Used M3 maintenance basics

[E93_newbie]

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Hello again,

Got myself a 2009 70k E93.
The car is in great shape, but I would like some advice on the most common preventive maintenance items outside oil and filters at this age.

By reading posts, I have so far:
spark plugs
rod bearings
PCV valve
Vanos covers

Anything else so I don't get gouged at the shop?

Also, what would be your #1, 2 and 3 low budget upgrades to improve the car?

Thanks bimmers!

[BadgerPride]

For vanos covers, you will have to do valve cover gasket (so that is covered with the work). You might want to do the oil filter housing gasket as it tends to leak. I think when I did mine I had to pull the coolant hoses to access, so you might also add upper/lower coolant hoses; new coolant and thermostat o-rings; and maybe a water pump (while you are there).

If your rod bearing is not yet done, I would consider adding that in it which will cover your engine mounts. You will need an alignment since you are dropping/lowering your subframe so if you want to do the front control arms yeah it would be good to add those in.

Depending on your fluid condition... coolant, brake fluid, trans fluid, rear diff fluid, power steering fluid is never a bad idea.

That is where I would start. It depends on how much mod/upgrade you would want to do, but take care of the maintenance things. First off rod bearing +/- VCG+vanos covers; after 1000 miles you do an oil change to fluid out dirt/debries so you can do your VCG/vanos then + oil filter housing. While at it take care of spark plugs.

[E93_newbie]

Thanks for the reply @[BadgerPride], that helps!

[Fooksdaddy]

Go ahead and plan for throttle actuators as well...

[e39Origin]

DCT service. This transmission is a vital, complex, and expensive component that contributes to e9x M3’s allure, and must be treated with the same proactive care as the engine itself.

At a minimum, plan to replace the fluid, two filters, and oil pan gasket. You may also find that the mechatronics panel gasket could also use replacing if it is seeping, and potentially the mechatronics valve body o-ring that sits atop the transmission.

As a general maintenance item non-specific to the e9x M3, replace the rear differential fluid as well.

“Improving the car” depends on your goals: aesthetics, reliability, or performance. The best modification in my eyes is a paid off car. The second best modification is a healthy and well maintained car. After those, it’s personal preference.

Truthfully, we buy this platform for the engine and the sound it produces. So, it only makes sense to embrace it! Many owners choose to replace the exhaust as a first modification. There is an endless array of options from tame (e.g., Dinan) to beastly (e.g., Eissenmann Race).