E46 330i SERVICE QUERIES

[Yuben]

Guys, just a few questions for E46 330i owners:
How often do you change your plugs?
I'm now doing 130000km and it was last changed at 86000km in May 2008:fencelook:
That was the last inspection service, and it's now due for an inspection service again.
I'm gonna change the mandatory filters, plus the thermostat which looks like it has a leak.
I also want to replace the water pump since the original one is now 10 years old.
Would you advise changing the plugs at this service?
I'm also changing the fuel filter, since it was never changed:nonono:
The expansion tank was replaced as soon as I bought this awesome machine at 112000km in Aug 2012.
Is there anything I'm leaving out?
Brakes are fine, but it seems to be using too much oil for my liking:argh:
Might need to investigate if there's a leak
Over to BMW Hospital aka Gizmo:joy:

 

[SP33DYV]

No need to replace the plugs or the water pump in my opinion. The plugs are supposed to last a 100 000km's. I change my plugs every 50 000km. I have never changed my water pump and my 325i is sitting on 207 000km and also 10 years old. :mmm:

 

[Yuben]

Just thought that since the thermostat was being changed it was advisable since the E46 cooling system is not the best.

 

[SP33DYV]

Just thought that since the thermostat was being changed it was advisable since the E46 cooling system is not the best.

I have changed my thermostat twice now, but not the water pump. I have also replaced the radiator and the expansion tank.

 

[Bazza]

Why does every1 change the expansion tank?

 

[SP33DYV]

Why does every1 change the expansion tank?

Because it breaks. The one in my car had a faulty float.


Sent on the run from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[Philip Foglar]

Yep, plugs are longlife and scheduled for change every 100k km, but no harm in replacing sooner. :thumbs:

Why does every1 change the expansion tank?

It's a known weak spot on the E46 and when it goes, it's usually a spectacular explosion of steam leaving you without much coolant and stranded on the side of the road...

 

[Bazza]

Thanks guys, will definitely check with my mechi if he's done it and if not will get it sorted. Do I just buy a new one from BMW? Or is there a better aftermarket one I should fit? Sorry for the hi-jack.

Thanks guys!!

 

[Philip Foglar]

I am open to correction, but I gather that OEM or typical generic is much the same, but make sure that you also replace the expansion tank cap too!

 

[Yuben]

I am open to correction, but I gather that OEM or typical generic is much the same, but make sure that you also replace the expansion tank cap too!

Correct, try Goldwagen as well?

 

[Philip Foglar]

I am open to correction, but I gather that OEM or typical generic is much the same, but make sure that you also replace the expansion tank cap too!

Correct, try Goldwagen as well?

+1 for Goldwagen! :thumbs:

 

[S1NGH 001]

No need to replace the plugs or the water pump in my opinion. The plugs are supposed to last a 100 000km's. I change my plugs every 50 000km. I have never changed my water pump and my 325i is sitting on 207 000km and also 10 years old. :mmm:

Your 325i is a gem :rollsmile:

Reminds me of my previous E39 maintenance wise :thumbs:

Was a 02' 525i with 207000km, and the entire cooling system had never been touched :=):

The car never gave me a hassle, was perfect, where as my current 525i E39 with 128000km, the entire cooling system was overhauled at 116000kms, everything went funny in just a few months :fencelook:

Just shows, some of these cars, age better than others :thumbs: