New(ish) E91 owner. What do I need to know?

bennyL · 12-25-2023, 06:58 PM

So I bought a 2012 328 x-drive automatic with relatively low mileage approximately 1 year ago. I'm in Canada, so the odometer is in kilometers. It had 105,000km when I got it.

Upon purchase I had the oil changed (used Molygen 5w40) as well as engine air filter and cabin air filter. So I'm wondering as enthusiasts what do you usually do with a car when you buy it. What fluids and filters do you usually change. What else should I be checking or doing?

The car has comfort access, but it wasn't working on the driver's door. I found a used handle locally and replaced it myself which solved the problem. Otherwise the main feature that I feel like my car is missing is an alarm. I have seen talk of retrofitting a factory alarm. How do I know if my car is compatible?

Please initiate me into this cult!

Bims328i · 12-25-2023, 07:53 PM

Check the sticky for more detailed info you can apply to after purchase as well.

I picked mine up back in 19' (a 2008) with 73k miles.

I did the first oil change shortly after picking it up then purchased a SCH14020 Scanner. ECS sent me the old one when I ordered the newer color screen one. It has been a huge help none the less.

Next I extracted power steering fluid and replaced a few times (2 cans worth).

Followed with spark plug and coil kit then had to do the water pump at 83k mi (threw code).

Had already known the thermostat was bad by checking with the scanner so fixed while I had the pump out.

I've done a lot to the car really. Lots of little things too. Recently bled the brake system while doing the rear brakes then found out there is a whole procedure to do that. I think the scanner can maybe do the bleed procedure but I never tried it.

Had a long-standing grinding sound that turned out to be the input bearing on the differential so I had to replace that. Noticed a lot of flakes in the fluid when trying to change it.

Mainly you want to do as many as you can. Even cleaning sunroof drains should be added to maintenance because they will eventually clog up then water will get all inside your car. For garage kept cars there is less of a chance but yeah, just do as much as you can.

Also to add are your gaskets. I've already had the pleasure of doing my valve cover and gasket along with the oil filter housing gasket. Next I plan on tackling the oil pan gasket which I regret to inform you, is rather difficult to get to with the AWD models.

The differential is actually bolted to the oil pan so it is far more involved than the RWDs.

I didn't know about this forum before I picked mine up so I've had to do a lot learning and fixing things that simply weren't done right by the previous owners.

I'm at 105k right now and as I said am planning to do the oil pan gasket along with motor mounts and fit in this used replacement manifold as mine has some issue with the second one (constant reoccurring 29F5 code).

With the scanner I could preemptively monitor the IBS (intelligent battery system) on the car so I knew I had to replace the battery before it went out on me. There is also a whole procedure on replacing the battery.

Once I started getting these power system related DME codes while having the radio on and the car off I could tell the battery was going out.

Replaced and registered with same class (though I don't believe the previous owner did the register) using the scanner. Been running great since.

Be cautious and do some research when working on these cars. There can be procedures you would not expect after dealing with and owning other cars.

The fact you are not supposed to just bleed the brakes by simply pumping the pedal is a prime example of this.

Welcome to the community. You now own a fine automobile. These are also totally a mechanics car. I really enjoy working on mine. I don't like breaking things though.

StradaRedlands · 12-25-2023, 08:08 PM

Everything above! You're due for a transmission fluid change, don't ignore that just because it says "lifetime." That's a lie. Check for any leaks around the oil filter and if any, you will need to do the oil filter gasket. When you do that, change the Mickey Mouse Flange and accessory belt & tensioner while there. Keep an eye on the radiator hoses and radiator itself. They could go any time, but usually with visual warning of a slow leak. Ignore the engine oil sump gasket as long as you can. If it's not leaking on the ground, I vote for putting it off. Oil gasket with X drive is a bear on any model of BMW. When you do it, be sure to do engine & trans mounts at the same time. Use gummi pflege on all your rubber gaksets. Doors, trunk, engine compartment... keep them soft and flexible! Buy original BMW parts when you can, aftermarket quality is hit or miss at this juncture.

eljay · 12-26-2023, 03:34 AM

Welcome to the E91 club!
You found a nice example it seems and the list above will keep you busy, but also ensure many happy motoring kilometers.

If you are doing a full overhaul, then certainly jump into the items above. They will need to be done at some point in your ownership. But you still have some mileage left before some of these will demand your attention, so if it feels overwhelming, just start with basics of any automotive ownership:
- scan for codes with proper scanner and check life of/replace consumables
- check for any obvious leaks
- get to know the car by enjoying it 😎

The rest will come with time.

