[DYOOS]

Joined the E90 family about a month ago. Reliability was my top attribute, so I decided on the 2011 335i Sedan (N55). I'm approaching 70K miles, and couldn't be any happier!

The car has been great and I haven't experienced any issues yet. Knock on wood! I did take my car to an indy BMW service shop for a full car inspection (basically a PPI), and they said the car is clean. I also have a Foxwell NT510 arriving soon, which will help me keep track of the health of my car down the road. VRSF CP will also be purchased soon to replace the plastic one.

That said, what are your guys' tips & best practices for doing preventative maintenance? What should I service and/or replace at the 70K mile mark?

Thanks for the advice in advance!

[Phil325i]

Google 'mike miller bmw old school maintenance' for an interesting read. Not everyone agrees with all he suggests, but it's a useful starting point.

Main point is whether you're intending to keep your car long term. 'Cos if you're not, then lots of preventive maintenance only benefits subsequent owners...

[The Nightman]

If you can't afford the downtime then proactively replace parts that could result in catastrophic failure. Main ones that come to mind are the water pump and thermostat and accessory belt tensioner.

[DYOOS]

I do intent to keep the car long term, or long enough to warrant keeping it well maintained. It's not exactly a daily driver as I take public transportation to work, but I am planning on heavily modifying the engine. But before I add any performance parts, I want to be sure I replace everything that's needed at 70K or where ever.

I did come across an E90 Service Manual on Amazon. Has anyone bought this book and found it helpful?

Also, is there an existing thread or site that shows the recommendations for service and replacement at a certain mileage?

[Phil325i]

Does this help?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...check_list.htm

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by freedomfries

If you can't afford the downtime then proactively replace parts that could result in catastrophic failure. Main ones that come to mind are the water pump and thermostat and accessory belt tensioner.

And starter around 100k.


My method is to make a spreadsheet of all the maintenance items and when they should be replaced. That way you have a record of when things were replaced and when they need to be checked/replaced next. I do this for all the cars/equipment I maintain.

[DYOOS]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

And starter around 100k.


My method is to make a spreadsheet of all the maintenance items and when they should be replaced. That way you have a record of when things were replaced and when they need to be checked/replaced next. I do this for all the cars/equipment I maintain.

I was thinking of doing an excel as well. My thing is.. to do preventative maintenance, how do you determine what parts you should replace by a certain mileage? Basically, after some more research I came across this 75K checklist:

Inspect / Adjust / Change Rotate Tires
Inspect / Adjust / Change Replace engine oil and filter
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect windshield wiper and washer systems and fluids levels
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect suspension components
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect steering linkage
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect power steering fluid level
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect half shaft dust boots
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect exhaust system
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect engine accessory drive belt
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect coolant recovery reservoir
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect clutch operation
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect brake fluid level
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect automatic/manual transmission fluid
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect air cleaner/element
Inspect / Adjust / Change Check turn signals and hazard warning lights
Inspect / Adjust / Change Check shocks and struts
Inspect / Adjust / Change Check radiator, coolers, heater, and A/C hoses
Inspect / Adjust / Change Check battery, exterior lamps, and horn operation
Inspect / Adjust / Change Replace cabin air filter (if applicable)
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect wheel ends
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect parking brake system
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect driveshaft and driveshaft/propeller shaft U joints
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect cooling system hoses and clamps
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect brake system
Inspect / Adjust / Change Inspect ball joints

Also came across this checklist:

Minor Service:

• change oil and filter w/ BMW high performance 5W-30 synthetic oil.
• replace micro filters.
• inspect and service front and rear brakes.
• check parking brake functions.
• check and set tire pressure.
• lube all hinge's.
• check and set all fluid levels.
• reset service indicator.

Inspection 1:

• check front and rear axle joints (where applicable).
• check condition, position and mounting for exhaust system.
• check power steering operation including drive belts as needed.
• check fuel tank and lines for damage, corrosion and leaks.
• check front and rear suspension for absence of play, condition of track rods, steering linkage and joint disc.
• perform diagnostic system fault check.
• check engine cooling system for leaks.
• check battery condition.
• check all lighting.
• visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage.
• final road test check of brakes, engine and transmission functions.

Inspection 2:

• replace engine air filter.
• replace spark plugs as needed.
• replace manual transmission fluid as needed.
• replace rear differential fluid as needed.

**lifetime coolant recommended to be flushed every 6 years.
**standard coolant recommended every 2 years.
**brake fluid recommended every 2 years.

Sources:

• https://www.bmwofalexandria.com/serv...tment_form.cfm
• https://www.driverside.com/service-s...?mileage=75000

[BKV122]

Replace Transmission, rear diff fluids. (front diff and transfer case fluids if applicable)
Coolant flush

[Austin LeNomad]

I would take off the bottom plastic and doublecheck for oil pan gasket leaks. then I would take a look at tie rods and Control arms, both upper and lower.
I would expect all to need replacement before 100k.