While replacing coolant thermostat....

...Is there anything I should replace while I'm in there?

Plugs? Coolant connectors?

Thanks!

If plugs have more than 30,000 miles I'd just replace them since air box is already off.

Lube the throttle actuator linkages until no more squeaky sound.

If you lube the butterflies and springs to eliminate noise, remember to not put any lubes of any kind on the plastic ball clevises. Lubricants there will attract grit and debris which will introduce slop over time. One engine I serviced someone had lubed those and the eventual slop he caused created codes that made it seem like his actuators had started to fail.

Other than that, just replace the sensor. There's not much that needs to be serviced there preventatively unless you're miles are nearing 100k.

deansbimmer wrote

If you lube the butterflies and springs to eliminate noise, remember to not put any lubes of any kind on the plastic ball clevises. Lubricants there will attract grit and debris which will introduce slop over time. One engine I serviced someone had lubed those and the eventual slop he caused created codes that made it seem like his actuators had started to fail.

Other than that, just replace the sensor. There's not much that needs to be serviced there preventatively unless you're miles are nearing 100k.

Thanks.

I'm at 86k, currently.

And I just replaced both throttle body actuators 2k miles ago.

deansbimmer wrote

If you lube the butterflies and springs to eliminate noise, remember to not put any lubes of any kind on the plastic ball clevises. Lubricants there will attract grit and debris which will introduce slop over time. One engine I serviced someone had lubed those and the eventual slop he caused created codes that made it seem like his actuators had started to fail.

Other than that, just replace the sensor. There's not much that needs to be serviced there preventatively unless you're miles are nearing 100k.

What is the correct lube to use and is there a diy?

noremaC wrote

...Is there anything I should replace while I'm in there?

Plugs? Coolant connectors?

Thanks!

Here's the diy in case you missed it http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=928400

There are 4 orings p/n 11537835497 that are $2.50 each that would be nice while you have it apart https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/o-ring/11537835497/


The coolant temp sensor p/n 13621433076 while you're at it? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/temperature-sensor/13621433076/

JsL wrote

Here's the diy in case you missed it http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=928400

There are 4 orings p/n 11537835497 that are $2.50 each that would be nice while you have it apart https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/o-ring/11537835497/


The coolant temp sensor p/n 13621433076 while you're at it? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/temperature-sensor/13621433076/

+1

I replaced the o-rings and temperature sensor as well. Careful when reseating those couplings with the o-rings. Somehow I managed to snag an o-ring while putting it back in and ended up destroying it. Didn't know until I leaked out all my coolant during a 15 minutes test drive. Either be prepared to re-use an old one or purchase a spare.

JsL wrote

What is the correct lube to use and is there a diy?

I don't recommend lubricating anything up there and neither does BMW, so there is no 'correct' lube. It's not a sealed area so putting oils there can cause more bad than good as dirt builds up there. You can't hear them when the engine is running so it really shouldn't matter if they're a little noisy when it's off. I specifically wanted to post the hazard of oiling the plastic clevises but people can do what they want.

Change the water pump too

monterey wrote

Change the water pump too

Why? The water pumps have been reliable. I've done thermostat replacement and temp sensor replacement (preventative), but I don't see the utility for replacing a part that seems to be durable and hasn't given (maybe not many, haven't seen much if anything on the forums re the water pump) anyone any trouble.

JsL wrote

Here's the diy in case you missed it http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=928400

There are 4 orings p/n 11537835497 that are $2.50 each that would be nice while you have it apart https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/o-ring/11537835497/


The coolant temp sensor p/n 13621433076 while you're at it? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/temperature-sensor/13621433076/

The O-rings on the hoses at the front of the housing are different. I didn't buy these when I got my parts, so of course I am sure I nicked one of them. I wish I had run the engine before I reassembled the plenum and airbox. I have a leak in there somewhere now.

Is there a recommended technique for the reassembly? Or maybe a part number for the orings that fit inside the connectors at the front?

Thanks!

VictorH wrote

Why? The water pumps have been reliable. I've done thermostat replacement and temp sensor replacement (preventative), but I don't see the utility for replacing a part that seems to be durable and hasn't given (maybe not many, haven't seen much if anything on the forums re the water pump) anyone any trouble.

Because it's cheap, you're right there and why wait for it to fail and leave you stranded?

doogee wrote

Because it's cheap, you're right there and why wait for it to fail and leave you stranded?

Because replacing a good part with a broken one is a real possibility anytime you install a new part "preventatively"? Because that thinking can snowball into why not replace the whole car while you're in there?

Richbot wrote

Because replacing a good part with a broken one is a real possibility anytime you install a new part "preventatively"? Because that thinking can snowball into why not replace the whole car while you're in there?

Okay easy now, preventative maintenance is important within reason. I'm not saying to change all the pullies and engine accessories too.

I dont like the risk of waiting for parts to fail. I could be sitting in traffic or at a track day and a waterpump failure is sure to ruin my day when I could of spent under $200 to not have to worry about it for years.

Water pump is $500, so not trivial for an unnecessary repair.

Locksmythe wrote

Water pump is $500, so not trivial for an unnecessary repair.

Not sure where you're getting your prices but I paid $195 and I have to pay the Canada tax!

doogee wrote

Not sure where you're getting your prices but I paid $195 and I have to pay the Canada tax!

https://getbmwparts.com/parts/2009/BMW/M3/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=COOLING%20SYSTEM&group=COOLING&subgroup=WATER%20PUMP&component=Water%20pump&partnumber=11517838201&vehicleid=206887&siteid=214672

Locksmythe wrote

https://getbmwparts.com/parts/2009/BMW/M3/index.cfm?action=partDetail&section=COOLING%20SYSTEM&group=COOLING&subgroup=WATER%20PUMP&component=Water%20pump&partnumber=11517838201&vehicleid=206887&siteid=214672

Look elsewhere, that is way overpriced.

http://www.autopartsway.com/partlist.cfm?bmw/2008/m3/base/4.0l-v8/allb/cooling/water-pump-and-related-components/engine-water-pump/pagenum1/tabs

$150 while you're in there is a no brainer for me.

Locksmythe wrote

The O-rings on the hoses at the front of the housing are different. I didn't buy these when I got my parts, so of course I am sure I nicked one of them. I wish I had run the engine before I reassembled the plenum and airbox. I have a leak in there somewhere now.

Is there a recommended technique for the reassembly? Or maybe a part number for the orings that fit inside the connectors at the front?

Thanks!

Crap, so I bought to wrong orings...

check out ECS's Thermostat replacement kit: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/thermostat-replacement-kit/11537836155kt/

FWIW, It shows 4 of the same Orings.

If you look on ebay there is a seller blowing out some new in box genuine BMW water pumps for $150. I picked up a couple...

JsL wrote

Crap, so I bought to wrong orings...

check out ECS's Thermostat replacement kit: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/thermostat-replacement-kit/11537836155kt/

FWIW, It shows 4 of the same Orings.

Where do the 4 Orings go? I only had 2 like this on the housing. Should they have been doubled up?

Locksmythe wrote

Where do the 4 Orings go? I only had 2 like this on the housing. Should they have been doubled up?

Those two small tubes separate from the main thermostat housing and transfer pipe. There are two o-rings per pipe, 4 total.