The newest new guy! Suggestions needed.

[iEuropa]

To introduce myself, you can call me Matt. This is my first BMW! I'm from the Baltimore Washington metropolitan area.

After seven months of looking at one series cars, I finally did it! I brought home a 2008 135i just the other day.



That being said, I'm taking a chance on this car. It has 90k miles on it, and has been driven less than 5,000 miles in the last two years. After test driving it though, it felt like it was running well, so I picked it up at a low price. I've got an immediate budget of ~1,500 USD to start on maintenance. It essentially has no records so I'm checking everything over.


My plan of action at the moment is:
Oil and filter replacement
Air filter replacement
Spark plugs/coil packs
Walnut blasting


What else should I be looking at replacing/servicing immediately?

[Downeaster1]

Welcome, and nice car!
I would the basic service items (oil/filters/fluids) to get a baseline on service. If you are planning on getting a walnut blasting service done, make sure you get an oil catch can afterwards to prevent needing another walnut blasting in the future. A $200 catch can will save you several $700 walnut blasting services later.

Spark plugs are always a good idea around this mileage, however if the coil packs arn't failing, there really isn't any need to replace them as they are somewhat pricey. They do fail though, so maybe buy one or two and keep it with you.

I used to be a tech at BMW of Silver Spring, and they will take good care of you if you need a High Pressure Fuel Pump (covered by BMW for 10 years / 120,000 miles).

[NorthernDancer]

Very good advice above. I would add change of coolant, tranny and diff fluid. If you DIY, you'll be able to judge if they have ever been done before. Also a good look at air filter and its box (inside) will give you an idea of previous maintenance. ASAP find a good BMW garage for other things.

[iEuropa]

Originally Posted by Downeaster1

Welcome, and nice car!
I would the basic service items (oil/filters/fluids) to get a baseline on service. If you are planning on getting a walnut blasting service done, make sure you get an oil catch can afterwards to prevent needing another walnut blasting in the future. A $200 catch can will save you several $700 walnut blasting services later.

Spark plugs are always a good idea around this mileage, however if the coil packs arn't failing, there really isn't any need to replace them as they are somewhat pricey. They do fail though, so maybe buy one or two and keep it with you.

I used to be a tech at BMW of Silver Spring, and they will take good care of you if you need a High Pressure Fuel Pump (covered by BMW for 10 years / 120,000 miles).

I will look into installing an oil catch can, thanks for the tip. I knew the turbos were out of warranty going in, and assumed the HPFP was the same 8yrs/82k. That's some piece of mind knowing I will likely have it covered if it fails in the next two years. I have a short commute, luckily! I will be sure to call them in the event that the pump gives up the ghost.

This car puts a smile on my face every time I get in it. I never understood why people rave about their BMWs... until I bought one. Now I get it!

[PA135i]

You don't need to replace the coils packs unless they are failing.
And yeah... replace the plugs and do the blast at the same time.
Ask your mechanic if they can tell if the WP has been replaced.
And the dreaded oil filter housing gasket issue.

Sorry, but these cars need TLC and money to keep running in top form.

[Esteban]

Welcome! Some pics would be nice.

[Dackelone]

Welcome to 1Addicts

Other than what others have said... I would also replace the pollen micro filter and flush the brake fluid. Check the brakes too. They can be pricey. And check out the tires. That's about it other than basic tuneup things and changing fluids on an older car.

Dackel

[Fakemike]

Nice! I just recently purchased a Monaco Blue 2008 135i also.


Some cheap/easy DIYs are getting a clutch stop (~$10 on eBay) and the Clutch Delay Valve delete ( http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209440 ).

[Cmoney135i]

Water pump is very hit or miss on these cars. 60k is usually the max life anything after that is borrowed time. Oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket this stuff along with what you posted should have you in good shape.

