M3 advise

[Yuvan]

As much as i agree with the keep it OEM statement, Dependent on what the car gets used for, aftermarket poly-urethane bushes might suit your purposes better if you're a very enthusiastic type of driver who likes getting it sideways often.

Same goes for pulleys - the stock water pump pulley is plastic, wich can get brittle with time.. A few specialist online companies have alloy underdrive pulley kits available, that effectively free up a few more horsepower by reducing parasitic drag losses. These will also last forever and a day if you get a proper set.

BMC and K&N also make replacement drop-in air filters for the stock airbox, which will last you forever with regular cleaning, frees up a tiny bit of horsepower, and won't gunk up your MAF provided you're conservative with filter oil application.

Pirate items are a no-no - use original belts, oil and service items as far as possible and stay away from your local spares shop when it comes to your M3... But bear in mind that the aftermarket scene caters for some awesome goodies for the M3's, which would actually make more power / last longer than the equivalent OEM BMW bits.

Agreed +100000 :thumbs:

 

[m0lt3n]

This thread got some solid advice now for what to look out for in an e36 m3. Worthy of sticky status!

 

[BillyBob]

Sticky, rep and thanks. :rollsmile:

 

[BillyBob]

Okay, my turn to ask a few questions here....

Doubt I'd find an open dealer tomorrow, but really want to replace plugs and do an oil change sooner rather than later, as well as addressing a few other service items.

So with that in mind - could someone shed some light on the availability of the following items for an E36 M3 from spares shops and the likes? Obviously, I'd like to get the same as factory BMW parts, but just in the OE manufacturer boxes as opposed to the more expensive BMW box - suggestions on uprated items / specs would also be greatly appreciated.

Oil Filter
Oil - and what type? (TWS? Castrol Edge Sport? Mobil 1?)
Fuel filter
Spark plugs
Any specific radiator coolant / antifreeze to be used?
Gearbox and diff oils? Also, is there a filter unit on either that needs to be replaced?
Control arm bushes and other suspension-related goodies - even if they're not stuffed, it wouldn't be a bad idea replacing them - so once again, recommendations welcomed.

 

[rick540]

Filters, anything but GUD, every time I buy a GUD for a BMW the size is wrong, last one I bought crushed because it was a cm too long, and I checked I had bought the right one.

Masterparts here sell genuine Kolbenschmidt (KS) oil filters and the quality is better than OEM I was moer impressed, I wonder if anybody in JHB stocks these.

Plugs bosch or even better NGK, use the recomended stock one dont try get fancy with super fours/platinum etc as this never works.

Oil - 10W60 only for your baby, either Edge or Liqui Moly.

Suspension parts - bleh this is a minefield, as long as it's not made in China it should be ok, get stuff made in Germany/EU/Turkey/Korea and research that the company makes OEM stuff as well and you should be fine

 

[calypso]

Filters are cheap from the dealer. I use 5w40 Castrol Edge in my 3.0 M3. Best prices at AutoZone. Coolant just use the dealer BMW stuff.

The rest is where things get complicated.

 

[Peejay]

Diff is castrol XJF for LSD. Its R90 from Autozone or Midas for a litre. Gearbox you have to check the label on the box. If it orange it takes ATF if its green it takes castrol. Not sure what spec but the ATF is Dextron 2.

 

[tyu333]

For oil(engine, diff and gearbox) I used Liqui Moly and i'm :rollsmile: Regarding the other stuff. First check the replacement parts that Goldwagen has then google to see if they are any good. I'm happy with replacement parts that are made in Germany.

 

[ClassicB]

Oil filter and air filter are pretty cheap from the dealer.

Oil i use Mobil 1.

Plugs also get from the dealer.

Gearbox oil i had Sav change for me so not sure what they used.