08 BMW 328Xi

[BISCUT]

Just fell into my lap today. 72k original owner (I know him well, always up on maintenance on everything he owns) Xi version. New run flat tires and braked are 5k on them (BMW serviced). 15k clean with no scratches or dents. 6 speed auto.

I did some homework and was never part of the fuel pump issue and never a fuel injector issues on this one. Still need to find out if the PCM ever reflashed as I hear that was an issue for these.

This will be my first BMW so please let me know what I should expect. I would like to start fresh at 75k with any belts, hoses, wires, plugs, trans pan drop (what fluid?? can I feel good with Mobil 1 ATF?), and what is there to service on the AWD components?? Front diff?? Rear Diff? Transfer case??? All new to me.

2008 BMW 328Xi school is in...please leanred me! Ha!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: BISCUT
(BMW serviced).

Not sure that's a good thing, but better than nothing I guess. Figure it had annual oil changes every 15K miles.

Have they upgraded the cooling system on these? If not, at 75K, it's about time to proactively do a complete cooling system overhaul.

 

[BISCUT]

I'll check the records but he was 7500 oil change guy IIRC.

 

[raaizin]

To the best of my knowledge the hpfp issue was only on the 335i, 535i or in other words the turbos only. So you should be good to go. If you have the same transfer case as the x3 make sure the wheels are matched and at proper pressure. My wifes X3 tranfer case failed at 45k miles. X3 seem to have amany tranfer case failures. I would change the fluid in transfer case, I dont think BMW does it. It takes special fluid. I would also change fluid as it probably wasnt touched. Good luck with your new purchase

 

[BISCUT]

I will end up doing all fluids over the first few months of ownership. Anyone mind letting me know what fluids you can use?

Trans?

Diff?

Coolant?

I don't even know what grade oil it takes! Yikes!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: BISCUT
Anyone mind letting me know what fluids you can use?

Trans?

Not really sure as mine's a manual. You may want to check on a dedicated BMW forum.

Quote:

Diff?

I believe any 75w-90 GL5 fluid will work here, but again, double check with some BMW forum.

Quote:

Coolant?

Best to stick with the BMW OEM coolant, IMO.

Quote:

I don't even know what grade oil it takes! Yikes!

Any oil meeting BMW LL-01 spec will be fine. Examples: Mobil 1 0w-40, Pennzoil Ultra 5w-40, Castrol Edge 0w-40, BMW 5w30.

 

[BISCUT]

Thanks. Much appreciated. First time BMW here...

 

[gigabyte]

Originally Posted By: BISCUT
I will end up doing all fluids over the first few months of ownership. Anyone mind letting me know what fluids you can use?

Trans?

Diff?

Coolant?

I don't even know what grade oil it takes! Yikes!


as others mentioned you should change all the fluids

trans: should be dex vi
diffs: anything equivelent to castrol saf-xo
coolant: bmw blue stuff
transfer case: liquid gold stuff from bmw

also check the belt tensioner to make sure it is not bent

otherwise enjoy your new to you bmw. its a great car

 

[zeuloa]

I would start off by getting the owners manual if you don't have it. All info on fluids and recommended maintenance should of course be there.

Other than oil, I would stick to OEM fluids and filters. Sounds like a great car!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: zeuloa
I would start off by getting the owners manual if you don't have it. All info on fluids and recommended maintenance should of course be there.

You'd be surprised. You'll find none of this in the owner's manual. They basically want you to take it to a BMW service dept to have all that work done.

Link to the manual:
http://cache.bmwusa.com/PDF_fda95ef3-e13...70-d6d5c636c626

 

[Mark_Walk]

AutoZone may still have some GC on sale.

 

[davebarnum]

Haynes repair manual.

Chilton perhaps?

 

[Garak]

Or does Bentley Publishing handle it for that vintage of a BMW? The Bentley stuff is large dollars, but definitely worth it.

 

[KenO]

Ya, I agree with the others, if you're at 75k, it's about time to do a cooling system overhaul. This has the electric water pump though, right? Replace it too, before it leaves you stranded.

Otherwise - plugs & plug boots. You can use Zerex G-05 in the cooling system, [censored] near chemically equivelant to BMW blue, and can be found for a fraction of the cost. Do you plan to keep this car for the long haul??

 

[MCompact]

If you change the coolant(BMW only!) every 2-3 years you can probably postpone the cooling system repairs. In over 9 years and 159k miles I've only had to R&R the expansion tank(although I do plan to replace the t-stat, radiator, and water pump before winter).

 

[BISCUT]

First, let me extend a lot of thanks! BMW is soooo new to me I don't want to mess this up.

I was laying out my plan. I was figuring on first:\

oil change: Going to do short OCI (so I sleep better) Mobil 1 0w40 and P1 filter.

Diffs: I haven't seen spec....so I'll ask I would like to use M1 75-90. OK?? Or no go?

Trans: OEM filter??? M1 ok?? Need to find specs and match em up but I'm sure you guys have it down.

Trans Case: That is a specialty fluid?? Or is there a RedLine or Motul product readily avail? I have PedBoys, AAP and NAPA nearby.

That is like phase 1 for me. Phase 2 will be air filter, plugs, coolant.

All new to me so please if I'm off base let me have it.

I do plan on 7 years and about 225 end mileage. Goal is there and If no issues i would keep longer.

 

[MCompact]

M1 should work fine in the diffs; I doubt that you will find a drain plug so you will need a transfer pump.
As for the slushbox, see: DIY 329i ATF change
Don't use anything other than BMW's proprietary fluid in the transfer case. Ditto for the coolant.
It shouldn't need belts/hoses until it is well north of 100k.

The only things that might keep you from hitting 225k without issues are the transmission and the transfer case- the latter more than the former. A manual RWD NA I6 is the best long term BMW ownership proposition.

 

[KenO]

Originally Posted By: BISCUT
First, let me extend a lot of thanks! BMW is soooo new to me I don't want to mess this up.

I was laying out my plan. I was figuring on first:\

oil change: Going to do short OCI (so I sleep better) Mobil 1 0w40 and P1 filter.

Diffs: I haven't seen spec....so I'll ask I would like to use M1 75-90. OK?? Or no go?

Trans: OEM filter??? M1 ok?? Need to find specs and match em up but I'm sure you guys have it down.

Trans Case: That is a specialty fluid?? Or is there a RedLine or Motul product readily avail? I have PedBoys, AAP and NAPA nearby.

That is like phase 1 for me. Phase 2 will be air filter, plugs, coolant.

All new to me so please if I'm off base let me have it.

I do plan on 7 years and about 225 end mileage. Goal is there and If no issues i would keep longer.


In that case, keep the fluids fresh, do maintenance as needed, and it should have no issue lasting you until 300k. One thing I will recommend - as noted before, BMW's need to be looked at as a bit more maintenance intensive than most. When it's time for cooling system maintenance - do EVERYTHING cooling system related. The 2 things you don't replace - will fail shortly thereafter, and without warning. Same goes for the front end, and suspension. Maybe every 150k do a full bushing overhaul. The auto trans, however, will probably need to be replaced before the end of the cars life. Replace/reman it, and keep driving

Proper maintenance will greatly reward you with these cars. It's far easier to keep a BMW driving like a new car at 200k than it is to keep an American car driving like a new car at 75k. For the few people that DO take good car of them - there's nothing like it. The satisfaction, the utility, and the economics of keeping an older car on the road for SO long, in reasonable good condition, vs buying another slightly used one.