What are the maintenance cycle items for the BMW 5 Series?

[TuckerLynn]

BMW 5 Series regular maintenance items include replacing engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, and air filter; checking the braking system for oil leaks and whether the brake pads are within the specified thickness; inspecting engine belt wear and adjusting belt tension if necessary; examining the transmission, drive shaft, and universal joint protective covers for oil leaks and damage; checking tire tread depth, tire pressure, and tire wear, and performing a wheel alignment if needed. Below is an introduction to the BMW 5 Series maintenance cycle and maintenance precautions. BMW 5 Series maintenance cycle: It is recommended to perform a routine maintenance every 10,000 kilometers for the BMW 5 Series. Before reaching 60,000 kilometers, the maintenance primarily alternates between oil and filter changes and the replacement of the three filters (oil, fuel, and air). A comprehensive fluid replacement is typically conducted at the 60,000-kilometer mark. BMW 5 Series maintenance precautions: Avoid running the engine for extended periods in an unventilated garage, as the exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an invisible and odorless toxic gas. Do not use your mouth to siphon fuel, as gasoline is not only flammable and explosive but also toxic. Avoid contact with carburetor cleaner, as most carburetor cleaners contain methyl chloride, aromatic compounds, and ethanol, all of which are toxic.

[BrooklynFitz]

I've been driving a 5 Series for three years, and routine maintenance is divided into mileage and time intervals. Changing the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 kilometers or one year is the minimum requirement. At 20,000 kilometers, the cabin air filter needs replacement, otherwise, the AC will emit a musty smell in summer. The air filter should be replaced at 30,000 kilometers to ensure smooth airflow for better fuel efficiency. Spark plugs are often overlooked—older models require replacement at 20,000 kilometers, while newer ones can last up to 40,000 kilometers; delaying this leads to noticeable ignition lag. Brake fluid must be changed every two years, as overdue fluid causes spongy brakes. The 60,000-kilometer mark is a major milestone: transmission fluid and differential oil must be replaced, along with inspections of suspension bushings and chassis components. Brake pads depend on wear indicators—I typically replace front pads at 50,000 kilometers, while rear pads last up to 70,000 kilometers. Tire rotation every 10,000 kilometers extends tire lifespan.

[DiKatherine]

Maintenance based on mileage is the most practical. The first service at 10,000 km only requires an oil and oil filter change. The second service at 20,000 km adds an air cabin filter. By 30,000 km, it's time for the three filters: air cabin filter, air filter, and fuel filter. This is also a good time to check the brake pad thickness—last time, my front brakes triggered a warning before 35,000 km. At 40,000 km, focus on the spark plugs and brake fluid, as these directly affect starting performance and braking distance. The 60,000 km service is a major one, with automatic transmission fluid replacement being particularly critical—older BMW 5 Series with ZF transmissions can develop jerky shifts if the fluid isn't changed. Brake fluid and coolant must be replaced every two years, as prolonged use can corrode the lines. There's no fixed schedule for tires and batteries, but I get them checked annually before winter, especially in northern regions.

[VanAmy]

The new 5 Series is indeed easier to maintain. Mine is the 2022 model, with the air filter replacement interval extended from 30,000 km in the old version to 40,000 km. The B48 engine's spark plugs are more durable, requiring replacement every 40,000 km, unlike the old N20 engine which needed changing every 20,000 km. The transmission is claimed to be maintenance-free, but changing the oil at 60,000 km gives peace of mind. Brake fluid still needs replacement every two years, while the coolant can last up to five years. Brake pad wear depends on driving habits; since I drive mostly on highways, the front brakes lasted 50,000 km before replacement. For the old model, pay attention to the transmission oil pan as the rubber gasket is prone to leaks. Tire choice is crucial; run-flat tires are worry-free but less comfortable, so I switched to regular tires with a tire repair kit.