BMW 5-Series Sedans

div2 · May 2005

The "small device" is known as the "clutch delay valve" or CDV. No harm will result from removing it; it's not even fitted to the E39 M5. I'd go ahead and yank the thing-it is a real pain.

cmybimmergo · May 2005

What, exactly, is the purpose of the clutch delay valve? I can't consistently shift smoothly into second or start smoothly from a standstill, and it drives me nuts.

srfast · May 2005

The clutch lock valve aka "CDV" regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid used to actuate the clutch. Regardless of your "driving style", the flow of fluid is consistent minimizing clutch wear by drivers new to driving a manual trans. If you learned to drive a manual trans using a BMW with a CDV, it would not be a problem, but most people haven't resulting in dissatification with the BMW clutch. Since the CDV prevents the driver from "modulating" the clutch to fit the situation/driving style, the result are jerky 1st/2nd gear shifts. Removing the CDV returns clutch control back to the driver. There is no physical change to the clutch when the CDV is removed - it only affects the flow of hydrualic fluid.

Hope this helps...JL

cmybimmergo · May 2005

It does help. Thanks. But it also raises a question. If I had learned to drive a stick on a BMW, what would I be doing differently from what I do now? Meaning, what's the *trick* to smooth shifts with a BMW clutch?

kyfdx · May 2005

I kind of agree with all but that part... Even if you learned to drive on a CDV equipped car, it would still delay engagement of the clutch and make smooth shifts hard to achieve....

Unless, of course, you would get used to not getting immediate acceleration after shifting....

BMWs have never had the greatest clutch/shifting anyway, but this CDV thing is just nuts... I'm used to difficult manuals... I've had a 911 and a '67 BMW.. but you shouldn't have to put up with that on a modern car..

regards,
kyfdx

cmybimmergo · May 2005

Now that seems bass-ackwards. I thought BMWs are engineered for quick shifts. If you are not getting immediate acceleration after shifting, where's the *quick* in that?

kyfdx · May 2005

Not in my experience... the shifter and clutch are definitely not up to par with the engine.... If we could just get a Honda-inspired manual transmission to hook up with that sweet six... that would be the ultimate....

rich545 · May 2005

My dealer confirmed this when my wife test drove the X5 last week. So my 545 will already be outdated!

kyfdx · May 2005

Yeah... it must suck only having 325 HP.... You will be hanging your head in shame...

cmybimmergo · May 2005

Unless, of course, you would get used to not getting immediate acceleration after shifting....

the shifter and clutch are definitely not up to par with the engine....

Hmmm...the other day I was at a light next to a 325i. When it turned green, I shifted into first...and looked up to see the 3er waaaaaaay down the road already. (Surprise, surprise; I'm usually first out of the gate). That car was a rocket. I caught up to him, but clearly he got *immediate acceleration.*

manybmws · May 2005

It will happen. Availability might be November?

ponytrekker · May 2005

>>We paid 1.17 Euro per liter for 91 octane in Germany (approximately $5.98/gallon) and 1.33 Euro per gallon for gas in Holland (approximately $6.80/gallon). In Holland, a 15 gallon fill-up is a $100 jolt.

Wow, no wonder all those bikes.

cmr530i · May 2005

What does removing the CDV entail? Can it be reinstalled if one doesn't like the results? Have you removed your CDV?

shipo · May 2005

Take a look here: http://www.zeckhausen.com/CDV.htm

I would have done that to my 530i if I had known about this little situation sooner. I just couldn't justify swapping mine out with less than a year remaining on my lease. Having said that, if the CDV is present on my planned E90 330i, you can bet I'll have it removed as soon as my new ride hits our shores.

Best Regards,
Shipo

big_jim · May 2005

Shipo: re: the 17 x 8 Borbet Type E Silver Wheels that you recommended.

Can I add the bmw hubcaps to these? I am not too vain, but I would like the car to look as normal as possible, being that I live in MN and will have these tires on for almost half the year.

