BMW Update

"Party-vi" (party-vi) 10/24/2014 at 13:51 • Filed to: None

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You know, I was excited to pass the 150,000 mile mark earlier this week, now not so much. The car needs new from control arm bushings (didn't know that), rear main seal (knew that), rear brakes (did not know that), downstream 02 sensor replaced (knew that), power steering fluid flushed (wat), and new rear tires. They want over $3,000 to do the work. I almost shat my pants.

So...looks like I'm doing brakes this weekend.

505Turbeaux > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 13:56

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just crack those control arms out too. What are they, $100 a side? Rear Main is a bitch but it probably isnt too bad yet if you are driving it. Fuck it

Mattbob > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 13:56

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sounds like they stopped just shy of a full blinker system flush. You should also do your control arm bushings if you are up to it. I imagine you would save a ton in labor.

Brian Silvestro > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 13:57

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$3k?!

Just go buy a Miata bro

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 13:59

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Brakes, power steering fluid flush, and O2 sensors you can do easily.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 14:02

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Control arm bushings aren't necessary unless you're upset with the way the car rides or you feel it clunking, O2 sensor is five minutes of work and a $20 part, and the power steering fluid flush can be done by yourself and is good practice if you want the pump to last (just drain the PS, fill it back up, drain it again to get gunk out, fill it back up and you're done.) Can't comment on tires, rear brakes you're clearly on, and the rear mains seal depends. These tend to leak oil, but it shouldn't be that big of a deal as long as you keep an eye on it and don't mind the dark spots in your driveway. I wouldn't worry about it until I had a need to pull the tranny off of the engine like replacing the clutch or something.

Steve in Manhattan > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 14:15

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Tires - I would go ahead and replace all 4 - nothing feels better than a set that matches.

Party-vi > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie 10/24/2014 at 14:15

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The 02 sensor is rekt. I already tried replacing it and I couldn't get the 02 sensor tool on it without dropping my exhaust, and I didn't feel like dicking around with it so I will probably will have a shop deal with torching it out of there.

The rear main seal hasn't really been an issue until recently - I'm running about 400 miles a week and it seems like I'm adding a quart every week and a half (normal consumption is 1qt/800 miles). No dark spots yet so I don't think the leak is that far along.

Party-vi > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/24/2014 at 14:16

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Brakes are no issue, just getting parts and putting them on. PS flush is something I'd rather not do just because of the mess. THe O2 sensor does NOT want to come out so I'll probably have a shop deal with that headache.

Party-vi > Mattbob 10/24/2014 at 14:17

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The FCABs can be unbolted with the control arms so yes I'll probably do both at the same time.

Party-vi > 505Turbeaux 10/24/2014 at 14:19

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A bit more than that - Parts are $400 for the control arms and bushings. I'm probably not going to worry about the seal until I start seeing drops in the driveway.

Party-vi > Steve in Manhattan 10/24/2014 at 14:21

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Yeah let me just bust out my wallet hahaha. The last time I checked my rears (last week) I hadn't hit the wear bars yet so I'll inspect them again. I would love to get four new all-around because the fronts are some cheap no-brand tire.

Mattbob > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 14:25

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it sounds like its a similar setup as the e36. Do you have a press, or just hammer it in method?

Steve in Manhattan > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 14:26

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I wonder if it's better to put the new tires (if you get two) on the front, where more weight is, or the rear, where the power gets put down. What sort of BMW is it?

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 15:10

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To flush your PS fluid, just pump out what's in the reservoir and replace with new shit. Bleed the system by turning the wheels from lock to lock a few times. Go for a good drive. Repeat process a few times.

O2 sensors means by the right wrench and whip out the pb blaster and a propane torch.

Party-vi > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 10/24/2014 at 15:12

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I may just do that then - sounds easy enough. The O2 sensor was hit with PB for about a day. No luck.

Party-vi > Steve in Manhattan 10/24/2014 at 15:15

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It's recommended to put new tires on the rear to control oversteer. It's a 330Ci, so RWD coupe. I'll probably just spring for 4 new ones - it looks like they'll run me $700 delivered.

Party-vi > Mattbob 10/24/2014 at 15:15

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The back of the control arm slips into the bushing (giggity) with some soap.

Steve in Manhattan > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 15:19

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I did that a lot with my late '97 SHO - 4 from Tire Rack and get a local guy to mount them. Like Yokohamas for reasons I can't recall. Goodyear sport tires not as good as billed.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 15:19

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Yeah, they can be a pain.

Sn210 > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 15:23

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If you get a fluid extractor like this the PS job is a breeze. I just emptied the reservoir, turned the wheel a few times, then emptied the rest.

New fluid goes in

Gross fluid comes out

TotallyThatStupid > Party-vi 10/24/2014 at 15:58

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If we're talking about an E46 3er as pictured on fire...

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showth…

E46 will be about the same. Two additional things*:

1. The reservoir has a built-in filter in the bottom. Replace the whole thing when you have the system open (about $25).
2. Check all the hose clamps for leaks; replace crimp-style clamps with regular clamps wherever you see them.

* these may not be additional; I only looked at the pictures in the link because words are tough.

Party-vi > TotallyThatStupid 10/24/2014 at 16:38

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Excellent thread - thanks!