E46 320I Service kit

[lucian]

So I took my car to a mecchie for a service and to check some whining noise. Guy said I must buy the service kit and we arrange that he will fix it for me next week (after easter). Phone dealers for prices
Stealer quote:
Oil filter R140
Air filter R130
Fuel filter R1150
Microfilter R650

Take a walk to Masterparts and bought the whole lot for R911.
Will probably need more stuff (like engine belt, maybe some tentioners, coolant etc.) but will first wait to see what the mecchie comes up with. Labour quote is approx R850 if all goes well.
I can live with that.

 

[Prev]

What about spark plugs and oil?

 

[lucian]

Had spark plugs that I bought awhile ago for about R480 at stealers.

Oil at Midas (Full synthetic Castrol Edge) R548 for 7 litres (5l + 2 x 1l).
Petrol filter was wrong one (one with regulator is for 330 model)
So I took it back and the correct one was just over a hundred bucks. Needed two new tensioners for the noise coming from the engine. Traded the wrong filter for right one and the 2 tensioners and still got R200 change.

Mechie charged extra R150 for tensioners, so R1K for the whole job.

Told me that my tapper cover gasket was shot and oil is leaking there. Not much, but I could see some smoke.

Few days later, of to the stealers and paid R513 for new gasket (Mecchie told me to buy OEM gasket). Mecchie charged R250 to replace. Showed me the old one. Was hard and definately broken.

happy to have my car driving smoothly again.

Just now the Fu%%#ing blower is not blowing any air. Switches shows everything is on, but no air coming out of the vents.

 

[CK4LIFE]

Good stuff..so jst after how many km's do you service your car?

 

[lucian]

I service my car every 25k as the manual says.
Odo is over 264K, so I am considering changing the oil middle of the service interval, ie @12.5K.
And from now on I will change the petrol filter with every service, just to save the petrol pump. I had 2 replacements in the +- 10 years I have the car @around 3-3.5K at a time

 

[A.C.SCHNITZER]

Interesting!!! I wonder why mechi prefared Oem Gasket, I use victor reinz they are good and reliable. If it was me I would DIY, just my 2 c. Keep taking good care of that Bimmer, are you using NGK or Bosch plugs?

 

[lucian]

About the gasket. I will ask him next time, but he was adamant that I get it from the dealers.
I think the plugs is NGK, bought them at BMW and thought the 450+ they charged me for the six was reasonable, opinions may differ. I don't really know the price of a good spark plug.
From my past experience (other cars) I know the Bosch plugs are very good.
Will try them next time, albeit after another 60K if I still have the car.

 

[CK4LIFE]

Thanks mate...I have a 320i E46...it goes sideways when i hit bump and i had control arms replaced but still does same thing...any advice...I thought of power steering pump but not really sure.

 

[lucian]

Sorry mate, but it's the first time I hear of the sideways move. Maybe some of the other guys can help here.

 

[Prev]

Thanks mate...I have a 320i E46...it goes sideways when i hit bump and i had control arms replaced but still does same thing...any advice...I thought of power steering pump but not really sure.

Doubt that your power steering pump will cause that. Most probably something suspension related. Get it unto a ramp and have a look underneath :thumbs:

 

[lucian]

Thanks mate...I have a 320i E46...it goes sideways when i hit bump and i had control arms replaced but still does same thing...any advice...I thought of power steering pump but not really sure.

I would take it to precision alignment (CPT they're in Parow). These guys know their thing.

 

[Philip Foglar]

Thanks mate...I have a 320i E46...it goes sideways when i hit bump and i had control arms replaced but still does same thing...any advice...I thought of power steering pump but not really sure.

I would take it to precision alignment (CPT they're in Parow). These guys know their thing.

+1! :thumbs:

 

[CK4LIFE]

Any idea where I can take it in PTA?

 

[Solo Man]

Lucien, for the ac not blowing air, could be the hedgehog that is us. Ordered one yesterday for my X5 and they quoted me R750. Stealers probably R1500, did not even bother to get a price from them. Am sure that Masterparts/Goldwagen/Good Hope Motor Spares/Midas/Autozone should be able to help you at about the same price. Mine from local guy here in Hermanus that is the Silverton Radiator agent

 

[Kirk]

Thanks for the info