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RE: New member with 535i..

Tan Nguyen passed along a lot of good advice to our new member, to
which I'll add:

     2:   What I assume is the attention light flashes when I start the 
     car.  The heads up display is showing the brake light warning.  When 
     I touch the brake pedal the first time, the warning lights go off.
     ************************
        I believe this is a feature, it is to make sure that all your brake 
     lights are working.
     ************************

Absolutely NORMAL. This is how is should work.


>     .........
>     2:  What things should be taken care of at 60,000 miles?
>     ********************
>        You should have the timing belt replaced, if it's not already.  
>     This is very important.
>     ********************

Nope. The 3.5l engine uses a timing chain. Lifetime unknown, it
has been known to still be good on engines with well over 250k
miles on them (regular oil changes). One BIG advantage of the
big-6!

I'd suggest since it's an automatic - you have the fluid/filter
changed (good to do every 50k miles). Also probably due for
a change of all cooling system hoses (they're OLD) and antifreeze..

Water pumps normally last about 60k - check it for leaking or
play, especially if you're about to take a long trip (bummer if
it lets go on the road).

Ignition - cap/rotor are due if they haven't been done. Ignition
wires MAY be due (old age). Air filter, plugs, valve adjustment
should be done.

O2 sensor - 60k is about the lifetime. Search for the FAQ on using
the Ford sensor (lots less $$$).

Differential - fluid should be changed. I use GL5 with the Corvette
limited slip additive (all 535i's of the era came with LS). BMW
has a special oil for it - you can only buy in bulk.. cost $$$.

     3:  I can't figure out how to use the cruise control.  Or it is non 
     functional.  
     ***********************
        On my '86 325, pusing the stalk forward engage the cruise control, 
     flick it back (toward the driver) to turn it off, and up/down to 
     accelerate/decelerate.  There's a minimum speed required for the 
     cruise control to work, I think it's 20mph.
     **********************


On the cruise control: 535i <E28>:

     Push forward to engage, or if engaged to accelerate
     Up/Down = disengage (or tap the brake pedal)
     Pull back towards wheel to re-engage
     Tap down/up to disengage and then forward to re-engage
     for deacceleration (I usually just use the brake and then
     re-engage).

Best,

=========================
Don Eilenberger
[email protected]
=========================