Maintenance difficulty levels

Meeni · 10-09-2020, 02:32 AM

the two high cost items are hard DIY jobs. If you have prior experience it can be done, I've done it myself, but it's 10 hours of work each, and requires a rather meticulous approach and working in cramped conditions. Also you may break other stuff on the way there, like oil separator lines because the plastic becomes brittle with age.

I would not fix the engine oil pan, it's not critical and is a PITA (or costly). Just monitor your oil level.

I see you have both the OFHG and the valve cover listed, which one is leaking? Both would look the same on superficial inspection. You need to clean the oil, and see where it reappears.

Oil filter housing is common and needs to be addressed (if it is indeed leaking). Not fixing it can cause serious problems with the engine eating the accessory belt and oil and coolant mixing. This is a good involved but handyman capable DIY to see if you want to do more.

Valve cover leaking is a fire hazard and can cause rough running (air intake that bypasses the mass air sensor). Would do it as well if confirmed leaking. On the 328, the entire plastic valve cover is replaced when you do that job (it contains the prone to clog oil separator, and since most of the cost is removing all the stuff around to access the part, it's worth it doing it everytime you do the work in the area). Note that on some 328, this repair is sometimes covered under extended SULEV warranty (depends on state and engine model).

Tensionner is not difficult, you just need some unusual tooling (t60, breaker bar, beam torque wrench). I don't remember if I had to remove some parts of the fan or not to do it. Probably you do. Not hard, just adds another hour to the job, and be careful not breaking the brittle coolant lines on top of the fan.

AC cannot be DIY, you need specialty tooling and license to purchase the product in bulk. That being said, I've never replaced the refrigerant. Isn't it supposed to be 'lifetime'?

Wiper blades can be obtained for 1/2 the price online.

Efthreeoh · 10-09-2020, 10:21 AM

Difficulty just went up based on NewTIS going off line...

Ugh.

10-09-2020, 02:32 AM	#23
Meeni Gateropode 332 Rep 2,846 Posts Drives: BMW 330i 06 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	the two high cost items are hard DIY jobs. If you have prior experience it can be done, I've done it myself, but it's 10 hours of work each, and requires a rather meticulous approach and working in cramped conditions. Also you may break other stuff on the way there, like oil separator lines because the plastic becomes brittle with age. I would not fix the engine oil pan, it's not critical and is a PITA (or costly). Just monitor your oil level. I see you have both the OFHG and the valve cover listed, which one is leaking? Both would look the same on superficial inspection. You need to clean the oil, and see where it reappears. Oil filter housing is common and needs to be addressed (if it is indeed leaking). Not fixing it can cause serious problems with the engine eating the accessory belt and oil and coolant mixing. This is a good involved but handyman capable DIY to see if you want to do more. Valve cover leaking is a fire hazard and can cause rough running (air intake that bypasses the mass air sensor). Would do it as well if confirmed leaking. On the 328, the entire plastic valve cover is replaced when you do that job (it contains the prone to clog oil separator, and since most of the cost is removing all the stuff around to access the part, it's worth it doing it everytime you do the work in the area). Note that on some 328, this repair is sometimes covered under extended SULEV warranty (depends on state and engine model). Tensionner is not difficult, you just need some unusual tooling (t60, breaker bar, beam torque wrench). I don't remember if I had to remove some parts of the fan or not to do it. Probably you do. Not hard, just adds another hour to the job, and be careful not breaking the brittle coolant lines on top of the fan. AC cannot be DIY, you need specialty tooling and license to purchase the product in bulk. That being said, I've never replaced the refrigerant. Isn't it supposed to be 'lifetime'? Wiper blades can be obtained for 1/2 the price online. Last edited by Meeni; 10-09-2020 at 02:46 AM..
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10-09-2020, 10:21 AM	#24
Efthreeoh General 19156 Rep 19,708 Posts Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster Join Date: May 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Difficulty just went up based on NewTIS going off line... Ugh.
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