If I were to spring for OEM rims, I am assuming the 17 x 8 star spoke 122's are the way to go for winter tires? I'd be wanting to put the 225/50 R17 Michelin Pilot Alpin PA2's on.

shipo · May 2005

I didn't actually try to move my BMW Propeller axle caps to my Borbet wheels, however, they "Looked" like they would fit. As a suggestion, you might want to visit your local dealer and buy a cap or two, I don't expect them to be too expensive, measure them and then call Tire Rack to see if they'll fit. Keep us posted on what you discover. ;-)

Best Regards,
Shipo

big_jim · May 2005

Outstanding idea, brilliant in it's simplicity

I think the caps cost about 3.75 a pop.

kyfdx · May 2005

CDVs aren't in every BMW manual.. In fact, I don't think the 325i has one...

Regardless of you getting whupped...

I still think the manuals in BMWs are lacking compared to other cars... It is the weak link in the drivetrain..

regards,
kyfdx

cmybimmergo · May 2005

I hesitate to contradict anyone on this board since I don't know as much as you do, but according to the link in shipo's post four blocks north of yours, the e46 325i does have one.

(Oh, I was dusted all right. Made me wonder what a Supra can do these days, as a friend of mine with a 325 told me he got smoked by one recently.)

kyfdx · May 2005

Contradiction is good.... I possess a lot of incorrect information...

Hmm.. my E46 325i doesn't have one (steptronic..lol).. Hey.. maybe the 325i that smoked you was a step?

Perhaps the one in the 325i doesn't interfere with the clutch operation as much as in the others.. I hear a lot of complaints about the 330i ZHP, but hardly any from the 325i owners....

I usually hesitate to mess with a car that is under warranty, but I think changing out the CDV would be my first modification...

regards,
kyfdx

shipo · May 2005

Wait a minute, are you saying that you got dusted not because you weren't quick enough off the line, but because the 325i was simply faster?

Yikes, that goes against everything that I know about our cars. I drove a well setup 2001 E46 325i 5-Speed a couple of years ago (in fact, that car just recently competed in the One Lap of America series of events http://www.absolutepuppies.com/), and its acceleration couldn't hold a candle to my (then) 1999 E46 328i 5-Speed. When I changed up to my 2002 E39 530i 5-Speed, I was surprised at just how much faster the 530i was compared to my 328i. Coming out of toll booths and what not (Tappan Zee Bridge and Garden State Parkway), I raced any number of E46s with my 530i, and the only ones that I ever lost to (barely) were 330i(s, meaning plural), and then only sometimes (I assume that the ones that I beat were Steptronic versions or poorly driven 3-Pedal versions).

Then again, I suppose you could have been racing a "Sleeper" with a supercharger or maybe someone who stuck "325i" on the back of his/her 330i.

Best Regards,
Shipo

cmybimmergo · May 2005

Good question. I was shocked to look up and see his taillights as I was just starting to move. He really was quick off the mark, but he also had to have great acceleration to get up to speed that quickly.

But I agree with you about 325i's and acceleration. My pal was saying he planned to chip his because the 0-60 wasn't anywhere what the 60-100 is. But he's young and very wild, so I usually take his remarks with a pillar of salt.

ctraylor · May 2005

I am contemplating buying a '02-'03 525 wagon for my wife. I have never owned a BMW before so this is new territory for me. Questions; For those of you who own one, have they been a good vehicle, reliable, comfortable, would you buy one again, etc, What about options, must have's and any to avoid.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or recommendations.

CT

juniorbmw · May 2005

Has anybody had any success working a bluetooth-compatible cell phone with the BMW 5 series?

I want to see what will happen when Verizon & Nextel join forces; I have Nextel now, but Nextel doesn't offer a bluetooth phone.

Opinions?

rich545 · May 2005

Verizon & Nextel joining forces? Do you mean in a merger? I haven't seen anything about that. In fact, Verizon is buying MCI, and Sprint & Nextel are merging, but did I miss something with Nextel and Verizon? I saw something about them buying a company called NextWave, but not Nextel.

pen101 · May 2005

The CDV link given above is great. I have known about this issue for some time now (as it has been discussed on this board from time to time over the years), but I kept putting it off (my car was under a lease back then). Now that I own it, I am very tempted to have the modification done. Does anyone know, does this void any portion of the BMW warranty? Also, I'm a little older now (really just lazy) and prefer not getting under the car. It does not seem too complicated to do, but should I have the CDV replaced by an independent BMW repair specialist or just the garage down the street? Also, has anyone done this modification, and if so, what is their feeling about how the car now performs (clutch movement, shifting and accelerating). Finally, has anyone had experience with the company on the link? Thanks.

