318i maintenance

[f1speedrcr]

Hi All,

I have a '94 318i that I love but somewhat neglect mechanically, in part because I hate to give my local BMW dealer $85/hour for a bad attitude (but that's another story). Anyhow, my question is this: On occasion she stalls, so I want to complete some basic stuff myself before I take the car in and spend the big bucks. I was told that replacing the PCV, fuel filter, belts etc..would be a good start.

Does anyone else have a stalling problem and/or recommend some additional parts that I should replace.

Thanks in Advance!

 

[BigEarl325is]

Stalling problems aye? Sounds a bit larger than belts. Well let's see, your absolute very first start should be 50 bucks for the Bentley Repair Manual. First, tell us how many miles you have on it and if you know anything about the previous servicings. And while you're at it, let us know your price range.

 

[f1speedrcr]

She has just turned 92,000 and I am the 1st owner. The last service was around 50,000 miles. As far as I remember the service was pretty much whatever BMW recommended at that mileage. They stamped my service manual so hopefully they were honest enough to do the work. I do change the plugs, air filter and oil every 3-4000 miles.
I guess if I were doing the maintenance I would like to spend around $200. I ordered the Bentley Manual last week from Bavarian Auto so I should get that next week.

 

[CTBMW]

Having moved back to Ct. from Saratoga, and recently picking up a '95 I must follow this post!
Fuel filter(s??), air cleaner, spark plugs/wires.
I wish you the best!
You have a wealth of info here!
-Mel

 

[f1speedrcr]

Thanks Mel, Congrats on getting out of Schmalbany!

 

[BigEarl325is]

Sounds like you're doing great maintnance, however, replacing your spark plugs about 3-4k miles is really not needed. Most spark plugs are good for 25k if you have a strong running engine without leaks or burning oil or anything. I personally would fill your oil with Mobil 1 0W-40. I used to use Pennzoil 5W-50 but they stopped making it. And yes, absolutely replace your fuel filter. That should be done at least every 25k. I do it along with my plugs. Let's see, 92k your belt tensioners should be getting old. But they might be good for a while, either way, they're about 60 dollars a piece so keep an eye on them, nothing worse than having krickets under your hood. Mine personally lasted to about 125k. But you'll have to know whether or not you have a 70 amp or an 80 amp alternator. They're specific to each alternator. As far as the belts, I don't really know the setup in your engine. I have a bently manual, I just don't have it with me haha, so I don't know what you have. Now I don't know about the 318i but in the 325 BMW got kinda cheap in a couple places. They put a plastic water pump in the engine. This should be the VERY FIRST thing you replace. Go to www.thepartsbin.com and order a new water pump with a metal impellar. If in fact they gave you a plastic one. Also, your thermostat housing is most likely plastic, replace that also with an aluminum one from The Parts Bin. While you're at it replace your thermostat with a colder one. The Parts Bin offers an 88 degree. Nothin better than making sure your engine doesn't overheat. Now here is where you're going to save a lot of money. Buy a friggin O2 sensor. You have 92k on your car, obviously it's never been replaced (BMW won't do it untill 100k) If you run your car with a bad O2 sensor too long, you will destroy your catalytic converter (believe me, I did) and cats are expensive. So according to The Parts Bin...

Water Pump with a metal impellar $54.03
Water Pump O-Ring $3.93

If it's not already aluminum
Thermostat Housing (Aluminum) $34.28
Thermostat Housing (Gasket) $5.10
Thermostat (88 Degree) $23.82
Thermostat O-Ring $1.20

Oxygen Sensor $93.60

Belt Tensioner (either 70 or 80) $60.00

Fuel Filter $14.92

Total $290.88

I know that's over your price range but not all of this has to be done at once. If I were you, I'd start with the cooling system stuff. The O2 sensor is the last thing you can replace, but just make sure you don't wait until your check engine light comes on. Also, in case you haven't realized already, your bentley manual will explain your On Board Diagnostic (OBD) system. It's SUPER convenient, especially when you're getting your check engine light on. I wish I could help more but I don't know much about the M42 engine, I know a LOT about the M50 and S50 engines though haha.

 

[f1speedrcr]

Thanks Again Earl. A least now I have a starting point. I figured I would probably end up spending more but it's worth every penny!

 

[Wadula]

as the warranty is already over (just slightly ) did you consider taking it to an independant shop? they are mostly cheaper and can do the same good job. for the budget of course DIY is way better but for some professional opinion you might want to contact one of them. Not that earl is not professional enough, in no way i say that, seeing the car in person might bring more light to this story. perhaps you have a friend or colleague that knows the cousin of the neighbors dog or so....

 

[CTBMW]

My independent mechanic gives me a deal if I pay in cash- I asked first time we spoke-got the idea from my brother and his "indy" cash/relationship. Might not hurt to ask!!
-Mel

 

[BigEarl325is]

wadula makes a good point, I can only give you advice. If I were there, looking at the engine and getting a feel for what's going on, then I could help a lot more. I notice you live in albany, NY. I'll ask a friend of mine if he knows of any good shops up there. He used to work in upstate NY on bimmers and only bimmers, maybe he knows of someone.

 

[carcus]

Dude, take it to Midas or something....other people work on BMW's. Stay away from the dealer..........RUN!!!!!!!!

 

[carcus]

And some might say I am nuts...find a local shop that works on BMW....alot cheaper than the Dealer (STEALER). Hell, you need brakes, get some LIFETIME BRAKES. Need a battery, Optima is a nice one, need a radiator, get one with a LIFETIME warranty. Hell, beyond most belief, losts of lube change places will do most maintenance for you at 1/2 the cost. Just my experience. What I can't fix myself........I get it done at the lowest rate. But I watch.