Hitting 50k, fluids to change?

[Vorsprung_CJB]

Recently got the indicator brake fluid change as I am approaching 50k miles, so I wanted to see if there are any other fluids I should change out. The diff has definitely been extra grumpy this winter, especially going on-off throttle, so I was thinking of changing that, so might as well do transmission too? I've also read that PS fluid comes up around 50k as well? Even if these aren't technically on the maintenance schedule yet I thought It would be nice to flush them out for better than OEM versions going forward. Also looking to do the walnut shell blasting around the same time just to have everything covered. What do you all think, and can you recommend any specific products?

Thanks

[PA135i]

Yup it's a perfect time. I changed my "lifetime" fluids at 63K. PS, rear diff, manual gear box and antifreeze. I would wait on the antifreeze though, because you should change out your water pump around 60K (mine went at 72k) and they will change the anti-freeze then along with the thermostat. hope that helps
Not sure where you are in PA but I went to Bimmerworks in West Chester. They are a very good indy shop.

[Vorsprung_CJB]

Originally Posted by PA135i

Yup it's a perfect time. I changed my "lifetime" fluids at 63K. PS, rear diff, manual gear box and antifreeze. I would wait on the antifreeze though, because you should change out your water pump around 60K (mine went at 72k) and they will change the anti-freeze then along with the thermostat. hope that helps
Not sure where you are in PA but I went to Bimmerworks in West Chester. They are a very good indy shop.

Thanks for the feedback. I'll do some searching here of course, but what fluids did you go with for diff and trans? How are they in year-round PA weather? I assume stock PS fluid is fine.

I've heard of Bimmerworks a lot, I mainly use Autobahn in Horsham for small things, but I was considering VAC if I need the walnut shell too.

[PA135i]

My fluids were BMW spec. But Bimmerworks will use whatever fluids you want. They will also do the induction cleaning there. My dealer did that for me because I got a warning light under 50K, so it was free.

[Hops128i]

just wondering if a coolant change before the water pump replacement might extend the life of the cooling system. But I've read here the cooling system is a BMW weak point so you're going to replace it anyway?

[PA135i]

When the water pump is replaced they replace the coolant and thermostat. There is a thread here that has a poll on water pump failures and it seems that 60k is a good time to replace it before failure. My water pump went at 72k and was stranded. If I wasn't close to home I would have had to be towed.

I don't think you need to change the coolant if you are changing out the water pump around 60k. If this car had a long life water pump .. I would change the coolant at 50k... But why do that when the water pump is ticking time bomb in these cars.

[TheSt|G]

Inspection II diff and trans fluid change was 20,000 miles ago, so you are quite a bit overdue. Coolant and brake fluid should be refreshed and flushed at the same time.

Originally Posted by Vorsprung_CJB

Thanks for the feedback. I'll do some searching here of course, but what fluids did you go with for diff and trans? How are they in year-round PA weather? I assume stock PS fluid is fine.

I've heard of Bimmerworks a lot, I mainly use Autobahn in Horsham for small things, but I was considering VAC if I need the walnut shell too.

Bimmerworks is an absolutely fantastic shop, I can't recommend them enough. VAC in my experience is complete garbage. Shoddy work, poor construction, and often a complete disregard for the customer.

[Brake_L8]

I'm at nearly 48k now, and I plan on doing oil/filter, spark plugs (have an intermittent misfire), brake fluid, and trans/diff.

The car was maintained on BMW's lease schedule before I got it, which (to me) means it was entirely neglected. Time to fix that.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Brake_L8

I'm at nearly 48k now, and I plan on doing oil/filter, spark plugs (have an intermittent misfire), brake fluid, and trans/diff.

The car was maintained on BMW's lease schedule before I got it, which (to me) means it was entirely neglected. Time to fix that.

Add a coolant flush.

[JimD]

Red Line is a good alternative to BMW fluids for rear end and manual transmission. You can mail order from JEGS (and others).

For brake fluid, I think anything that is the right "dot" is fine but get a new bottle. I think bimmers use dot 4. The main reason to change brake fluid is it is hydroscopic - it picks up moisture from exposure to air. That moisture degrades the calipers and lines. Flushing it and refilling with new dry fluid avoids that (or minimizes it). Using an old bottle of brake fluid that you have sitting around reduces or eliminates the benefit of changing it. If you are racing, maybe you want really good DOT 4 but for most of us, any DOT 4 will be fine - if it is nice and dry.

[Ehwnnc]

At 60k i did:

Oil change because it was due: Motul 5-40 with a mann filter
Transmission fluid drain and fill: Redline D6
Diff Fluid drain and fill: Redline 75w140
Spark plugs: Bosch
Brake fluid flush: Dot4
Valve cleaning