N54 DIY Maintenance

EJ_3 · 07-19-2012, 10:58 PM

So, over the past year I've read hundreds of post, bought a ton of tools, and been taking care of my car since I've past 50k miles. I'm preparing a checklist to ensure that I keep my car at tip top shape while dodging the dealer and their outrageous prices for labor. Can someone with more knowledge take a peek to see if I'm missing something? Planning on making an appointment soon to get the walnut blasting treatment soon (not willing to tempt this one) and if there's something that's MAJOR that is shop recommended, please let me know so I can book it too.

1. Oil w/filter change every 5-7.5k miles
2. Spark plugs between 20-25k
3. Ignition coils every 50k
4. Cabin Air Filter when a/c starts to smell funny

5. Clean/treat cone filters on intake (installed @ 48k, haven't been treated yet)
6. Air in tires when TPMS indicate low pressure
7. Replace brakes and fluids when the carputer say so

Is there anything I'm missing that's minor? Thanks in advance.

I just the past the 63k mark fwiw

Gugs · 07-19-2012, 11:00 PM

Water pump is common failure at 30-50k so is low pressure fuel pump.
Vanos solenoids are also good to replace.

Thumperx · 07-19-2012, 11:19 PM

Here's a maintenance PDF. I've too have been on the maintenance kick lately. Hydraulic and differential are the last items on my list. Everything else has been done. Smart move in getting started.

Although the water pump is something can range from 30k to 100K+ from my readings, but 50-60k is the ideal time have it swapped out along with thermostat.

NiVeDh · 07-19-2012, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Here's a maintenance PDF. I've too have been on the maintenance kick lately. Hydraulic and differential are the last items on my list. Everything else has been done. Smart move in getting started.

Although the water pump is something can range from 30k to 100K+ from my readings, but 50-60k is the ideal time have it swapped out along with thermostat.

Great post!

EJ_3 · 07-19-2012, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Here's a maintenance PDF. I've too have been on the maintenance kick lately. Hydraulic and differential are the last items on my list. Everything else has been done. Smart move in getting started.

Although the water pump is something can range from 30k to 100K+ from my readings, but 50-60k is the ideal time have it swapped out along with thermostat.

Maintenance PDF, thanks!

parksjm7 · 07-20-2012, 12:27 AM

I'm getting a coolant flush done at 41k - would usually wait till after 50k mark but my car is nearing 6 years since build- seems to help with water pump longevity for others on the forum.

STONEY_M5 · 07-20-2012, 01:15 AM

This is mainly what BMW recommends for stock cars running at 8psi, not 14psi or more which is where most of us are....

cleex024 · 07-20-2012, 04:20 AM

it would be great to get torque specs on the bolts that need to be removed on the maintenance sheet =)

Thumperx · 07-20-2012, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manny_World

Maintenance PDF, thanks!

No problem guys. Glad to be of help.

AU335i · 07-20-2012, 01:11 PM

where do most people get their cabin air filter replacements?

akotten · 07-20-2012, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU335i

where do most people get their cabin air filter replacements?

I order the Mann replacement filter from Amazon and change it annually.

Also, OP, I would recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month out of good habit. I think the TPMS sensors trip around 30psi, so if you're running 36 in the rears, that's a big drop.

SlickE90 · 07-20-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Here's a maintenance PDF. I've too have been on the maintenance kick lately. Hydraulic and differential are the last items on my list. Everything else has been done. Smart move in getting started.

Although the water pump is something can range from 30k to 100K+ from my readings, but 50-60k is the ideal time have it swapped out along with thermostat.

Do you know where i can get a maintenance PDF for 328?

Thumperx · 07-20-2012, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SlickE90

Do you know where i can get a maintenance PDF for 328?

Sorry no I don't. I was surfing around when I came across this PDF and saved it for future reference. I'm sure you Google it and see what comes up -sorry.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU335i

I order the Mann replacement filter from Amazon and change it annually.

I ordered mine from a reputable source from eBay, and Mann is a good replacement manufacture.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AU335i

Also, OP, I would recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month out of good habit. I think the TPMS sensors trip around 30psi, so if you're running 36 in the rears, that's a big drop.

Good point for all of us to take note!

E90Company · 07-20-2012, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thumperx

Sorry no I don't. I was surfing around when I came across this PDF and saved it for future reference. I'm sure you Google it and see what comes up -sorry.

I ordered mine from a reputable source from eBay, and Mann is a good replacement manufacture.

Good point for all of us to take note!

Really appreciate the PDF. Thanks

Rotorocious · 07-20-2012, 02:38 PM

Anyone come up with a fuel filter replacement?

Thumperx · 07-20-2012, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Company

Really appreciate the PDF. Thanks

No problem I like to share the wealth.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotorocious

Anyone come up with a fuel filter replacement?

OPEN & READ THE PDF. It's already stated!

packinDSS · 08-27-2012, 02:41 PM

My general maintenance list for all cars/trucks (not just BMW).