Take a look at my E91 Sportification thread for my Touring journey. 😀

StradaRedlands · 12-26-2023, 05:31 PM

Oh, an additional E91 specific problem is the wiring for the back hatch eventually breaks. First symptom will most likely be your remote door locks won't open with the key fob. 9/10 times it's just the wiring. Medium-ish job to repair, not hard or heavy lifting, just kind of intense.

ctuna · 12-26-2023, 05:41 PM

lordnikon · 12-26-2023, 05:52 PM

Since your 2012 E91 is an LCI model, it would no longer be pre-wired for the factory alarm unless it was specifically ordered by the first owner with the alarm package. The "easy" retrofitting of the alarm is only for pre-lci models because the wiring is already there and you're just adding the sensors, siren and coding.

If you like the challenge, you can still retrofit the factory alarm on an LCI model but at considerable expense. Some people on the forums have done it but it is a huge PITA.

Welcome to the club! aka money pit

michaelalex17 · 12-26-2023, 10:21 PM

Welcome!

Big things are

Oil pan gasket
Oil filter housing gasket
Valve cover gasket
Thermostat/water pump

There are some other miscellaneous things but these are the usual suspects. This is also a good video:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WR_aXg3zpWY

tlow98 · 12-26-2023, 11:36 PM

But also, there’s no real need to do the oil pan gasket. It’ll seep for 100k miles not causing any issues. Just creates a mess, that’s it.

The other two oil leaks are the only ones I spend money on - valve cover and oil filter housing.

Otherwise, enjoy it!

watchout-everyone · 12-27-2023, 01:13 AM

As a new BMW owner, I learned you need to register and/or code a new battery.

So fancy :-D

12-25-2023, 06:58 PM	#1
bennyL Registered 3 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2012 328 E91 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	New(ish) E91 owner. What do I need to know? So I bought a 2012 328 x-drive automatic with relatively low mileage approximately 1 year ago. I'm in Canada, so the odometer is in kilometers. It had 105,000km when I got it. Upon purchase I had the oil changed (used Molygen 5w40) as well as engine air filter and cabin air filter. So I'm wondering as enthusiasts what do you usually do with a car when you buy it. What fluids and filters do you usually change. What else should I be checking or doing? The car has comfort access, but it wasn't working on the driver's door. I found a used handle locally and replaced it myself which solved the problem. Otherwise the main feature that I feel like my car is missing is an alarm. I have seen talk of retrofitting a factory alarm. How do I know if my car is compatible? Please initiate me into this cult!
	Appreciate 2 Mike K398.00 CornerGorillaPit240.00 Tweet Quote

12-25-2023, 07:53 PM	#2
Bims328i DIYer 374 Rep 405 Posts Drives: 2008 328i E90 SULEV Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Check the sticky for more detailed info you can apply to after purchase as well. I picked mine up back in 19' (a 2008) with 73k miles. I did the first oil change shortly after picking it up then purchased a SCH14020 Scanner. ECS sent me the old one when I ordered the newer color screen one. It has been a huge help none the less. Next I extracted power steering fluid and replaced a few times (2 cans worth). Followed with spark plug and coil kit then had to do the water pump at 83k mi (threw code). Had already known the thermostat was bad by checking with the scanner so fixed while I had the pump out. I've done a lot to the car really. Lots of little things too. Recently bled the brake system while doing the rear brakes then found out there is a whole procedure to do that. I think the scanner can maybe do the bleed procedure but I never tried it. Had a long-standing grinding sound that turned out to be the input bearing on the differential so I had to replace that. Noticed a lot of flakes in the fluid when trying to change it. Mainly you want to do as many as you can. Even cleaning sunroof drains should be added to maintenance because they will eventually clog up then water will get all inside your car. For garage kept cars there is less of a chance but yeah, just do as much as you can. Also to add are your gaskets. I've already had the pleasure of doing my valve cover and gasket along with the oil filter housing gasket. Next I plan on tackling the oil pan gasket which I regret to inform you, is rather difficult to get to with the AWD models. The differential is actually bolted to the oil pan so it is far more involved than the RWDs. I didn't know about this forum before I picked mine up so I've had to do a lot learning and fixing things that simply weren't done right by the previous owners. I'm at 105k right now and as I said am planning to do the oil pan gasket along with motor mounts and fit in this used replacement manifold as mine has some issue with the second one (constant reoccurring 29F5 code). With the scanner I could preemptively monitor the IBS (intelligent battery system) on the car so I knew I had to replace the battery before it went out on me. There is also a whole procedure on replacing the battery. Once I started getting these power system related DME codes while having the radio on and the car off I could tell the battery was going out. Replaced and registered with same class (though I don't believe the previous owner did the register) using the scanner. Been running great since. Be cautious and do some research when working on these cars. There can be procedures you would not expect after dealing with and owning other cars. The fact you are not supposed to just bleed the brakes by simply pumping the pedal is a prime example of this. Welcome to the community. You now own a fine automobile. These are also totally a mechanics car. I really enjoy working on mine. I don't like breaking things though.
	Appreciate 1 Mike K398.00 Quote

