Need maintenance intervals.

[DESANT]

Hi guys,

Can anybody post here maintenance intervals and what maintenance has to be performed each time?

Thank you in advance. :cheers

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Moved to the maintenance forum.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Desant, this is pretty much the best thing going:

Mike Miller Old School Maintenance Schedule (http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/showthread.php?408-Mike-Miller-Old-School-Maintenance-Plan).

[danewilson77]

For comparison....This is BMW service I/II

BMW Inspection I - This should occur at 30k miles.
This applies to all E46

Undercarriage
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at operating temperature. Perform this at 7500 miles. You can have your oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs to dtermine where your oil change sweet spot is. It costs about $30.00.
We recommend BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic oil, p/n 07 51 0 017 866 - I use Mobil I 0W-40. Here are the approved oils. http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/SyntheticEngineOils.aspx
Check transmission for leaks. - Very rare.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.
Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.
Check condition, positioning, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary. - Perform flush and change fluid.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. Record results. If replacement is necessary*: - Rotor thickness spec is stamped on rotor hat.
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads. Record results.
Check brake and clutch system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.
Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare - except M3, M5, Z8 and Alpina). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.* Typically 35 front / 45 rear (approx)
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).
Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system.
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary. Perform Coolant overhaul NLT 60k miles.
Note: Coolant must be replaced every 4 years (time interval begins from vehicle's production date).
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.
Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner operation.
Replace microfilter. 15k miles or else the inside of your car will start to stink. Depends on how much you use the system, and the pollen count / air quality in your area.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.
Reset Service Indicator.
Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*
Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license-plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wipers and washer system(s);wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Recharge or replace batteries for remote controls in all vehicle master keys. - Bullshit.
Check central locking/double lock.
Check operation of all latches.
Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors.
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.
Activate automatic roll-over protection system (if equipped) via diagnostic link.
Note:First remove hardtop/lower top.
Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission (except M3, M5, and Z8).

The above does not mention upper and lower intake boots. I would go every 30k here. Clean and inspect DISA/ICV at around 100k, based on what I've seen.


BMW Inspection II - This should occur at 60k miles.
Undercarriage

Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature.
Use only Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic oil, or Castrol Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic oil, BMW p/n 07 51 0 009 420.

Check transmission for leaks.

Check rear axle for leaks.

Half shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.

Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.

Check condition, positioning, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.

Check power steering system for leaks. Check p/s fluid level; add fluid if necessary.

Check overall thickness of rear disc brake pads using special tool. Record results. If replacement is necessary*:
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads. Record results.

Remove and install front disc brake pads, check overall thickness.
Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.

Check brake and clutch system connections and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.

Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.

Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.

Check all tire pressures (including spare - except M3, M5, Z8 and Alpina). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if requested.*
Note:If requested rotate all four road wheels as instructed and rebalance.*

Replace M-Mobility System sealant cartridge every 3 years.

Inspect entire body according to terms of rust perforation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).

Replace transmission fluid. Not in service I.

Replace differential oil. Not in service I.

Engine Compartment

Read out diagnostic system.

Check and adjust valves.

Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Note: Coolant must be replaced every 4 years (time interval begins from vehicle's production date).

Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.

Replace brake fluid every 2 years (timing interval begins from vehicle's production date).*

Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.

Check air conditioner operation.

Replace microfilter.
Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.

Reset Service Indicator.

Replace intake air cleaner element.
Note: Reduce replace interval in dusty operating conditions.

Replace spark plugs. Not in service I

Body/Electrical Equipment

Check battery state-of-charge, and charge if required.*

Check lighting system, i.e., headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license-plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated make-up mirrors, luggage compartment lights.

Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.

Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.

Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.

Check wipers and washer system(s);wiper blades, washer jet positions.

Check condition and function of safety belts.

Recharge or replace batteries for remote controls in all vehicle master keys.

Check central locking/double lock.

Check operation of all latches.

Check heater/air conditioner blower fan, rear window defogger.

Check rear view mirrors.

Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Activate automatic roll-over protection system (if equipped) via diagnostic link.
Note:First remove hardtop/lower top (325Cic and 330Cic only).

Final Inspection

Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission (except M3, M5, and Z8).

Really......if you rebuild the suspension (Shocks/CABS/FSM/RSM) at around 100k, Clean the ICV, DISA, replace the Upper/Lower intake boots, Change out tranny/diff fluid as prescribed, eventually rebuild VANOS....and just be attentive to your car for the other things (rotate your keys so they keep charge, replace bulbs as they go, wash/wax/detail regularly, use proper tire pressure, and install a brake kit at around 100k-dependant on driving style), you should be fine.

[DESANT]

Thank you guys. Dane, after how many miles inspection 1 has to be performed?

[danewilson77]

Thank you guys. Dane, after how many miles inspection 1 has to be performed?

30k

[danewilson77]

Added some red comments above. I think alot of it is bullshit. Maybe not. I wont pay someone to inspect my lights....thats all I'm saying...

I have never read Mike Millers Maint schedule....but I am sure if you use it....you cant go wrong.

[DESANT]

Added some red comments above. I think alot of it is bullshit. Maybe not. I wont pay someone to inspect my lights....thats all I'm saying...

I have never read Mike Millers Maint schedule....but I am sure if you use it....you cant go wrong.

Thank you DW, it was very informative and very detailed info. My car has 40.5k miles, so some things still could wait.

P.S. I just got Mike's Millers Maint. schedule book in pdf.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Did you email Mike Miller? He will give you the most current version of the PDF.

[Jon D]

I did that this am.. really impressed with what he sent.. worth the effort.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Yes. Mike will send you three documents. While I would love to post his stuff on the site, it's no big deal because he's so accessible through email.

[Jon D]

Hmm only got one document from him titled old.pdf. What are the other 2?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

As you read through the first document, you'll notice that he references two more docs. Those are called: Battery Tender Plus and Storage FAQ. Both are Word docs.

[Jon D]

Aah Battery Tender Plus I understand, owned bikes and British sports cars (Lucas electrics the true prince of darkness). Great device. Storage for me is a non issue.

[DESANT]

I've got one in pdf format. Lots of info, I will make an excel document, too much of an info to remember. Thank you very much for a very good guide.

[goofiefoot]

Let me bump this one up for some questions. I'll preface this that I'm new to the whole BMW world.

I'm at 49.5K now. My computer tells me I'm due for Inspection in 1400 miles. I call up my local dealership and give them the info, and they tell me I'm up for Inspection II, and that will be $525, thank you very much. I assume that in all that "checking" if they find something, that price would climb. Given the car's condition, I would hope they wouldn't but you never know. I'm perfectly willing to do work myself, but I thought at least having some contact with my local dealer would have some value.

My wife and I are leaving for a road trip next week that will put well over 2000 miles on the car. I'm thinking an oil change would be needed at the very least. So, here are my questions:

Do I let my computer tell me what I should have the dealership do or go by mileage?

Is $525 a typical dealership charge for Inspection II?

If the computer is showing Inspection, and I only do an oil change for the time being, does that mess anything up with the notification?

Being that I am a new owner, are there any "piece of mind" checks I should have the dealer look into outside this list?

Looking forward to any thoughts or advice.

[DESANT]

Hi G,
For how long do you have the car, have you done any maintenance?
My suggestion would be to find a good independent shop with a good reputation. They should inspect the car, then I would suggest to change engine oil, engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, air filter, interior air filter. FYI differential oil change every 30K miles, manual gearbox oil every 30K miles. Also, I would recommend you to write to Mike Miller and request his Old School Maintenance Schedule V12.10, I think his email address is techtalk@roundel.org. His book will answer your other questions.