[John Hallen]

Recently acquired a 2001 325ci convertable with 100k on the clock. Same car BHUNT 73T sold my son's significant other back in June 2013. It has passed Md inspection, but I'm thinking what I can do to prevent a big problem on the major systems, fuel, cooling, ignition, electrical, etc. by doing some preventive maintanence. As always, I eagerly await your scholarly replies.

[Jazzbass]

Replace the cooling system.

[mlytle]

my condolences. i have a 2002 325 with 120k. horrible for maint items. sure you can do all the usual mechanical stuff, but the crap connected to all the computers will kill you as the dealer computer is usually needed diagnose.

at least start with the cooling system. replace it. all of it. every hose, radiator, expansion tank, temp sensor, water pump, drive belt, tensioners, etc.

then go for the in tank fuel pump.
then the ignition coils.
then the oil separator system.
then the vanos valve.
then both front CAB's
then hope the hvac control unit keeps working.
etc, etc, etc.

[Jazzbass]

Originally Posted by mlytle

sure you can do all the usual mechanical stuff, but the crap connected to all the computers will kill you as the dealer computer is usually needed diagnose.

You do need to be able to read codes from these, so I bought a Bavarian Technic cable that works pretty well. John you're welcome to use it if you need to read/clear codes.

[John Hallen]

Wow, I had no idea I had just purchased Germany's version of the Yugo. Thanks Chris for your offer. From what I read in myltle's reply, I could become quite a regular at the Jazzbass garage. Does anyone have a recommendation for a repair manual (BMW For Dummies?) so I can acquaint myself with this particular vehicle. Thanks Guys.

[smdubovsky]

The M guys replace all the lower end rod (or was that main?) bearings at regular intervals. Not sure if the non-Ms suffer the same fate. Anyway, I've seen Wonger and crew drop the oil pan and replace bearings on EVERY bmw he's had (and a bunch of others.) They undersized them starting from the E30 M3s.

Dont worry. It could be worse. You could have bought a diesel bmw

[Jase007]

Its not that much maintenance ... really. Just replace the known issues. (echo coolant system)


Search for (Bimmerfest and Bimmerforums) and download the necessary software to set up Ediabas/INPA on a spare laptop.

Get the correct car (round under the hood or OBD2 port) to laptop cable (USB or serial connect) and set it up by following the well laid out directions in the forums.

Now, you have your own "dealer" scanning tool, that can also code modules as you replace them on this and MANY other newer BMWs.

Total investment = $40 cable, spare laptop and your time.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by Jazzbass

Replace the cooling system.

X2 and buy the BMW hoses, I had an aftermarket one from Bavarian Auto crack on me at the seal after a year.

Replace the noisy rollers on the belts.

Replace the gasket between the oil filter housing and the block. I did a write up in the tech section.

They are fine built cars. Mine has 120K on it and just drove it to Florida and back. Though, I think mine is due for a suspension bushing refresh. I replaced the shocks and springs @ 70K but I notice it's not as tight as it used to be.

Buy the Bentley E46 book. It's $100 well spent.

[ruffyz]

Cooling for sure, BMW rubber and plastic doesn't age too well from what I've read and seen and a cooling system failure is catastrophic. At some point bmw was using plastic impellers in the water pump. Vanos and cats/sensors/anything emissions are also potentials.

Didn't know about the engine problem, but wonger (and smd ) are a well recognized experts in the area.

Is the bottom end underbuilt only if you are going to rag out the cars? Aren't the m motors different than non m for e30 and later?

[jerome951]

Congrats on the new purchase. Good advice above so I won't echo, but recommend you check here for OEM parts (it's Tischer's on-line arm). They're just up the road from you so you can save on shipping by picking up.
https://www.getbmwparts.com/