Out of Warranty Maintenance Suggestions (128i)

[zerofire]

edit: I apologize, I just realized I posted this in the wrong section and that this should be posted under the maintenance section and not modifcations.

[631twentyeighteye]

You'll get more hits here for 128 than the maintenance section, i wouldn't sweat it too much.

Overall, the n52 seems to be very reliable. It has the typical oil filter housing gasket leak, valve cover gasket leaks, as well as the general weak cooling system components(water pump, hoses, etc). But these are a fix as need be basis.

If you have to replace the valve cover gasket you're best off replacing all the gaskets under the valve cover, the valvetronic motor gasket, the eccentric shaft sensor gasket, etc.

Other than that i don't think much else is needed other than routine fluid changes. Others will chime in with more info but as far as i've researched thats the majority of common problems.

[mechavore884]

spark plugs and ignition coils (PLEASE pLEASE PLEASE only use OEM and replace ALL at once)

but outside what 631twentyeighteye said you should be good....but if you haven't had to replace the waterpump or any of the gaskets go ahead and flush the coolant....

and while Im at it don't forget brakes (rotors & pads) and don't sweat the sensors too much....but meh thats typical stuff with any car

[631twentyeighteye]

Oh yeah i completely forgot about the plugs and coil packs. Plugs every 50k coil packs as they go bad, trans flush every 50-60k, Diff every 30k, i think are the suggested intervals.

I wouldn't worry about it too much though.

[bNks334]

You don't really need to service the plugs and coils unless you are throwing a code. I would focus more on making sure all your fluids are up to date on maintenance. Replace rotors and pads if needed. Everything else I would just replace as it fails or you'll end up dropping money replacing all sorts of stuff that doesn't need it.

[Swimjim]

i have a 128i with auto. it has 85000 miles on it... no issues. i have asked techs at shop about flushing trans fluid and everyone at the shop says not to do this.

i'm kinda getting nervous about not changing it. guidance, please!

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by Swimjim

i have a 128i with auto. it has 85000 miles on it... no issues. i have asked techs at shop about flushing trans fluid and everyone at the shop says not to do this.

i'm kinda getting nervous about not changing it. guidance, please!

I would not use the word "flush" on the fluid. Just need to drain out the old, replace the filter unit and gasket and then refill with new fluid. I interpret "flushing" to mean they circulate/force new fluid through the tranny, to flush out the old, which is a no-no.

At 85,000, I would definitely change out your tranny fluid.

[Olgeezer1]

Check Mike Miller's Lifetime Maintenance. Pretty much covers it all. Can't buy into BMW's "lifetime lubricants".

[Swimjim]

i assume bmw dealer/shop can change out trans fluid. any ideas on what kind of $$$ i should expect?

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by Swimjim

i assume bmw dealer/shop can change out trans fluid. any ideas on what kind of $$$ i should expect?

They may not even do it, since BMW considers it to be a "lifetime fluid". I would expect they would charge $$$ hundreds to do it, if they even do it. All you can do is ask.