Approaching 100k miles - maintenance

A

A320_phill

Member
 Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear
Probably been discussed to death but tried searching with little success!

As my car is approaching 100k miles, I was wondering what you would recommend is replaced or looked at, for preventative purposes more than anything.

I know a lot of people are in the camp of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it', which I agree with to some extent, but I was thinking along the lines of gearbox oil and diff oil.

Also, I have no evidence on paper of bushing replacements and I am guessing the shock absorbers will be a little tired now if original. I was thinking of lowering anyway so replacing with Koni's on H & R springs would be a good excuse now! The car feels good but I can't help think a refresh would do her a lot of good, especially if I plan to keep her.

Any thoughts or experience? :thumbsup:
 
Full fluid change is a good way of kicking off the next 100k , coolant,brake fluid, diff, gearbox & engine oil
Otherwise unless your car is showing signs of slack such as tyres wearing uneven, knocks+rattles over over bumps , vague & wandering at speed i would carry on & enjoying it & only swap out parts that are worn
My Z was in 2 weeks ago for full fluid change at 80k , i asked the indy about engine mounts,worn suspension bushes etc & he checked them over whilst he serviced it & said it was crazy to replace parts that hadnt failed or even showing signs of failing :?
 
I replaced my front ARB bushes yesterday. You can see how loose they were in this pic:

DSC_1685_zpsauegxqx6.jpg

I replaced them with powerflex bushes and the results speak for themselves. At the same time I replaced the droplinks with Meyle hd items. Very worthwhile doing.
 
That makes sense mr wilks.

I think I will put the car into an indy for fluid changes and ask for a quick look over the suspension components for wear etc.

I just want an excuse for Koni dampers and have it lowered haha
 
As already suggested above plus:
1) Coolant expansion tank (at side of radiator). Made of a type of plastic which hardens and then cracks over time at some point, usually 10 years + but sometimes earlier. If you're lucky you start getting coolant leakage, which can go on for a long time but Just had mine let go like a bomb, on route to an overnight in Bath (the town in Wiltshire that is!). Coolant all over the road in seconds and gauge in the red. Checked hoses, all intact so called the AA but not something they can fix at the roadside so tow home. Fitted new one next day, bit fiddly but not too bad. Overall cost, £30 on Ebay but paid £84 to BMW for peace of mind, plus £49 for a new Auto gearbox thermostat that is located immediately under the coolant tank, in the coolant supply to the auto gearbox. Important to renew this as it's part of a clever design that ensures the gearbox is warmed very quickly on cold start up thus minimising wear, according to BMW engineers.
2) check for rattling Vanos. 3) check DISA and fit new kit if any doubt about securing pin -£50. 4) check all serpentine belts and listen carefully for worn bearings in pulleys and especially water pump. Lots of other bits and pieces but where do you draw the line!
 
A320_phill said:
Probably been discussed to death but tried searching with little success!

As my car is approaching 100k miles, I was wondering what you would recommend is replaced or looked at, for preventative purposes more than anything.

I know a lot of people are in the camp of 'if it ain't broke don't fix it', which I agree with to some extent, but I was thinking along the lines of gearbox oil and diff oil.

Also, I have no evidence on paper of bushing replacements and I am guessing the shock absorbers will be a little tired now if original. I was thinking of lowering anyway so replacing with Koni's on H & R springs would be a good excuse now! The car feels good but I can't help think a refresh would do her a lot of good, especially if I plan to keep her.

Any thoughts or experience? :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I "assume" you have also no evidence of regular of any Brake/1/2 inspections?

IMHO 100k is just 'run-in' for a BMW :driving:

I'd get the fluids sorted, and leave the rest.

A MOT will spot any problem areas - yes, I agree with the 'if it ain't broke, then don't fix it' - sometimes it then breaks :o
 
Thanks again for the informative replies.

Fluids are now on the cards, and I will inspect the expansion tank tomorrow although I suspect if it can go off like a bomb there may not be any tell tale signs.

I had the DISA out a few weeks back and was pleasantly surprised to see it was immaculate.
Recent MOT also highlighted nothing.

As for brakes and inspection 1/2, it has had the brake fluid replaced every 2 years and has had the relevant inspections (inspection 2 now due in 11k miles according to trip computer).

Water pump recently replaced with serpentime belts so all good there.

I think now once the fluids are done, I will feel more confident going into the future with the car being as sound as possible. 100k is just a number I suppose!
 
I didnt think the 3.0si engine had a DISA valve like the 3.0i engine did?

I would just mirror the above really, Fluid change is well worth doing (get uprated if possible) this should improve gearchange as well.

I have just hit 109k and my car is booked into have a Bilstein B12 Kit fitted this week as i think the shocks are past there best now, might be worth thinking about changing your shocks sometime soon in the future.

Another thing to watch out for is Suspension top mounts, these dont wear too well on Zeds and mine will be replaced this week when they fit the B12 Kit. :)
 
hopz121 said:
I didnt think the 3.0si engine had a DISA valve like the 3.0i engine did?

I would just mirror the above really, Fluid change is well worth doing (get uprated if possible) this should improve gearchange as well.

I have just hit 109k and my car is booked into have a Bilstein B12 Kit fitted this week as i think the shocks are past there best now, might be worth thinking about changing your shocks sometime soon in the future.

Another thing to watch out for is Suspension top mounts, these dont wear too well on Zeds and mine will be replaced this week when they fit the B12 Kit. :)
Click to expand...

Hi yes the 3.0si (N52) does have a DISA valve, I followed Bing's guide in the how-to section which proved a great help.

Let me know how the car feels with the new shocks and top mounts. I suspect I will be getting something similar soon!
 
I found what I think is a very sensible guide online: Google "lifetime maintenance schedule BMW" and it's the first hit.
I wholeheartedly subscribe to preventative maintenance, especially if you can DIY - keeps costs down and allows you to over-service the car while still saving compared to dealer/indy prices.
Would love to hear how the B12 works out as I think I will be going that route soon.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom