After a Mk2 Golf GTI, 5 Audis and a Sunbeam Tiger I have finally found myself in a BMW 5 Series. Why did I wait so long!!!

However, I do still miss the Golf and the Tiger (you should try a 4.8 v8 in a small 1960's 2 seater someday!)

I love the new car (e39 525i, 104k), though it does have some issues that I'd welcome advice on.

1. On uneven surfaces the ABS kicks in even under light braking (and if I'm honest, not very uneven surfaces). This seems to be happening more frequently.

2. The steering is heavy. A friend who used to own the same model drove it and made the comment. Whilst I quite like it (the golf had no power steering and was the best car for feel I've owned - but the hardest to park), the wife isn't so keen. I'd like to know what could be causing it and if it is an easy fix.

3. pixels on the dash LED(?) display come and go. I can live with this, but again wondered if it is a common problem and an easy fix.

4. Has anyone tried winter tyres? Quite hilly where we live so the motor wasn't the best in last weeks snow and ice.

Have to say this forum looks very friendly and helpful. Is everyone just getting into the Christmas spirit? ;-)

Andy

Hi Andy welcome to the club

Cant help you much but the stearing is heavy on my 03 plate E46, I think its ment to be, I like it anyway :D

Winter tyres, iin my opinion ar a waste of time, just let a little air out your exsisting ones.

Im sure someone will be around to help you with the other problems.

Stick around....

Gav

welcome to the club andy, excellent name :D

Hi there and welcome.

Your ABS fault could be caused by a few issues. It might be that you have faulty sensor. Another common fault is the ABS system is the ABS rings. These could either be dirty or one of the rings maybe split, if so this would cause the ABS to kick in even with light breaking.

As for the heavy steering, check your power steering fluid levels. It may be worthwhile changing the fluid.

Your LED display sounds like you may have a bad earth connection somewhere.

And finally as for your winter tyres, not worth the time, you will have to inform your insurance company off the change in tyre type (as this would be considered a modification) and I will guarantee you that your premium will increase.

Hope that I have been off some help to you.

Tommo

Hi there and welcome.

>>>>>

Tommo

Thanks Tommo

Are these things I can easily check myself and/or are you aware of any on-line guides as to how to go about it?

Andy

Most of these are pretty straight forward to do if you have a little mechanical experience

The ABS rings can be found at the end of the drive shafts. These are found on all four wheels. You will have to remove the wheel to have a look. I have supplied a picture of a split ring for your reference. If they are dirty they may require cleaning with a wire brush. If they are split you may consider putting the car into a garage for repair as they are tricky to get on and off as they require a lot of heat.

As for the rest of the work if you just Google the information that you require you will find loads of help. I would also recommend that you buy a Haynes repair manual for your car. They cost about £15 they are well worth the money.

Tommo

hello and welcome to the club :D

I think tommo has done a pretty good job of answering your questions,

Think most of us are getting into the christmas spirit or at least have drank a few over the last couple of weeks anyway :lol: