E36 maintenance questions.

[JJBotes]

I've recently bought an E36 323 auto. The car has 250K on the odo but only service history @ BMW up to 120K and up to 180K at a service center.

I need to change the alternator , its been giving low charge with spikes and I can feel the bearings. (car standing now)

On my list to do :
1. Water pump
2.Thermostat and housing
3. Water pipes seem to be good ?
4. Fan belts
5 . Water level sensor - Showing warning even if water level is OK ( did check the plug)
6. Changed oil and filters on day 2 already.

Is there anything ells that I should change or check while I'm going to be busy in there ?

 

[Nikhil]

Vanos seals, all the vacum lines to the intake manifold. Do a brake fluid flush, power steering fluid flush and change diff and gearbox oil:thumbs:

 

[JJBotes]

Didn't think of those TX ,
but . . huh ,noob question : What are Vanos seals ?

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OK found them . . . .. . those cam seals on the front ?

 

[Nikhil]

Didn't think of those TX ,
but . . huh ,noob question : What are Vanos seals ?

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OK found them . . . .. . those cam seals on the front ?

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Yep correct, speak to Moranor at Axis, he stocks them. They make a huge difference on the car. Ask anyone who has done them! Suspension and bushings should be on your next list of things to do. I suggest u also ask about a brand before purchasing. A lot of your local parts shops such as midas may sell replacement parts but some of them won't last longer than 10 000km.

 

[Peejay]

Rear shock mounts

 

[Mr.k]

Rear shock mounts

+1

 

[sclass]

Your car is old so you are going have to change A LOT of parts...but prioritize. From your list you have many of the cooling system components so do a complete overhaul and be done with it. If those are still the original hoses I would swap them for new ones even though they still look good (there will be no warning signs before they tear/burst). Get a new expansion tank (+ radiator cap), viscous fan, fan blade (they randomly shatter), and bleed screws. You might also want to consider a radiator as well, as the radiator necks crack with zero warning (happened to me). You DO NOT want that motor to overheat.............!!

 

[JJBotes]

Thank you gentlemen, list is getting longer , but yes will prioritise and do them 1 by 1 or 2 by 2.

Had a Look at those Vanos seals, seems that changing them is a bid above my comfort level. Can anybody sagest a place that can do a good job at a reasonable price ?

 

[JodyD]

Thank you gentlemen, list is getting longer , but yes will prioritise and do them 1 by 1 or 2 by 2.

Had a Look at those Vanos seals, seems that changing them is a bid above my comfort level. Can anybody sagest a place that can do a good job at a reasonable price ?

Moranor at Axis you would find him under the advertisers section

 

[Doomsdaya]

Rear shock mounts

+1

+1

Might as well replace front shock mounts and have all 4 shock towers inspected, they known to cave in.

With the cooling system, I would replace everything from A to Z, do it once and you know you dont have to worry about that for another +100k.

Oh and fuel filter, I replaced mines recently and it made a world of a difference, Gizmo showed me all the gunk that came out from the old filter...