Re-vamping my BMW

[Jdudley13]

So my car is just over 50k and i'm sure there are things I should/can do to help it out. Anything to restore lost HP, prolong the engine life, etc.. Outside of typical maintenance issues(oil changes, tire rotations) what does everyone recomend that I do?

[Mitch]

I would clean your MAF sensors, add a little Marvel Mystery oil to your oil prior to changing it. The MMO will clean the heck out of the oil passages. What weight and type oil are you running?

[kendogg]

First question is what BMW do you even own? Not all BMW's run MAF's Mitch ;)

[kendogg]

For a comprehensive schedule of what your car SHOULD have for maintenence, check out the following links. My guess is that if you've done no maintenance by 50k, you've got some catching up to do, and hopefully, you haven't damaged anything beyond repair. Is the transmission auto or manual? If manual, you're probably fine, If auto, I'd be concerned about changing the auto fluid now, depending on the condition of the fluid and your driving habits.

http://www.gms.cc/maintenance.htm

*The oxygen sensor replacement annually is something I would skip, but other than that, it is a good idea to stick to the maintenance schedule. It WILL prolong the life of your car.

[blackstig]

Kendogg's in the house. I would listen to what Ken has to say, he's given me nothing but good advice on what to do with my BMW's in my time of despair and almost always knows how to fix what's wrong or how to make something run better.

-Stig

[Jdudley13]

For starters: '03 325i Sedan, Auto. I bought it with about 45k. It has a dinan CAI, Dinan Exhaust and Dinan software. I have a list of maintenance that was done at the dealership (Global Imports). I'm sure most of that maintenance was cosmetic to get it out the door. So given that information, any further suggestions are appreciated. I'm gonna look into all of the stuff mentioned so far and start building a list. Might be a fun sat. if anyone wants to participate, tools, a cooler, a car, and nowhere to go; the makings of a great day.

[kendogg]

For starters: '03 325i Sedan, Auto. I bought it with about 45k. It has a dinan CAI, Dinan Exhaust and Dinan software. I have a list of maintenance that was done at the dealership (Global Imports). I'm sure most of that maintenance was cosmetic to get it out the door. So given that information, any further suggestions are appreciated. I'm gonna look into all of the stuff mentioned so far and start building a list. Might be a fun sat. if anyone wants to participate, tools, a cooler, a car, and nowhere to go; the makings of a great day.

'03 325i, not bad, not too old to worry. Regardless of what BMW states, if you plan on keeping the vehicle for the long haul, I advise to follow the recommended maintenance procedure for the older vehicles, most notably fluid changes. Lifetime fill is BS, and should be noted as much. Inspection I & II are the recommended maintenance intervals. I work 3rd shift, soo, for the moment at least, a wrench day is out. That, and I still need to finish getting my Integra back together.

Good luck!!

[Jdudley13]

I'm not sure how "long" the haul is going to be. Hopefully my financial situation will improve within the next year or two and I will be looking to upgrade. That being said, its my current project so I want to enjoy it. Thanks for the input, i'll start looking into it.

[Carma]

TRANS SERVICE, do it. I have replace 4 trans in the last few months on 2000 3 series and am doing another today. Those engines also have a tendency to sludge up (check pic link on my web site of an example) We have a BG fuel rail and intake cleaner that is really cool. Helps keep everything clean (injectors, valves, intake deposits, ect...) I also carry the corrcect MAF sensor cleaning stuff. There really isn't too much to do with a "low" mile car like that. Like the other guy said, all fluids flushed and a good look over for suspension weakness
I have 6 lifts at my shop if people ever want to do a weekend day wrench fest thing. let me know
Alex

[Jdudley13]

I appreciate that. I'm gonna try to get my MAF taken care of this week, depending on my work schedule. My knowledge is very limited, especially about BMW's but i'm always up for a shop day..

[kendogg]

I've personally never seen a need for a MAF cleaning, unless it's REALLY bad (or used with oiled-element filters, such as K&N's). If the air filter os OE, or is at least a plaain peper element, I'd advise against cleaning until absolutely necessary. I know the HFM is a bit better design than some other types, but idk, just personal preference.

However, the BG stuff is awesome. I've had great luck using it in the past. As far as sludge goes, they sludge mainly from 2 reasons - following the recommended OCI (15k intervals) with improper fluid (the BMW 5W-30 while being good oil, isn't good enough to make it those kinds of miles, especially when there is alot of short-trip driving and all the condensation can't be burned out). Cut the OCI in half, and you shouldn't see any major sludge issues.

[88e28]

For starters: '03 325i Sedan, Auto. I bought it with about 45k. It has a dinan CAI, Dinan Exhaust and Dinan software. I have a list of maintenance that was done at the dealership (Global Imports). I'm sure most of that maintenance was cosmetic to get it out the door. So given that information, any further suggestions are appreciated. I'm gonna look into all of the stuff mentioned so far and start building a list. Might be a fun sat. if anyone wants to participate, tools, a cooler, a car, and nowhere to go; the makings of a great day.

Maybe after the Winery drive we are doing that Saturday, You can come also.

[88e28]

How do you know when your MAF is dirty?