12-25-2023, 08:08 PM	#3
StradaRedlands Brigadier General 6549 Rep 3,912 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.45] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [8.00] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.80] 2011 BMW 528i [8.70] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50]	Everything above! You're due for a transmission fluid change, don't ignore that just because it says "lifetime." That's a lie. Check for any leaks around the oil filter and if any, you will need to do the oil filter gasket. When you do that, change the Mickey Mouse Flange and accessory belt & tensioner while there. Keep an eye on the radiator hoses and radiator itself. They could go any time, but usually with visual warning of a slow leak. Ignore the engine oil sump gasket as long as you can. If it's not leaking on the ground, I vote for putting it off. Oil gasket with X drive is a bear on any model of BMW. When you do it, be sure to do engine & trans mounts at the same time. Use gummi pflege on all your rubber gaksets. Doors, trunk, engine compartment... keep them soft and flexible! Buy original BMW parts when you can, aftermarket quality is hit or miss at this juncture. Last edited by StradaRedlands; 12-25-2023 at 08:15 PM..
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12-26-2023, 03:34 AM	#4
eljay Colonel 1829 Rep 2,365 Posts Drives: ///M + E91 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: NS iTrader: (1)	Welcome to the E91 club! You found a nice example it seems and the list above will keep you busy, but also ensure many happy motoring kilometers. If you are doing a full overhaul, then certainly jump into the items above. They will need to be done at some point in your ownership. But you still have some mileage left before some of these will demand your attention, so if it feels overwhelming, just start with basics of any automotive ownership: - scan for codes with proper scanner and check life of/replace consumables - check for any obvious leaks - get to know the car by enjoying it 😎 The rest will come with time. Take a look at my E91 Sportification thread for my Touring journey. 😀
	Appreciate 1 Mike K398.00 Quote

12-26-2023, 05:31 PM	#5
StradaRedlands Brigadier General 6549 Rep 3,912 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 330i MT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: SoCal iTrader: (3) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [8.45] 2009 BMW 328i Touri ... [8.00] 2013 BMW X5 35i [7.80] 2011 BMW 528i [8.70] 2006 Mazda3 [5.50]	Oh, an additional E91 specific problem is the wiring for the back hatch eventually breaks. First symptom will most likely be your remote door locks won't open with the key fob. 9/10 times it's just the wiring. Medium-ish job to repair, not hard or heavy lifting, just kind of intense. Last edited by StradaRedlands; 12-26-2023 at 11:57 PM..
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12-26-2023, 05:52 PM	#7
lordnikon Captain 527 Rep 622 Posts Drives: Break My Wallet Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i xDrive [0.00]	Since your 2012 E91 is an LCI model, it would no longer be pre-wired for the factory alarm unless it was specifically ordered by the first owner with the alarm package. The "easy" retrofitting of the alarm is only for pre-lci models because the wiring is already there and you're just adding the sensors, siren and coding. If you like the challenge, you can still retrofit the factory alarm on an LCI model but at considerable expense. Some people on the forums have done it but it is a huge PITA. Welcome to the club! aka money pit
	Appreciate 2 StradaRedlands6548.50 E93Seattle (Racerbruce)806.00 Quote

12-26-2023, 10:21 PM	#8
michaelalex17 Brigadier General 619 Rep 3,398 Posts Drives: Manual Wagon Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: CT iTrader: (4)	Welcome! Big things are Oil pan gasket Oil filter housing gasket Valve cover gasket Thermostat/water pump There are some other miscellaneous things but these are the usual suspects. This is also a good video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WR_aXg3zpWY __________________
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12-26-2023, 11:36 PM	#9
tlow98 Major General 2310 Rep 5,225 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	But also, there’s no real need to do the oil pan gasket. It’ll seep for 100k miles not causing any issues. Just creates a mess, that’s it. The other two oil leaks are the only ones I spend money on - valve cover and oil filter housing. Otherwise, enjoy it!
	Appreciate 2 StradaRedlands6548.50 Mike K398.00 Quote

12-27-2023, 01:13 AM	#10
watchout-everyone Second Lieutenant 181 Rep 259 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i Join Date: Apr 2023 Location: USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 [0.00]	As a new BMW owner, I learned you need to register and/or code a new battery. So fancy :-D
	Appreciate 1 StradaRedlands6548.50 Quote

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