Proposed M3 Maintenance Schedule

robbiedawg · 12-06-2012, 04:20 PM

A lot of our cars have come off of free dealer maintenance,and many more will be doing so soon.This is what I have worked up as what I plan to do to maintain my car.I hope to keep it a long time,and take pleasure in a car that runs well,so I would rather over-maintain than under-maintain,especially on a high-performance car like the M3.This comes from reading on this forum, and from discussions with a friend who is a BMW master technician and with a friendly SA at my dealer. I also looked at and give credit to Mike Miller's Lifetime Maintenance Schedule.

Disclaimer: I'm not a mechanic. I once changed plugs on an old car,and made sure not to overtighten them on the advice of a mechanic friend.I of course undertightened them,and one blew out of the cylinder,causing the worst engine noise you ever heard (didn't hurt anything.) I actually have very few useful skills,although I can get speeding tickets reduced,which can come in handy.I am pretty good at reading,remembering,and pulling stuff together.
This,then is not meant to be THE WORD. It's just a framework for discussion and opinions.I would love to hear from some of the more mechanically ept (yeah,i know it's not a word) members of the forum.

OIL AND FILTER- Every 5k to 7.5k miles,or 1 year, whichever comes first.

MANUAL TRANS,DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS, ENGINE & CABIN AIR FILTERS- At least every 30k miles.
DCT FLUID- Not sure,don't have one.
ALSO, EVERY 30K MILES- Inspect brakes, engine and transmission mounts, belts or pulleys (not sure of terminology here), tensioner, idler pulley,hoses. Replace belts, pulleys, hoses,water pump and related parts by 100k miles if not sooner.

SPARK PLUGS- Every 30k to 37k (The manual says at 37k.)

SHOCKS- 50k to 60k

BRAKE FLUID- Every 2 years. (This is what the manual rec's)

COOLANT- Every 3 or 4 years (The manual says it's lifetime fill! I don't believe such a thing exists.)

POWER STEERING FLUID- Every 30k

FUEL FILTER- Don't think this is a maintenance item because it's in the gas tank,maybe incorporated into a fuel pump.

ADJUST VALVES- Not needed, the S65 engine has hydraulic lifters which I believe do not need adjustment.

Anyone have thoughts or suggestions? Have at it.

elm3 · 12-06-2012, 05:46 PM

SHOCKS- 50k to 60k - very subjective. You really do not have to change these shocks every 50k-60k. Other than that everything sounds good. The fuel filter is part of the pump and we do have two fuel pumps.

Eric

MSteve5036 · 12-08-2012, 10:40 AM

Good thread...Ive been trying to research on the subject for stuff like this myself. I believe according to BMW the trans/diff fluids are every 3 oil services, which technically according to them means every 45k miles.

I dont think I would ever go that long on any of them...your 30k mark is probably what I will do. Especially if I go with a lighter tranny fluid

tiato · 12-12-2012, 03:31 PM

Good topic.

Here is my plan. Keep in mind that Im coming from a racing background and my car will see track time.

Oil/Filter: Every 4-6 tracks days during track season. So thats beginning, middle and end of that period. Other than that, every 5000 miles.

Diff and transmission: Annually

Brake Fluid: Beginning of track season and end. As needed otherwise.

Engine coolant: Water with redline water wetter at start of track season.
Antifreeze at the end of track season.

Shocks: Single adjustable MCS, rebuild every 2-3 track seasons.

Plugs: Every 2 years. 20k miles.

Fuel filter: every 2 years

Brake Pads (BBK): Street, as needed. Track once or twice during driving season.

Rotors: As needed, but probably every 2 seasons.

robbiedawg · 02-20-2013, 11:05 AM

POWER STEERING FLUID- 30K Miles,based on this thread-

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=806033

BIU · 02-21-2013, 03:00 AM

Very useful, thanks!

uplusd · 02-21-2013, 03:20 AM

Good thread, should be made a sticky

robotk · 02-21-2013, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbiedawg

A lot of our cars have come off of free dealer maintenance,and many more will be doing so soon.This is what I have worked up as what I plan to do to maintain my car.I hope to keep it a long time,and take pleasure in a car that runs well,so I would rather over-maintain than under-maintain,especially on a high-performance car like the M3.This comes from reading on this forum, and from discussions with a friend who is a BMW master technician and with a friendly SA at my dealer. I also looked at and give credit to Mike Miller's Lifetime Maintenance Schedule.

Disclaimer: I'm not a mechanic. I once changed plugs on an old car,and made sure not to overtighten them on the advice of a mechanic friend.I of course undertightened them,and one blew out of the cylinder,causing the worst engine noise you ever heard (didn't hurt anything.) I actually have very few useful skills,although I can get speeding tickets reduced,which can come in handy.I am pretty good at reading,remembering,and pulling stuff together.
This,then is not meant to be THE WORD. It's just a framework for discussion and opinions.I would love to hear from some of the more mechanically ept (yeah,i know it's not a word) members of the forum.

OIL AND FILTER- Every 5k to 7.5k miles,or 1 year, whichever comes first.

MANUAL TRANS,DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS, ENGINE & CABIN AIR FILTERS- At least every 30k miles.
DCT FLUID- Not sure,don't have one.
ALSO, EVERY 30K MILES- Inspect brakes, engine and transmission mounts, belts or pulleys (not sure of terminology here), tensioner, idler pulley,hoses. Replace belts, pulleys, hoses,water pump and related parts by 100k miles if not sooner.

SPARK PLUGS- Every 30k to 37k (The manual says at 37k.)

SHOCKS- 50k to 60k

BRAKE FLUID- Every 2 years. (This is what the manual rec's)

COOLANT- Every 3 or 4 years (The manual says it's lifetime fill! I don't believe such a thing exists.)

POWER STEERING FLUID- Every 30k

FUEL FILTER- Don't think this is a maintenance item because it's in the gas tank,maybe incorporated into a fuel pump.

ADJUST VALVES- Not needed, the S65 engine has hydraulic lifters which I believe do not need adjustment.

Anyone have thoughts or suggestions? Have at it.

I was thinking about oil change intervals the other day and was going to go with a 7.5/k or 6 mos, whichever comes first, approach. With a high strung engine, waiting a year makes me a bit nervous.

meko · 02-21-2013, 01:17 PM

Get an oil analysis done from blackstone labs or similar company instead of wasting time, and more importantly money, on low mileage oil changes. The lab results don't lie. 7.5k or once a year is more than sufficient even with some track days.

STi_traitor · 02-21-2013, 02:05 PM

Subscribed!

flipm3 · 02-23-2013, 10:19 PM

Great information in here.

With those that have higher mileage E9X M3s, do you have any input on some of the rubber bushings and mounts? To list a few:

Flex Disc/Guibo - PN: 26112282573
Center Support Bearing - PN: 26122283046
Transmission Mounts - PN: 22312283285
Subframe Bushings - PN: 33312283382 and 33312283383
Different bushings throughout the suspension/axle.....

sensi09 · 02-28-2013, 05:56 AM

Vehicle check light is on at 56K. Is anything actually due right now?

Oil is due in another 4000 miles according to idrive. Probably get that done in the next couple weeks.

Spark plugs....were changed at ~33K. Was going to wait until about 65K to change again.

Its a 2010 and brake fluid was changed last year.

Power steering fluid changed at 48K

05Mdriver · 03-07-2013, 09:19 PM

One of my favorite things about this car coming from an e46 m3 -

ADJUST VALVES- Not needed, the S65 engine has hydraulic lifters which I believe do not need adjustment.

davesaddiction · 03-08-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meko

Get an oil analysis done from blackstone labs or similar company instead of wasting time, and more importantly money, on low mileage oil changes. The lab results don't lie. 7.5k or once a year is more than sufficient even with some track days.

Based on my results from them, I'm sticking to ~10,000 per change. May drop to 7500 if I start seeing the track a lot. Planning my first outing (in the M3) this summer.

phrozen06 · 03-08-2013, 10:20 AM

subscribed

SSJVegita · 03-09-2013, 10:14 PM

subscribed!

FlyingHorse · 03-29-2013, 09:47 PM

Good topic, should make this sticky.

dreamspeed · 04-02-2013, 05:58 PM

I don't think the fuel filter is inside the fuel tank. I'm not sure where it's located on the E92 but usually it's either in the engine bay or underneath the car.

Personally I'd go with something similar to this

Oil/Filter change - 5000-7500 depending on your driving habits and how anal you are

Spark plugs - 37k is the factory suggestion I believe and that's what I would go with but a part of me still think platinum plugs should be able to last 60k min

Air Filter - If you have a washable one just wash it every time you do an oil change, if you have the OEM one replace it every 15k miles.

Transmission/Differential oil - 30k miles

Coolant - every 2 years

Engine drive belts - 60k miles but realistically you can just look at it and see if it needs to be replaced (it'll be cracked or start squealing if it's really worn). YMMV

Brake fluid - Every year is the recommendation but PERSONALLY i think every 2 years is not a problem at all unless you drive your car very hard consistently (or track the car).

The following 2 items can vary greatly depending on your driving habits but you can visually see if the pads are worn.

Brake Pads - Every 30k

Brake Rotors - Every other brake pad change so around 60k

Fuel Filter - 60k

Power Steering fluid - Personally I think this could very well be an actual lifetime fill item but you might as well just change it around 60k miles

burakkose · 04-02-2013, 06:01 PM

i think i remember people saying that the transmission fluid is a lifetime fill, that has changed ?

JulieDriving · 04-02-2013, 06:40 PM

Great topic, another vote to make it a sticky.

I've been wondering about the same thing myself. As I hope to keep this car for a loooooooong time (like your Acura NSX - wow), I definitely do not plan to follow the "free" maintenance schedule, and would rather be over-conservative as well.

dreamspeed · 04-02-2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burakkose

i think i remember people saying that the transmission fluid is a lifetime fill, that has changed ?

To be honest quite a few things can be considered "lifetime" fill. The problem is that lifetime would be considerably shorter

I can see most modern cars getting to 100k miles without ever changing the transmission fluid, differential fluid, brake fluid, or coolant...hell you cant probably never change your oil and just keep adding oil if necessary. But if you want to get to 150k, 200k, and beyond it's a good idea to do the maintenance.

e92zero · 04-03-2013, 04:13 PM

hmm, where do you guys think water pump would fit in as part of the maintenance schedule? I am used to replacing timing belt/water pumps on other cars at the 100k mark but obviously, we don't have timing belt in the S65.

12-06-2012, 04:20 PM	#1
robbiedawg First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 ib e90 m3, 1995 acura nsx Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: chapel hill, nc Posts: 347 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00] 1995 ACURA NSX-T [0.00]	Proposed M3 Maintenance Schedule A lot of our cars have come off of free dealer maintenance,and many more will be doing so soon.This is what I have worked up as what I plan to do to maintain my car.I hope to keep it a long time,and take pleasure in a car that runs well,so I would rather over-maintain than under-maintain,especially on a high-performance car like the M3.This comes from reading on this forum, and from discussions with a friend who is a BMW master technician and with a friendly SA at my dealer. I also looked at and give credit to Mike Miller's Lifetime Maintenance Schedule. Disclaimer: I'm not a mechanic. I once changed plugs on an old car,and made sure not to overtighten them on the advice of a mechanic friend.I of course undertightened them,and one blew out of the cylinder,causing the worst engine noise you ever heard (didn't hurt anything.) I actually have very few useful skills,although I can get speeding tickets reduced,which can come in handy.I am pretty good at reading,remembering,and pulling stuff together. This,then is not meant to be THE WORD. It's just a framework for discussion and opinions.I would love to hear from some of the more mechanically ept (yeah,i know it's not a word) members of the forum. OIL AND FILTER- Every 5k to 7.5k miles,or 1 year, whichever comes first. MANUAL TRANS,DIFFERENTIAL FLUIDS, ENGINE & CABIN AIR FILTERS- At least every 30k miles. DCT FLUID- Not sure,don't have one. ALSO, EVERY 30K MILES- Inspect brakes, engine and transmission mounts, belts or pulleys (not sure of terminology here), tensioner, idler pulley,hoses. Replace belts, pulleys, hoses,water pump and related parts by 100k miles if not sooner. SPARK PLUGS- Every 30k to 37k (The manual says at 37k.) SHOCKS- 50k to 60k BRAKE FLUID- Every 2 years. (This is what the manual rec's) COOLANT- Every 3 or 4 years (The manual says it's lifetime fill! I don't believe such a thing exists.) POWER STEERING FLUID- Every 30k FUEL FILTER- Don't think this is a maintenance item because it's in the gas tank,maybe incorporated into a fuel pump. ADJUST VALVES- Not needed, the S65 engine has hydraulic lifters which I believe do not need adjustment. Anyone have thoughts or suggestions? Have at it. __________________ ~ TRAFFIC LAWYER IN CENTRAL NC ~ 2OO8 E90 M3 /// INTERLAGOS BLUE w/BAMBOO BEIGE, CARBON LEATHER / 6MT / 19" 220M FORGED WHEELS / PREMIUM / MOONROOF / IPOD / BSW SPEAKERS ~EVERYTHING IN MODERATION,INCLUDING MODERATION ~ Last edited by robbiedawg; 02-20-2013 at 11:06 AM.
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12-06-2012, 05:46 PM	#2
elm3 M3 Lover Drives: 2009 e92 M3 Interlagos Blue Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canton, GA. Posts: 1,656 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 E92 M3 [5.00] 2002 Nissan Xterra ... [0.50] 2004 Yamaha R1 [0.00]	SHOCKS- 50k to 60k - very subjective. You really do not have to change these shocks every 50k-60k. Other than that everything sounds good. The fuel filter is part of the pump and we do have two fuel pumps. Eric __________________ '09 E92 ///M3 Interlagos Blue, 6MT, Silver Novillo Leather, CF Trim, Premium Package, Technology Package, Cold Weather Package, Premium Sound, 19" Wheels, Moonroof-Toy//'02 Nissan Xterra- Daily Driver/ '04 Yamaha R1- Toy/'06Yamaha Raptor 350- Toy

02-20-2013, 11:05 AM	#5
robbiedawg First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 ib e90 m3, 1995 acura nsx Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: chapel hill, nc Posts: 347 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00] 1995 ACURA NSX-T [0.00]	POWER STEERING FLUID- 30K Miles,based on this thread- http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=806033 __________________ ~ TRAFFIC LAWYER IN CENTRAL NC ~ 2OO8 E90 M3 /// INTERLAGOS BLUE w/BAMBOO BEIGE, CARBON LEATHER / 6MT / 19" 220M FORGED WHEELS / PREMIUM / MOONROOF / IPOD / BSW SPEAKERS ~EVERYTHING IN MODERATION,INCLUDING MODERATION ~

02-21-2013, 03:20 AM	#7
uplusd First Lieutenant Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: NorCal Posts: 369 iTrader: (6)	Good thread, should be made a sticky __________________

02-21-2013, 01:17 PM	#9
meko Private First Class Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 109 iTrader: (2)	Get an oil analysis done from blackstone labs or similar company instead of wasting time, and more importantly money, on low mileage oil changes. The lab results don't lie. 7.5k or once a year is more than sufficient even with some track days. __________________

12-08-2012, 10:40 AM	#3
MSteve5036 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2008 M3 / 96 328is Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: blue dot Posts: 260 iTrader: (1)	Good thread...Ive been trying to research on the subject for stuff like this myself. I believe according to BMW the trans/diff fluids are every 3 oil services, which technically according to them means every 45k miles. I dont think I would ever go that long on any of them...your 30k mark is probably what I will do. Especially if I go with a lighter tranny fluid

12-12-2012, 03:31 PM	#4
tiato New Member Drives: IS e36, '08 e90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: United States Posts: 22 iTrader: (0)	Good topic. Here is my plan. Keep in mind that Im coming from a racing background and my car will see track time. Oil/Filter: Every 4-6 tracks days during track season. So thats beginning, middle and end of that period. Other than that, every 5000 miles. Diff and transmission: Annually Brake Fluid: Beginning of track season and end. As needed otherwise. Engine coolant: Water with redline water wetter at start of track season. Antifreeze at the end of track season. Shocks: Single adjustable MCS, rebuild every 2-3 track seasons. Plugs: Every 2 years. 20k miles. Fuel filter: every 2 years Brake Pads (BBK): Street, as needed. Track once or twice during driving season. Rotors: As needed, but probably every 2 seasons.

02-21-2013, 03:00 AM	#6
BIU First Lieutenant Drives: 2008 A22 E90 M3 DCT Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 313 iTrader: (0)	Very useful, thanks!

02-21-2013, 02:05 PM	#10
STi_traitor BPM Fighter Pilot Drives: BPM Sport '10 E90 ///M3 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Vilseck, Germany Posts: 608 iTrader: (0)	Subscribed! __________________ Whomever said money cant buy happiness, never drove an ///M home after a really crappy day at work...

02-23-2013, 10:19 PM	#11
flipm3 E46 + E90 Drives: E46 M3 + E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 2,470 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW M3 [0.00] 2002 BMW M3 [0.00]	Great information in here. With those that have higher mileage E9X M3s, do you have any input on some of the rubber bushings and mounts? To list a few: Flex Disc/Guibo - PN: 26112282573 Center Support Bearing - PN: 26122283046 Transmission Mounts - PN: 22312283285 Subframe Bushings - PN: 33312283382 and 33312283383 Different bushings throughout the suspension/axle..... __________________ 2002 E46 M3 6MT \| Jet Black . Black Nappa \| My Build Thread 2009 E90 M3 DCT \| Melbourne Red . Speed Cloth

02-28-2013, 05:56 AM	#12
sensi09 Major Drives: . Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: socal Posts: 1,491 iTrader: (1)	Vehicle check light is on at 56K. Is anything actually due right now? Oil is due in another 4000 miles according to idrive. Probably get that done in the next couple weeks. Spark plugs....were changed at ~33K. Was going to wait until about 65K to change again. Its a 2010 and brake fluid was changed last year. Power steering fluid changed at 48K

03-07-2013, 09:19 PM	#13
05Mdriver Major Drives: 414hp Sedan Join Date: May 2010 Location: pa Posts: 1,161 iTrader: (39) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [5.00] 2005 BMW M3 [5.00]	One of my favorite things about this car coming from an e46 m3 - ADJUST VALVES- Not needed, the S65 engine has hydraulic lifters which I believe do not need adjustment. __________________

03-08-2013, 10:20 AM	#15
phrozen06 NA V8 Drives: 01 330ci, 08 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: 39°27'33"N 77°58'04"W W. Virgina, Kansas Posts: 1,080 iTrader: (1)	subscribed __________________ 2008 E92 ///M3 DCT/Swift Spec R Springs/Macht Schnell Spacers EUROWERKZ People Who Say It Can't Be Done Should Not Interrupt Those Who Are Doing It

03-09-2013, 10:14 PM	#16
SSJVegita Private First Class Drives: E92 BMW M3 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: NJ Posts: 104 iTrader: (0)	subscribed!

03-29-2013, 09:47 PM	#17
FlyingHorse Private First Class Drives: G35x; E90 335i; E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 127 iTrader: (5)	Good topic, should make this sticky.

04-02-2013, 05:58 PM	#18
dreamspeed Lieutenant Drives: M3 E92 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 480 iTrader: (0)	I don't think the fuel filter is inside the fuel tank. I'm not sure where it's located on the E92 but usually it's either in the engine bay or underneath the car. Personally I'd go with something similar to this Oil/Filter change - 5000-7500 depending on your driving habits and how anal you are Spark plugs - 37k is the factory suggestion I believe and that's what I would go with but a part of me still think platinum plugs should be able to last 60k min Air Filter - If you have a washable one just wash it every time you do an oil change, if you have the OEM one replace it every 15k miles. Transmission/Differential oil - 30k miles Coolant - every 2 years Engine drive belts - 60k miles but realistically you can just look at it and see if it needs to be replaced (it'll be cracked or start squealing if it's really worn). YMMV Brake fluid - Every year is the recommendation but PERSONALLY i think every 2 years is not a problem at all unless you drive your car very hard consistently (or track the car). The following 2 items can vary greatly depending on your driving habits but you can visually see if the pads are worn. Brake Pads - Every 30k Brake Rotors - Every other brake pad change so around 60k Fuel Filter - 60k Power Steering fluid - Personally I think this could very well be an actual lifetime fill item but you might as well just change it around 60k miles __________________

04-02-2013, 06:01 PM	#19
burakkose Private First Class Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Istanbul Posts: 140 iTrader: (0)	i think i remember people saying that the transmission fluid is a lifetime fill, that has changed ? __________________ I ///M Back ! www.twitter.com/verykingman

04-02-2013, 06:40 PM	#20
JulieDriving Female driving enthusiast :P Drives: Bimmer Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,230 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 335i Coupe [5.00] 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [5.00]	Great topic, another vote to make it a sticky. I've been wondering about the same thing myself. As I hope to keep this car for a loooooooong time (like your Acura NSX - wow), I definitely do not plan to follow the "free" maintenance schedule, and would rather be over-conservative as well. __________________ Present: 2013 M3 coupe (Azurite Black, Black, Piano Black) Past: 2010 335i coupe (Monaco Blue, Cream Beige, Grey Poplar)

04-03-2013, 04:13 PM	#22
e92zero First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 E92 BW Join Date: May 2010 Location: somewhere in US Posts: 355 iTrader: (0)	hmm, where do you guys think water pump would fit in as part of the maintenance schedule? I am used to replacing timing belt/water pumps on other cars at the 100k mark but obviously, we don't have timing belt in the S65.

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