82,000 Miles Maintenance

xg3 · 03-08-2010, 02:10 PM

My car has hit 82,000 miles.. just writing up a summary on what i have done so new owners and owners approaching this can get an idea what the maintenance is like. This is a 2003 Z4 3.0i, Automatic

So far, I only use Motul 8100 X-Cess 5w40 every 5000 miles. Tried, Castrol and Amsoil, but this seems to be best.. smoothest idle and acceleration.

Lubricate soft top joint every spring.

The V-Shape bars in the hood seems to be come loose every now and then... needs tightening. Same with suspension mount. Not very loose, but it does loosen up.

@ 46,000 miles
Changed spark plugs.
Changed brake pads and rotors. Akebono Euro Ceramic Pads fronts and rear. Only pads that has no brake dust.. literally. I can go a month without cleaning my wheels.
Changed brake fluid.

@ 82,000 miles
Changed O2 Sensors before Cat, HUGE improvement. On highway, it does 29MPG. More responsive throttle, and sounds better.
No Rust

Couple of notes for new buyer.
-For some reason I tend to burn through rear tires really quickly... Guess thats what happens when you drive a fun car.
-Gas millage varies depending on weather. Sunny day means tops down and heavy throttle.
-2nd winter with it.. with a good set of winters, definitely drivable..
-Trunk is small, but in the summer.. you can stick some pretty tall stuffs into the passenger seat. Carried a little tree before.
-Wax and clean often... people looks at you alot.

gizmo83 · 03-08-2010, 04:25 PM

Thanks for the info. My Z is at the same mileage right now.

misterawa · 03-08-2010, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the info. I'm at 78,XXX miles right now. Do you recommend changing anything else besides the O2 sensor? Fuel filter? I plan on changing the transmission fluid at 100,00 miles.

gizmo83 · 03-08-2010, 06:54 PM

Here's a checklist.

xg3 · 03-08-2010, 10:48 PM

Transmission fluid is a good debate.. on the forum, i read people change it.

Every BMW shop i visited in Toronto, says if it ain't doing anything unusual, don't touch it.

I take the advice of the shop.

Not much i can think of that require changing..

Oh, Rear Diff oil, i change this every 25,000 miles.

03-08-2010, 02:10 PM	#1
xg3 Private First Class 5 Rep 145 Posts Drives: Was 03 Z4, now 10 GTI Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	82,000 Miles Maintenance My car has hit 82,000 miles.. just writing up a summary on what i have done so new owners and owners approaching this can get an idea what the maintenance is like. This is a 2003 Z4 3.0i, Automatic So far, I only use Motul 8100 X-Cess 5w40 every 5000 miles. Tried, Castrol and Amsoil, but this seems to be best.. smoothest idle and acceleration. Lubricate soft top joint every spring. The V-Shape bars in the hood seems to be come loose every now and then... needs tightening. Same with suspension mount. Not very loose, but it does loosen up. @ 46,000 miles Changed spark plugs. Changed brake pads and rotors. Akebono Euro Ceramic Pads fronts and rear. Only pads that has no brake dust.. literally. I can go a month without cleaning my wheels. Changed brake fluid. @ 82,000 miles Changed O2 Sensors before Cat, HUGE improvement. On highway, it does 29MPG. More responsive throttle, and sounds better. No Rust Couple of notes for new buyer. -For some reason I tend to burn through rear tires really quickly... Guess thats what happens when you drive a fun car. -Gas millage varies depending on weather. Sunny day means tops down and heavy throttle. -2nd winter with it.. with a good set of winters, definitely drivable.. -Trunk is small, but in the summer.. you can stick some pretty tall stuffs into the passenger seat. Carried a little tree before. -Wax and clean often... people looks at you alot.
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03-08-2010, 04:25 PM	#2
gizmo83 Private 7 Rep 96 Posts Drives: Z4 3.0i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info. My Z is at the same mileage right now.
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03-08-2010, 06:42 PM	#3
misterawa John 14:6 59 Rep 588 Posts Drives: Z4 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: San Diego iTrader: (3)	Thanks for the info. I'm at 78,XXX miles right now. Do you recommend changing anything else besides the O2 sensor? Fuel filter? I plan on changing the transmission fluid at 100,00 miles. __________________ Mods: Eibachs/Konis, Eibach camber kit, JTD RSMs, 19" WedsSport SA67, Hamann headlight trim, Aero front bumper, Aero sides, AC Schnitzer side deflectors, Hella euro taillights, Hardtop, Dinan strut & supplemental bars, RD Sport intake, Dinan Stage 2 Software, RPI scoop, Bastuck catback exhaust, Radenergie CF engine cover...
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03-08-2010, 10:48 PM	#5
xg3 Private First Class 5 Rep 145 Posts Drives: Was 03 Z4, now 10 GTI Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Transmission fluid is a good debate.. on the forum, i read people change it. Every BMW shop i visited in Toronto, says if it ain't doing anything unusual, don't touch it. I take the advice of the shop. Not much i can think of that require changing.. Oh, Rear Diff oil, i change this every 25,000 miles.
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