Heat cycles + age = time for some preventative maintenance

[Old-Duckman]

So I bought my Z in Feb of this year, 52+ miles, 2004 (build date Dec 2003), 3.0, 6 speed manual.

I have put over 5000 miles on it since.

As I noted in a recent post, it has started to leave a small oil spot in the garage. Up until this time it has used, basically no appreciable amount of oil.

Posted here about possible leak from filter housing, which Colb validated (thanks). Now I noticed that the coolant level has dropped (I check it weekly) a small amount.

That said I now have in hand (or on order) the housing gasket, gasket set for the cam cover, both belts, the VANOS oil supply line that goes to the filter housing. And, just today ordered the coolant reservoir (BMW brand)

My thoughts are these:
In its prior owner's hands, it averaged just a bit over 3000 miles per year. It lived in a warmer climate than I do. I think these 2 things (oil and coolant) have started to show up due to me using it more that the PO and introducing these known weak parts to more heating cycles that they were used to in their lives.

So my question(s):
Any other parts I should think about replacing as preventative maintenance?
I already did the DISA, I bought a rebuild kit only to find it had already been replaced with a non-BMW DISA. The man I bought the kit from said it would not work on the aftermarket part... So I bought a BMW DISA. I have gearbox and differential oil sitting here waiting for me to do a oil and fluid change (the PO had an oil change done for me the day before I picked it up, Nice man...I have the receipt).

I put in a new battery and a fuel tank relief valve (both let me know they needed replacing).

Coolant looks clean but I know I will lose a good amount doing the reservoir. I guess it is prudent to do a flush and new coolant.

I'm wondering about coolant hoses or...?? Suggestions appreciated...

 

[Chris_D]

57k miles your engine is just about run-in.
The M54B30 is easily capable of 200k+miles if looked after.
Replacing consumables such as plugs and coils would also be a good preventive maintenance move as well as changing your engine oil intermittently @ 7500 miles.
Regularly check all rubber parts/components for cracks age-related deterioration.
Check the rubber hose going to the inlet manifold as these are prone to failing at the elbow with the smaller hose.
Apart from that just use it at least once a week.

 

[Bmwforachange]

My own car is similar, 2005.60k. the most obvious one is the vanos seals. Made a huge difference to mine when I replaced them. There's lots of info on here too. I went with the full kit inc pistons.

While you're at it you'll find the rocker gaskets brittle and ready to leak.
Cheers mark

 

[ph001]

Coolant loss is highly likely to be a hairline crack in the expansion tank so you are right to replace it.

 

[colb]

The title of your thread, Heat Cycles and age says it all, all rubber parts on our cars be they vaccum pipes or water cooling pipes will deteriate from the effects of both heat and age. Its not only the visible parts that end up failing, often O rings and seals will also be subject of failure over time. As you are renewing the cam cover gasket thats a good move as is the oil filter housing to engine block gasket these being the usual ones to go bad. Vanos seals are also worth considering for a refresh. You are dealing with the usual suspects no need to go all out and replace anything else, just keep an eye on things under the hood/bonnet. Water pumps and thermostats will be worthy of a refresh at high mileage or when the car runs cool due to the thermostat failing in the open position which is the usual sign of a failed thermostat. If you have to change that its always best to refresh the water pump whilst your in there. If you havn't got a code reader I would advise you get one so your equipped to carry out diagnostics if and when you get faults and engine management lights comming on.