Preventive maintence - 3.0si

F

Fordo

Member
Hi all - just bought myself a fairly low mileage e85 3.0si - only 50k on the clock!

I'll probably clock up a fair few miles over the next few years, but want to keep the car in top condition.

Are there any common things that tend to go wrong, that are worth changing ahead of time?

- I've read about relocating the roof motor. Luckily I get to park the car underground at my place, and i'll keep the drains clear for now.

Anything else worth keeping an eye on or changing in advance?
 
Fordo said:
Hi all - just bought myself a fairly low mileage e85 3.0si - only 50k on the clock!

I'll probably clock up a fair few miles over the next few years, but want to keep the car in top condition.

Are there any common things that tend to go wrong, that are worth changing ahead of time?

- I've read about relocating the roof motor. Luckily I get to park the car underground at my place, and i'll keep the drains clear for now.

Anything else worth keeping an eye on or changing in advance?
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Hi, the electronic water pump has been known to fail but that’s more likely to happen nearer 70k than your mileage :thumbsup:
Rob
 
Worth relocating the roof motor into the boot since it could be already wet from previous owners. There are several members on the forum spread across the country that can do it at a very reasonable cost.
 
Fluids, change them regularly and often. Have a google for lifetime bmw schedule, i subscribe to the authors school of thought.
 
Front lollipop bushes are more than likely on their way out if original. They were completely shot on my 62thou mile car when I bought it.
Easy, cheap job that completely transformed the handling.

Meyle HD are a popular choice if you do them and there are plenty of guides if you have a search.
 
Waterpump is the only one that could really ruin your day. £200 on Ebay (they are made by Pierburg) and fairly simple diy.

What year is the car. Is the engine top silver or black? The latter is known as the N52K.
 
I don't want to alarm you, but the water pump on my 1st Coupe died just about bang on 10 years of age and 60K miles - their life seems pretty variable!

If you can replace it yourself it may be worth getting one just in case - now I've also got an E91 with the same N52 engine (albeit a 2.5 litre version) I'm definitely thinking of getting one!
 
It's an N52.

Looks like the water pump is certainly worth doing at some stage! What is it with BMWs and water pumps? The M54 before, had composite blades on the water pump that were prone to failure.
 
While it is worth having on the radar I've not replaced the pump preventatively and don't think it is worth doing so. While the failure can be sudden and the need to stop urgent, as long as the engine isn't allowed to overheat then there will be no damage. You could get another 50k out of your pump.
 
Don't mean to scare you Fordo but before worrying about the problems that you might get like springs, window regulator, fault codes, warning lights, tyre wear, sticky steering, leaks, roof motor, oil consumption etc.

I'd get the following checked and replaced for peace of mind.

Minimum
Get the car checked for any fault codes and work to get any errors fixed. Plenty of members on here have Carly.
Oil Service
Brake Fluid
Replace the Plugs
Check the springs
Stone chips and scratches dealt with
Full decontamination, clean, wash, polish, wax and seal.
Clean the roof

Optional
Lollipops
Front Bushes
Front Wishbones
Track Rod Ends
Hunter Alignment
Brake Discs
Brake Pads
Clean Drainage holes
Braided Brake Hoses
Refurb the wheels if need be
Put spacers on the wheels to fill the arches.

Forum Membership requires that you fit a stubby! It's not spoken about and will be denied but but it's in the rules somewhere. :rofl:
 
skelters said:
Forum Membership requires that you fit a stubby! It's not spoken about and will be denied but but it's in the rules somewhere. :rofl:
Click to expand...
I'm happy to be the denier. Keep the whippy, it prevents the seats wearing out prematurely. :whip:
 
NickDE said:
I'm happy to be the denier. Keep the whippy, it prevents the seats wearing out prematurely.
Click to expand...

I'm happy to join you - whippy for me too! :thumbsup:
 
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