Change/Flush coolant @ 50k
Change/Flush power steering fluid @ 50k
Change/Flush/Full bleed brake fluid @ 50k
Auto Tranny fluid @ 25k
Manual Tranny fluid @ 50k
Differentials @ 100k
Air Filters @ 10k
Spark Plugs @ 25k (tuned engines like our BMW @ >20k)
Synthetic Oil @ 8k (I also change filter @ 4k between oil change intervals)
Injector Cleaning (by dealer only) @ 50k
Fuel Filter @ 25k cars.....@15k SUV/Truck (due to fuel consumption)
PCV Valve @ 25k (if exists)
Spark Plug wires @ 50k (if exist)
Cap Rotor @ 25k (if exists)
Ignition Coil(s) @ 100k

07-19-2012, 10:58 PM	#1
EJ_3 Colonel 375 Rep 2,838 Posts Drives: e92 335i, e34 525i & e60 530i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: N Las Vegas iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [8.34] 2016 Ram 1500 Sport [8.00] 1994 BMW 525i [10.00] 2007 BMW 530i [8.66]	N54 DIY Maintenance So, over the past year I've read hundreds of post, bought a ton of tools, and been taking care of my car since I've past 50k miles. I'm preparing a checklist to ensure that I keep my car at tip top shape while dodging the dealer and their outrageous prices for labor. Can someone with more knowledge take a peek to see if I'm missing something? Planning on making an appointment soon to get the walnut blasting treatment soon (not willing to tempt this one) and if there's something that's MAJOR that is shop recommended, please let me know so I can book it too. 1. Oil w/filter change every 5-7.5k miles 2. Spark plugs between 20-25k 3. Ignition coils every 50k 4. Cabin Air Filter when a/c starts to smell funny 5. Clean/treat cone filters on intake (installed @ 48k, haven't been treated yet) 6. Air in tires when TPMS indicate low pressure 7. Replace brakes and fluids when the carputer say so Is there anything I'm missing that's minor? Thanks in advance. I just the past the 63k mark fwiw __________________ click here for mods Last edited by EJ_3; 07-19-2012 at 11:08 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

07-19-2012, 11:00 PM	#2
Gugs Banned 30 Rep 457 Posts Drives: E92 JetBlack Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Long island iTrader: (1)	Water pump is common failure at 30-50k so is low pressure fuel pump. Vanos solenoids are also good to replace.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2012, 12:27 AM	#6
parksjm7 Banned 81 Rep 228 Posts Drives: E92 07 335i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Edison, NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00] 2002 Honda [0.00]	I'm getting a coolant flush done at 41k - would usually wait till after 50k mark but my car is nearing 6 years since build- seems to help with water pump longevity for others on the forum.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2012, 01:15 AM	#7
STONEY_M5 MAAD HEAD 64 Rep 1,122 Posts Drives: 2010 X5M 2013 M5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NYC iTrader: (4) Garage List 13 F10 M5 [0.00] 2010 X5M [0.00] 07 335i [9.26]	This is mainly what BMW recommends for stock cars running at 8psi, not 14psi or more which is where most of us are.... __________________ F10 M5 e70 X5M Sold E90 335i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2012, 04:20 AM	#8
cleex024 Lieutenant Colonel 108 Rep 1,529 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Woodbridge iTrader: (2)	it would be great to get torque specs on the bolts that need to be removed on the maintenance sheet =) __________________ Space Gray l 6MT l OSG LSD w/ VAC Race Diff Cover l Cobb e30 l Morr vs8.2 l UUC SSK w/ DSSR l VSRF Catless Dps l RPI Intercooler l CDV Removed l HID AE 8000k l ETS Catback l AST 5200 w/ Vorshlag Camber Plates l ER Dual Oil Coolers l Rear Camber and Toe Arms l K&N Drop In l Solid Tranny/Diff/Subframe Bushings l Bridgestone RE-11
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2012, 01:11 PM	#10
AU335i Captain 91 Rep 887 Posts Drives: 2008 335i E92 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Auburn, AL iTrader: (3)	where do most people get their cabin air filter replacements?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-20-2012, 02:38 PM	#15
Rotorocious Lieutenant Colonel 105 Rep 1,520 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (3)	Anyone come up with a fuel filter replacement?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-27-2012, 02:41 PM	#17
packinDSS Lead Foot 19 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Sedan Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: North Jersey iTrader: (1)	My general maintenance list for all cars/trucks (not just BMW). Change/Flush coolant @ 50k Change/Flush power steering fluid @ 50k Change/Flush/Full bleed brake fluid @ 50k Auto Tranny fluid @ 25k Manual Tranny fluid @ 50k Differentials @ 100k Air Filters @ 10k Spark Plugs @ 25k (tuned engines like our BMW @ >20k) Synthetic Oil @ 8k (I also change filter @ 4k between oil change intervals) Injector Cleaning (by dealer only) @ 50k Fuel Filter @ 25k cars.....@15k SUV/Truck (due to fuel consumption) PCV Valve @ 25k (if exists) Spark Plug wires @ 50k (if exist) Cap Rotor @ 25k (if exists) Ignition Coil(s) @ 100k
	Appreciate 0 Quote