[eddiem74]

Hi All,

My car (2008 E92 325i N53) is just at 109k. I am trying to establish what work needs to be done and then get it done as I ain't no mechanic.

From a free summer check BMW think their is play in the steering rack so that needs to be confirmed or not. The car was supposed to have had an oil change around 94k prior to me purchasing. I have no idea on much else; filters, plugs, etc... Had it in with an Indy a few months back for a gearbox leak they said brakes and discs would need to be done next time around. High pressure pump, NOx sensor, air filter housing and ignition coils have all been replaced by BMW under recall/goodwill.

So what is the best approach?

Have a mechanic give it a complete once over and come up with a list? Or what would be the types of things that should be done at this stage? Or is it just a fairly standard ol service? Am I being paranoid?

Attached is a price list of what bmwservice.ie (dealer pricing) shows (I know this is not based on anything, just the easy stuff to price).

Appreciate all your advice as I don't want to rely on the computer to much.

Thanks,
Eddie

[passing]

DIY.

plugs, oil, filters (if needed), rear end oil..

[dobbo99]

im having mine done next week at 101k.

Oil change + filter
Air filter
Cabin filter
transmission fluid
engine coolant
brake fluid
control arms + bushes on front.
had spark plugs don on last service 10k ago.

and that is that, if its not broke im not trying to second guess anything and fix it.

[eddiem74]

Thanks for the replies so far.

Is the cabin filter the micro filter or something different?

What about the panel filter? I see people often replace these with K&N or other brands, but even OEM should these not be replaced regularly?

Are there other filters that should be considered?

Someone else mentioned to me suspension parts but was not more specific than that? I probably need to ask...

Really appreciate the advice and input so far. Keep it coming...

[dobbo99]

my understand is micro/cabin filter are same thing.
air filter is the panel filter.

you could probably replace all the springs and dampers, but its extra cost that probably isnt needed. im not doing mine yet.
probably £100 a corner for that change.

the reality is that the car has the computer to tell you when something needs doing, if it isnt broke and gone wrong, dont play around

[eddiem74]

Thank again, I know the car has a computer however advice in some cases would indicate maintaining certain items more frequent is better than the pre-defined computer schedule, hence why I am asking. Additionally sometimes when common issues arise with specific engines increasing servicing of certain items seems to prevent further issues or the issues even arising.

[eddiem74]

So from the feedback received here and elsewhere it would seem the following should be considered:

Oil + filter
Air filter
Micro filter
Brake fluid
Spark plugs
Fuel Filter
Diff Oil
Engine coolant

Other suggestions:

control arms
springs and dampers
Suspension parts
Bushes
in-depth check of brake pads and discs, suspension and associated parts and replace what’s required
Air-Con flush and re-gas

Will probably get the main list done with a full check of suspension and see if that throws anything up.

Any other input welcome.

[mobilejo]

The fact that its on 109k doesn't automatically mean that this that or the other needs doing.

What has been done already?

Keep to the service schedule for serviceable items like oil, filters, plugs etc. As for suspension parts, take to an indy and ask them to inspect the suspension system - then change what is worn - if anything.

My car is on 109k but if I sold it tomorrow the new owner would be wasting money on suspension parts as they were done recently...

[dxb335d]

Originally Posted by mobilejo

The fact that its on 109k doesn't automatically mean that this that or the other needs doing.

What has been done already?

Keep to the service schedule for serviceable items like oil, filters, plugs etc. As for suspension parts, take to an indy and ask them to inspect the suspension system - then change what is worn - if anything.

My car is on 109k but if I sold it tomorrow the new owner would be wasting money on suspension parts as they were done recently...

As long as you kept the receipts then the new owner would know the suspension has been done.

[mobilejo]

And of course I would.

But many owners do not. Hence new owners do things that may have been done already. A mechanic could put his car on the ramps and at 109k it wouldn't be hard to tell if he's on all original suspension or if it's all been done 10k ago.

My advice to the OP is ask an Indy to check it out before throwing money at a list of parts that may or may not be required.

[eddiem74]

Originally Posted by mobilejo

The fact that its on 109k doesn't automatically mean that this that or the other needs doing.

What has been done already?
Keep to the service schedule for serviceable items like oil, filters, plugs etc. As for suspension parts, take to an indy and ask them to inspect the suspension system - then change what is worn - if anything.

My car is on 109k but if I sold it tomorrow the new owner would be wasting money on suspension parts as they were done recently...

Sadly service book is crap, however there was some invoices. Car Reg'd March 2008...

Sept 2009: Oil Service and Brake Fluid 29, 152kms
Aug 2010: 6 spark plugs 57,643kms
March 2011: Oil Service 75, 466kms
June 2011: 1 spark plug 85, 217
Oct 2011: Oil Service and brake pads (part of purchase by me) 94,000kms

Invoices show various checks and advice on brakes so must assume other stuff e.g. pads, etc... were done elsewhere, not main dealer as all invoices are from main dealer.

I plan on going to an Indy for sure.

[tiw30]

You are at 109,000 kilometers which is only coming onto 70,000 miles so its not as bad as most people here reckon

[mobilejo]

Originally Posted by tiw30

You are at 109,000 kilometers which is only coming onto 70,000 miles so its not as bad as most people here reckon

Until his last post, I did think he was talking miles!

Even thinking it was miles, no one said it was bad though.

At 70k its just run in!

[dobbo99]

oh right, if its Km's your on about, your worrying about nothing!