.

I was wondering if people could tell me what recommended maintanence cycles are. I don't have the owners manual yet so telling me to look in there won't help.

Inspection II? what does that entail?

Car has 89,000 mi on it. Very clean in and out and runs terrific. New radiator, water pump and trans was serviced ( fluid and filter ) last week as well.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Wil524]

Definitely get a Service II done. That is spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter and oil change. Should include a thorough checkout of the vehicle too. Does it mention synthetic oil anywhere under the hood? Well, regular oil should be done at or about 3000 miles or about 7500 for synthetic. Plugs are every 60,000 and make sure your valve cover gaskets aren't leaking, they foul up coils.

[Benz n BMW]

Thanks very much, I know the airfilter is brand new as the seller showed it to me. Same goes for the interior climate filters I'll try to get some additional 411 on whether those other things you mentioned need attending to or will do it myself. You could eat out of the engine compartment of this vehicle and no oil residue was present after both of my test drives.

I see your from the South Jersey / Philly area. I'm near exit 17 of the AC expressway.

Thanks again for the tips. Appreciate it.

B n B

[Silver4evr]

Check the FAQ on maintenance<---click here.

[Benz n BMW]

Excellent link, thank you very much. One more question if you'll indulge me....

What's the story on the timing chains replacement intervals? On my W126 chassis Benz ( 1990 420SEL V8 ) it's a considerable expense and is suggested at 100K miles. Is that something that needs to be done at any specific mileage?

[Silver4evr]

"A BMW Timing Chain can stretch over time and become loose. Avoid costly BMW engine repair by replacing your BMW timing chain about every 90,000 miles"

this is from an auto parts web site<---click here.

You can always verify with the dealer.