Post Purchase Maintenance

[Johnnyj525]

Hi guys, been a long time since I posted on the forums. I used to drive a 09 e90 335i, sold it 4 years ago and fell off the scene for a while. I'm finally back in the game as I'm purchasing an 09 e92 M3 with 65k.

My question for you guys is would you suggest taking it to a shop to get an initial maintenance done on it? The original owner said it was service and I performed a PPI on it. They both check out but do you think taking it to an Indy shop to get it checked out is a good idea?

The idea behind this would be since I don't know much maintenance history would it be a good idea to have an Indy shop take a look, list out maintenance issues, and start a new maintenance log book.

Your help is appreciated!

[shimmy23]

Sounds like a good idea to me.

[SAMM3Y]

I'm sure the Indy shop would love that...

[brettcp]

Go through the DIY guides/maintenance area of this forum and knock out as much as you're comfortable doing yourself.. You'd be surprised as how easy a lot of the regular maintenance tasks are, and not only will you save a ton of cash, but you'll learn a lot in the process (and acquire tools along the way that you may keep for a lifetime). I read somebody on this forum who mentioned recently paying $550 for a spark plug change.. I paid $67 for the set plugs and it was an easy DIY.

[wfdeacon88]

Originally Posted by brettcp

Go through the DIY guides/maintenance area of this forum and knock out as much as you're comfortable doing yourself.. You'd be surprised as how easy a lot of the regular maintenance tasks are, and not only will you save a ton of cash, but you'll learn a lot in the process (and acquire tools along the way that you may keep for a lifetime). I read somebody on this forum who mentioned recently paying $550 for a spark plug change.. I paid $67 for the set plugs and it was an easy DIY.

Great advice. Personally, I have extreme difficulty learning our common DIY's via posts or YouTube videos. For some reason, I don't think I can execute without seeing it in person and having someone walk me through it..maybe it's because it's hard to see in 2D or I'm just a bitch and don't want to mess things up. Wish there was a solid mobile mechanic around me or something.

[LuckiSevens]

Originally Posted by Johnnyj525

Hi guys, been a long time since I posted on the forums. I used to drive a 09 e90 335i, sold it 4 years ago and fell off the scene for a while. I'm finally back in the game as I'm purchasing an 09 e92 M3 with 65k.

My question for you guys is would you suggest taking it to a shop to get an initial maintenance done on it? The original owner said it was service and I performed a PPI on it. They both check out but do you think taking it to an Indy shop to get it checked out is a good idea?

The idea behind this would be since I don't know much maintenance history would it be a good idea to have an Indy shop take a look, list out maintenance issues, and start a new maintenance log book.

Your help is appreciated!

I think you want to bring the basic maintenance up to standard don't you. Either get them to check it or do what I did - the oil and filter, air filters, put a new batt in and new sparks last few weeks while waiting on the title... at least I know that all of that is done and I've saved 00's
do what you can yourself and save for the jobs that require more expertise

[InnerBlueSkies]

change differential fluid

[Grip Addict]

I would always change the oil immediately after purchase unless the service history mentions it directly that 10w-60 was used.

[Transfer]

Oil/filter
Spark plugs (if not done in last 15-20k mi)
Diff fluid
Maybe air filter
Maybe alignment

That probably all you need. If you have DCT don't let anyone convince you to flush fluid unless 100k mi or leaking.

Oh and get some PS4S tires. Worth every penny.

[spazzyfry123]

Did the PPI not give you any indicators of what was due?

[spiderspider]

all good recommendations above. i would probably add brake fluid sometime in the first year.

[Mvy]

Its a good idea to look over any records you have and consider what is due. You just had a PPI, but they just look for obvious things. If TA's and Rbs have not been done then consider starting there. All fluids, belts and hoses are also fair game at that age (depending on the service records).

You have a choice to make, either get in front of these things or wait for them to fail. Its really a matter of of preference and available funds. Radiator, brakes/rotors, are also things to check at this age. If I were you I would put a bit of money aside in an account ready for some unexpected maintenance. You have a 10 year old German sports car. Shit will begin to happen no matter how it was maintained.

[TrueToBMW]

Originally Posted by wfdeacon88

Great advice. Personally, I have extreme difficulty learning our common DIY's via posts or YouTube videos. For some reason, I don't think I can execute without seeing it in person and having someone walk me through it..maybe it's because it's hard to see in 2D or I'm just a bitch and don't want to mess things up. Wish there was a solid mobile mechanic around me or something.

getting into DIY maintenance stuff can be daunting at first, but starting with the basics can be a great way to get started. Plus this forum is a great help, just post up and people will help out where they can, myself included.

As for maintenance, like everyone has said, fluids is a good place to start, won't hurt replacing the essentials (oil, trans (MT), diff, power steering, brake (especially if it's old, dark in color)).
Spark plugs won't hurt and is easy, air filter, cabin filters, check brake pads, tire condition, battery age, belts for wear, cracks, glossing, things of that nature.

Just my $0.02

[TrueToBMW]

Any questions ask away on the thread, or shoot me a PM and I'll see if I can help.

[cjm41]

Originally Posted by SAMM3Y

I'm sure the Indy shop would love that...

You'd be surprised. I tried 4 shops, couldn't get them to keep appointments. $5700 into this car in six months and I have to shop hop and literally beg shops to do the work.

SoCal guys have no clue how good you've got it.

[Johnnyj525]

Thanks for all the advice guys. This has been super helpful. I will take a look at the maintenance section to see what specifics tasks are needed around 60k. The battery, oil & filter, brakes/rotors, and tires were replaced when it went through the sellers shop. The seller owns a small time BMW indy shop so he performed some maintenance and drove it around for 5k before selling it. I will take a look at the belts/fluids though. Any other recommendations are welcome!

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by Transfer

Oil/filter
Spark plugs (if not done in last 15-20k mi)
Diff fluid
Maybe air filter
Maybe alignment

That probably all you need. If you have DCT don't let anyone convince you to flush fluid unless 100k mi or leaking.

Oh and get some PS4S tires. Worth every penny.

this is good advice

[donnyblaze1]

I did the usual suspects on mine shortly after purchase...oil, diff and MT fluid, and spark plugs. It was worth every penny, the spark plugs and transmission fluid especially made a noticeable impact.