pen101 · May 2005

I owned a turbo supra 5-speed a while ago. The turbo was great because even if you were in the wrong gear to accelerate, the turbo would save you. Lots of power. The clutch on it was a pleasure to operate. Quick, smooth shifts were easy. I replaced the supra with my current ride (530) because I wanted a great looking, handling, riding and refined car with 4-doors (and manual shifter).

nyccarguy · May 2005

I love the blasting out of the toll after the Tappan Zee Bridge

cassidym · May 2005

I have a 2005 545 and use a Bluetooth equipped Motorola cell phone via T-Mobile. Bit of a chore getting the phone to integrate with the car at first. I couldn't figure it out so called the BMW dealer where I bought the car. They invited me to bring it in but , when I did, the salesman didn't have much luck either. So he got some techies in and they didn't do any better. So, I chased them all out of the car and fooled around with the phone till I got it to pair with the car.

Once that was done, it's been a breeze using the phone. You have to pair it every time you get in the car but that only takes a few key strokes. Once you do that, the phone book downloads to the iDrive Communications function. When you open Comm, the phonebook is displayed for you and you can page through your numbers till you find the one you want. You then double pump the controller and the system dials your number. Audio is over the sound system and works well. If you have voice command, you can just hit the VC button and say "Dial Home" or whatever name you want and the system calls the number you have listed for that name in your phonebook

When you get a call, you hear the ring and the iDrive screen flashes the name and number of the caller and gives you the option to answer or not

All in all, it works pretty well.

sergeym · May 2005

That's very strange. I pared my 2005 545 (12/04 build) only once and I did it myself based on instructions from the E60 info network. Nothing needs to be done when I get into the car. The phone and the car recognize each other and work perfectly well.

juniorbmw · May 2005

Sorry about that folks, it's SprintPCS & Nextel who are merging!!

Here'sa link for it:Sprint/Nextel Merger Information

ponytrekker · May 2005

>>I love the blasting out of the toll after the Tappan Zee Bridge

Well, so does Mr. State Trooper.

shipo · May 2005

Hmmm, I drove through that toll booth at least five times per week for well over five years, and the only time I saw a trooper there was when there was either an accident, or he/she already had a customer (who was probably busting hump across the bridge itself). Smokey usually preferred (prefers? I haven't lived there for a few years now) taking pictures from the palisade on the Rockland side of the bridge.

Best Regards,
Shipo

rich545 · May 2005

Well, when your father-in-law drives the SL55 AMG and your brother-in-law has a Viper with a supercharger on it every horse counts! Or maybe they don't given the huge difference in ponies between the cars!

cassidym · May 2005

Can you post a copy of those instructions? Or post a link? Be handy if I didn'ty have to pair the phone each time.

cmybimmergo · May 2005

I'm going to my high school reunion in June. I will be driving my 530i (have to stay on topic!) from Maryland to Long Island, and I haven't made that trip in a good ten years. I remember that I used to take 295 to avoid a significant portion of the NJTP (less traffic and fewer cops and tolls), but I want to make sure I have the exit right (206 to Fort Dix? Or is it 406?) and that conditions are at least similar to what they used to be. Is anyone familiar with this route?

For those who have been following my mileage saga, this will give me a great opportunity to see how many miles I can squeeze out of a tank of gas on a long distance trip.

530_lover · May 2005

I bought 2005 530i does the i Drive system supports:?:-
1. DVD video or audi CDs
2. MP3 Music CDs
I already have the profissenal monitor and the DVD drive for navigation.
anybody knows the answers?
:confuse:

cassidym · May 2005

Hi 530 lover, iDrive does support the CD player. Insert a CD and select CD Player on the iDrive in the Entertainment mode. Since you have navigation, you also have voice command. Insert a CD and press the voice command button on your steering wheel. When the robotic voice command announces itself, simply say "CD" and it'll put the CD player on. If you want to hear a specific track, say "Track 12" or "Track 8" or what ever one you want and it'll begin playing.

juniorbmw · May 2005

I tried playing video DVDs in the NavDVD drive, but it didn't work; this despite the BMW salesperson telling me that it was possible to play a video DVD in that drive.

