E46 service tips

[MariusH]

Hi Guys

I have a few questions on what’s the best type of parts to use when servicing. I need to do my 130000km service on my 2002 E46 325TI soon.
I was looking around at parts and there are so many different options, eg: sparkplugs do I go with NGK or BOSCH? And then there are allot of different choices like Standard, Iridium, and platinum…
What’s the best oil to use? Best type of oil filter K&N? Best type of fuel filter? I have a K&N panel air filter in, Anything else I need to look at?

Maybe I am over thinking this but I want to fit the best parts available :fencelook:

 

[danieljames]

Over thinking.....YES. But if you're gonna be anal about it....why not find out what the agents are using. Most of the time is a good quality replacement part just stuffed in a bmw box

*I love my E36!*

 

[Kyle]

Okay so usually the fuel filter and oil filter should be bought at agents.

Plugs/oil - You should call BMW and compare their price to other spares shops. Since BMW only resell and do not manufacture their own.

Air filter - Change to K&N flat pad, which you will not need to replace again.

 

[MariusH]

Okay so usually the fuel filter and oil filter should be bought at agents.

Plugs/oil - You should call BMW and compare their price to other spares shops. Since BMW only resell and do not manufacture their own.

Air filter - Change to K&N flat pad, which you will not need to replace again.

Ok ill get the fuel and oil filter from BMW,
Air filter I have the K&N flat pad that doesn't need replacing :thumbs:
Sparkplugs im still not sure on because of the different type's what's the best way to go? and as for oil what is the best to use?

 

[Bayn46]

You need the NGK BKR6EQUP, which you can get from most parts dealers (I got mine from Masterparts). These are the 4 prong platinum plugs, and what the dealership should be using.

For oil, I decided to go with Ravenol full synthetic 0W-40. No issues or excessive oil usage since the swap to full.

 

[MariusH]

You need the NGK BKR6EQUP, which you can get from most parts dealers (I got mine from Masterparts). These are the 4 prong platinum plugs, and what the dealership should be using.

For oil, I decided to go with Ravenol full synthetic 0W-40. No issues or excessive oil usage since the swap to full.

according to NGK's site the BKR6EIX gives Better performance and a longer lifespan (see the pic below)

 

[samman325]

You need the NGK BKR6EQUP, which you can get from most parts dealers (I got mine from Masterparts). These are the 4 prong platinum plugs, and what the dealership should be using.

For oil, I decided to go with Ravenol full synthetic 0W-40. No issues or excessive oil usage since the swap to full.

according to NGK's site the BKR6EIX gives Better performance and a longer lifespan (see the pic below)

The standard plug on the 325 is the 4 prong due to the long service interval. I would not suggest going for a single prong plug.

Oil you definitely need to go fully synthetic. Look at either Liquimoly or Shell Helix (which doesnt cause sludge).

 

[KSINGH]

Have you changed a fuel filter before? :=):

or you going to a tech?

 

[MariusH]

Have you changed a fuel filter before? :=):

or you going to a tech?

Hehe no ill go to a specialist to have it properly serviced, its got a FSH so don't want to mess that up. I just like to buy my own parts so you know what you have, some garages put cheap sh!t in to save costs. anyone know a good reliable place in Vereeniging I can go?

 

[KSINGH]

Have you changed a fuel filter before? :=):

or you going to a tech?

Hehe no ill go to a specialist to have it properly serviced, its got a FSH so don't want to mess that up. I just like to buy my own parts so you know what you have, some garages put cheap sh!t in to save costs. anyone know a good reliable place in Vereeniging I can go?

If you dont mind driving to Alberton, go to Gizmo. He'll use all the good stuff in any case. saves you the hassle of driving around for parts.

 

[Yuben]

Have you changed a fuel filter before? :=):

or you going to a tech?

Hehe no ill go to a specialist to have it properly serviced, its got a FSH so don't want to mess that up. I just like to buy my own parts so you know what you have, some garages put cheap sh!t in to save costs. anyone know a good reliable place in Vereeniging I can go?

Down the R59, Swartkoppies and you have Gizmo:thumbs:

 

[Charlie Brown]

Here's my advice;

Oil Filter - agents.
Plugs - Bosch agents.
Oil - LM from Moranor on the forum. (Not willing to start a debate about fully synthetic vs non / cracked oil, enough on this on the forum(s) already. Only Shell Helix Ultra is fully synthetic as far as I know)

Cabin Filter - compare agents to Autozone etc. I wouldn't pay the agents the R700 odd they asked - got a Mann from AZ for less than R200 and Mann is great quality.
Fuel Filter - same as cabin, compare and decide, again I went Mann and saved like R400 - BUT EITHER WAY please but 8 small jubilee clips for the fuel filter, OEM have the most usless oneway (tighten only) heads on them and are not reuseable.

 

[MariusH]

Have you changed a fuel filter before? :=):

or you going to a tech?

Hehe no ill go to a specialist to have it properly serviced, its got a FSH so don't want to mess that up. I just like to buy my own parts so you know what you have, some garages put cheap sh!t in to save costs. anyone know a good reliable place in Vereeniging I can go?

Down the R59, Swartkoppies and you have Gizmo:thumbs:

cool I will go to Gizmo, do you perhaps have a number or anything? thanks for all the recommendations guys :thumbs:

---

This is a bit off topic but I want to get it fixed when I take it for a service, My driver door stopped unlocking with the remote. if I lock the car with the remote it locks but I have to unlock it manually with the key, everything else locks and unlocks fine. If you press the unlock button you hear something in the door happening but it does not unlock :argh: anyone had a problem like that before?

 

[KSINGH]

0832540344

 

[MariusH]

0832540344

Thanks buds :ty: