E82 120d - Ten Years of Ownership Advice Please

[Shivaal Tiluk]

Hey everyone. Really grateful to be here. This is my 2013 120d - been an absolute joy to own and honestly, the best car I've ever driven. Its factory stock standard. I've owned it for ten years now and in that time have done the regular services and changed brake disks. I've also had to replace a sensor in the engine compartment which was causing some kind of electronic fault. And the engine drive belt - it was the rubber one. Bought her with 60k kms and now she's at 105k.
Honestly I should have joined here years ago - could have learned so much. I would like some advice please. I need to make a long journey with the car - about 1500 kms next year. What should I replace/do now as preventative maintenance so that I reduce the chances of breakdowns while on my journey? I wanted to replace all hoses and pulleys, but my mechanic advised that we just change what looks worn. Also, I want to put in an Android head unit - something with navigation and a really nice screen - any suggestions? Lastly, I have the 'chinese' make tires on - sizes 235(front) 255(rear) 40 R18. I would like to put on better tires - nothing extreme - just for really good road handling, especially in rainy weather. Any and all advice and suggestions will be really appreciated guys. Thank you so much.

 

[MR_Y]

Welcome!

ZF gearbox oil service would be a top recommendation, unless already done

Given your mileage, I assume garage queen for weekends or driven very short trips?

 

[Shivaal Tiluk]

Welcome!

ZF gearbox oil service would be a top recommendation, unless already done

Given your mileage, I assume garage queen for weekends or driven very short trips?

How do I do the ZF gearbox oil service? I am in KZN - not far from Durban - are there any reputable places that would be honest which you could recommend?

'Garage Queen' - haha that's not one I've heard before, and yep - barely go anywhere except for the occasional run to town. I have used it once to Pretoria - which was about 1000kms for the round trip - was truly so smooth and comfy. I also have an E36 with only 44k kms lol. Thank you for replying so soon and for the helpful advice.

 

[///M Individual]

Awesome car.

As Mr Y mentioned Gearbox service - buy the parts and oil from ZF Durban (Pinetown) and get your mechanic to do it. (Not sure if your car is manual/auto)

Coolant flange (if not changed before)

Have the vibration damper inspected.

The mechanics idea to inspect what is worn and replace is a good start as well.

If you plan to keep the car long term you should consider removing the catalytic converter before it gets clogged and replace it with a 63mm downpipe and doing an ECU remap switching off the EGR and swirl flaps as these can trouble in the future.. This is not for better performance but more for the vehicle to run more efficiently and for longevity. This doesn't have to be done before your long trip just something to plan for.

 

[FILV]

Welcome!
Shes a beauty

The guys have pretty much covered everything here.
Buy a bottle of Liqui Mply diesel purge for your long trip and add to your fuel tank.

Be sure to share once you do your trip

 

[M3boi]

Welcome! Car looks clean.

The points the guys have mentioned above are all good things to look at, especially the vibration damper. Maybe get your mechanic to check shock mounts as well if they haven't been replaced.

Tyre wise, I've just put Goodyear Efficientgrip Performance on my 320d (had them on other cars before and put a set on my fiance's car 2 years ago as well) and can highly recommend them. Very good in the wet too.

 

[AshG108]

Great advice above, I would say check your air filter and cabin filter before the trip for a pleasant trip down.

Next, at the mileage, consider removing the CAT and fit a DP + ECU remap. the car will breathe tons better, improve fuel economy and drivability.

 

[YozTruly]

Welcome to the forum @Shivaal Tiluk.

Great looking car and well done in 10 years of ownership. Wishing you many more happy miles.