He mentioned there is some software on the www that one can download to the BMW to make video DVDs play, but I haven't been able to find it yet.

kyfdx · May 2005

Your salesperson lied or he was just plain wrong...

nyccarguy · May 2005

Yep...take the exit for 206. Follow the signs to the Turnpike. 295 is 3 lanes as opposed to 2 for the Turnpike. Less cars too. Good part to open up yuor 530i.

ponytrekker: Shipo's right, don't get caught speeding over the bridge Rockland Bound.

Shipo: Not that this pertains to you anymore because you're coming from New Hampshire, but Mr. Smokey likes to hide on Westchester-bound side of the Thruwayright before the bridge.

cmr530i · May 2005

I own a 2001 530i. This is my first and hopefully not my last bimmer. Mine has been very reliable, and according to Consumer Reports has had a good reliability record. I have the sport and premium packages which I would have to have in any future BMW that I would own. I also enjoy the rear and side sunshades, and the xenons are a must. All who have ridden in my car have remarked on the comfort. I have been on short and long trips and have never been fatigued. You should test drive the sport vs the non sport to see which you prefer. I personally love the feel of the road with the sport. Good luck in your search!

ajrose · May 2005

After many months I finally succeeded in getting a Verizon phone to link with a BMW. Still has some annoying quirks (sometimes it is hesitant to link up and takes several tries) but all in all easy to use. The first time it linked, the phone book was transferred. However, subsequent changes in the phone book have not been transferred. I have tried deleting the phone on the car side as well as the car on the phone side without success. Any suggestions?

cmybimmergo · May 2005

Thanks. Now I have a dilemma. My friend who works for Delta has offered me a buddy pass to fly up to NY, instead of driving. So now I have to decide what to do. It will cost less (I would pay only airport taxes, which can't be more than what I'll burn in gas [and tolls]), but it won't be DRIVING my 5, and I wonder whether I actually would save any time?

cdnpinhead · May 2005

For any journey under 200 miles and many that are upwards of 300, I'll drive every time.

The airport experience these days extremely tedious. In addition, schedule constraints make flying to the general area I need to be, then driving among my various appointments a far more enjoyable approach. When I'm finished at a given location -- take as long as I need (could be a couple of hours sooner or several later than my original projection), I get in my rental car and drive on to my next objective -- no lines, no standing around, no cancelled or delayed flights, just a drive. I once calculated it would have cost me $1500 & 9 flight segments to visit four places in Eastern PA & New Hampshire, and the flights had me getting up at 5 am & sometimes arriving after 9 at night. I think I spent $150 on gas & had some very pleasant drives.

Drive that BMW & let us know what kind of highway mileage you get.

cmybimmergo · May 2005

This pretty much is what I had concluded. I find it hard to pass up freebies, and when someone offers me a kindness, I hesitate to turn it down, but the drive is only a little over 200 miles. The amount of time I expect to spend standing on a security line would have to cancel any time gained by flying...not to mention that I would have to fly standby.

At heart, I'm a freebird...I like to come and go as I please.

And my last tank of gas got me 24.1 mpg (combination of my regular routes plus lots of highway and a fair amount of stop-and-go driving), so I really do want to see my 5er at its best.

I'm thinking I'll put that bad boy through its paces.

Any notorious Bears' dens I ought to know about along the way?

530_lover · May 2005

I have 2005 530i . It happened once that when i drove my car for about 1 KM that the mirror was twisted in the opposite direction then i stopped and then i press the button to twisit it into the normal direction then every thing was great. Does it happened usually in the 5 seirs any one has experienced the same situation.
:sick:

khoon · May 2005

Here's the dilemma: wallet sez 525Xi (can not accept non AWD due to geographic conditions) heart sez 530 Xi. I test drove the 2005 525i and found it under-powered. Drove the 2006 525i and liked it (adequate power). However, the Bimmer sales brochure says that the 2006 525Xi is about 210 lbs heavier than the 2006 525i. Also 0-60 perf. numbers are as follows:
2006 - 525i : 7.6secs
2006 - 525Xi: 8.2 secs
2006 530 Xi: 6.6 secs

What do the experts suggest? The 525Xi is expected to hit the dealerships around mid-June.

shipo · May 2005

Where do you live that has geographic conditions that preclude a RWD car?

Best Regards,
Shipo

ksccts · May 2005

North Pole? Santa wants to drive a Bimmer?

BMW 5-Series Sedans

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