[TexSquirrel]

I would get a Blackstone Labs analysis of the oil that's in it, then another when you change the oil again.
That way you'll know more about what kind of shape it is in.
Just capture an old water bottle full of oil mid stream when you drain the oil.
Order a test kit, and transfer the oil into their bottle.
Send it off and they'll tell you what they find in the oil.

http://m.blackstone-labs.com/

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Welcome! Some pics would be nice.

Weird... don't know if anybody else is having this problem: on my laptop, don't see a pic, but I do see it on my iPhone. Checked another laptop in my house and same thing, no pic. Server problem?

[TexSquirrel]

Originally Posted by Esteban

Weird... don't know if anybody else is having this problem: on my laptop, don't see a pic, but I do see it on my iPhone. Checked another laptop in my house and same thing, no pic. Server problem?

I see it on my iPad.
Maybe you can't see the image type.
Maybe .png doesn't work on your laptops.
...or even more likely, a DNS issue affecting your ISP, but not your iPhone data provider.

[iEuropa]

Thanks for all the suggestions and warm welcome! I tink I will go ahead and change the oil on the car now because it's been sitting. I will keep the old oil and may have it sent off to be looked at, I've been told it is a good indicator of engine health.

Tires on the car look brand new, they're Potenza 050A models, came on the car. Brakes were done less than 10k miles ago according to the carfax, but I've got some break squeal in them (pad vibration). I have a good friend who is a 30 year master mechanic with a lift at his house, when he comes back into town Sunday I will put it up and take a good look at them.

Originally Posted by Esteban

Weird... don't know if anybody else is having this problem: on my laptop, don't see a pic, but I do see it on my iPhone. Checked another laptop in my house and same thing, no pic. Server problem?

It's a PNG file, which as far as I know should work on all of those devices. Weird!

[desertman123]

Pic works for me! Congrats on the 1!

As for what to do to it... valve cover gasket, if it's manual 1000% the CDV delete and clutch stop. It transformed the clutch pedal for me. On top of that, redline MTL in the trans, redline 75w90 for the diff. The whole driveline is gonna feel like butter!

[Esteban]

Originally Posted by iEuropa

It's a PNG file, which as far as I know should work on all of those devices. Weird!

I normally don't have a problem with PNG files and can see all other pics on the forum. This particular thread is 'buggy' on my computers here at home. The thread won't load completely. Even after I hit refresh it still won't load right. No problems with any other threads or pics. Oh well, as I said above, I can see your car on my iPhone. Nice!

[Schalldampfer1]

Welcome!

[VMRWheels]

Welcome to the forum! Nice car! Any mods planned yet?

[iEuropa]

Originally Posted by VMRWheels

Welcome to the forum! Nice car! Any mods planned yet?

Thanks! Eventually, after maintenance is done I will be tuning it. I'm looking for about 325 whp which should be pretty easy to attain. I'm planning on going to different wheels. Vmr makes many wheels I think compliment the car, maybe some 261 styles. Tail lights and really I think that's it! Other than painting the kidney grills black.

[swagon]

At 90k miles I would suggest suspension refresh and A/C refill.

[Gangplank]

Welcome to 1addicts.

As noted above at that mileage and not having been driven much in last 2 years I'd do it all to catch up over the next 18-24 months. Prioritize and go from there.

If it were me... Oil, air filter, coolant, spark plugs, leaks (if any) would be 1st. Next, brake fluid, power steering fluid, cabin air filter. Then probably the trans/diff fluids, belts hoses and finally fuel filter.

Personally I don't follow BMWs maint interval. Far too long of plan on owning the car for years. If you don't then do the next owner the favor of regular maint.

[ShocknAwe]

OCC does not prevent carbon buildup. It might slow it down a bit. But you'll still need a walnut blast every ~40k or so. The only way to stop buildup on the N54 is by spraying something with detergent qualities over your valves regularly (meth or port fuel).

[Matticus91]

Welcome from a little farther south. I'm in Silver Spring, there's a decent sized DMV-area group on here.

Car looks good and you've gotten some great advice. The things you listed in your first post are a great starting point and gives me the impression you've done your homework. Good luck with the car and maybe I'll see you around!