New member from NY with maintenance questions

[srf1491]

Hello everyone,

I just bought this 2003 Z4 about 3 weeks ago with 105k miles. So far it has been great. This is my first time buying an older car or a BMW so I was looking for some advice on preventative maintenance.

I’d done some reading around the forums but was looking for additional advice of what might need to be replaced at this point.

I suspect things like spark plugs, O2 sensors, brake fluid and coolant flush may be due from what I’ve read. Are these things you would consider doing proactively before they become an issue?

Transmission fluid was flushed around 100k miles but that was 4 years ago, was curious if this can wait longer due to the mileage. Differential fluid doesn’t seem to have been flushed previously.

The motor has already been relocated to the trunk and works well.

Curious if there is anything else I haven’t come across yet. I have had the car inspected by an independent mechanic as well as my own mechanic and no other issues have popped up yet. Thanks in advance.

 

[MSGGrunt]

I am in the same situation with a new to me 2006 3.0si with only 51,000 miles.

Consider doing the oil filter housing seal, oil cooler seal, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket and any other seal or gasket that may be leaking. Over time these harden and don't seal, causing leaks. The new seals are made out of a more durable material. Have you discover FCP Euro? Great vender in CT.

I am personally not a fan of and never would do a transmission flush. I will be dropping and replacing the transmission pan (filter is integral) and adding new fluid. Yes, this doesn't replace the fluid in the torque converter, but a simple drain and refill with each oil change will eventually refresh the fluid.

I won't be replacing my coils or O2 sensors until they give me an issue. Some say replace the coils as preventative maintenance, but for me I am going to hold off.

Yes, flush the brake system. Brake fluid is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture over time.

Consider replacing the electric water pump and thermostat along with a coolant flush.

Belts?

With some of these cars not being driven much look and see how old the tires are. the DOT date will tell you what week and year they were manufactured. I would replace anything over 6 years old.

 

[srf1491]

Thanks for the reply.

Just had the drive belt and serpentine belt replaced when I brought it in to my mechanic.

It’s going to need tires but planning to hold off until the spring based on the amount of wear and plan to store the car for the NY winter.

 

[bigwinn]

Welcome

For what it’s worth changing your vanos seals will make a big difference. I noticed that it was more impactful on the 2.2 engine but it really refreshes your low end grunt and top end rev performance.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

I don't think your car will have an electric water pump - that was only used on facelift models (2006 on).

 

[buzyg]

Welcome to the forum. Great to see so many new members enjoying these wonderful cars.