factory maintenance recommendations

[brothersinc1]

Hello,
I just acquired an '96 328i. Does anybody have a link as to the factory maintenance schedual and what work dealers do at different mileage marks.

Thanks Robert

[supertack]

Here's a link to BMW suggested Inspection 1 , and inspection 2.

BMW Inspection

[Wayne 962]

I Believe this info is direct from BMW...

I

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.



Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

[Wayne 962]

II

Undercarriage
Change engine oil and filter oil while engine is at normal operation temperature.
Check transmission for leaks.
Check rear axle for leaks.
Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks.
Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.
Check power steering system for leaks.
Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads.
Examine brake disc surfaces.
Clean brake pad contact points in calipers.
Grease wheel center hubs.
Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc.
Check front control arm bushing for wear.
Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning.
Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary.
Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary.
Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.
Check thickness of parking brake linings.
Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots.
Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.


Engine Compartment
Read out diagnostic system
Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks.
Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary.
Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required.
Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary.
Check air conditioner for operation.
Reset Service Indicator.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace intake air cleaner element.


Body/Electrical Equipment
Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required.
Perform batter load test.
Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights.
Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.
Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.
Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch.
Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.
Check condition and function of safety belts.
Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges.
Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches.
Check central locking/double lock.
Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter.
Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.
Check rear view mirrors
Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.


Final Inspection
Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

[Wayne 962]

These are the recommended interval for models years from 1986 through 1998 models, more frequent inspections are essential if driven in extreme conditions:



5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
10,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
15,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
20,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
30,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
40,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
45,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
50,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
60,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
70,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
75,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
80,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
90,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)



For 1999 and later models, the recommended service/inspection intervals are as follows:


5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
10,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
15,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
20,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
30,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
40,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
45,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
50,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
60,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
70,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
75,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
80,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
90,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
100,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)



Oil and Safety Service (O/S)

Inspection I Service (I/1)

Inspection II Service (I/2)

Intermediate oil service (O/F)

[brothersinc1]

Thanks guys. This forum is great! You just saved me a truck load in dealer fees. And because you took the time I'm going to buy your book. The articles I looked at are written very well. And you go through the obvious steps in a nice way for the noob like me. ( Unlike other manuals "remove door lock actuator" Yeah sure! "assembly is opposite of removal" Really I didn't know that in fact its not even out yet. )

Thanks,
Robert

[brothersinc1]

So I gather from the maintenance list that you are supposed to change the oil every 5000. Or does the O/F (intermittant oil service) just mean to check the dip stick. I have heard that you change the BMW synthetic oil about every 15,000. Is this true, or does the chart instruct me to change it every 5000?

Thanks,
Robert

[Wayne 962]

You should really check the dipstick every other time you fill up with gas. 5000-6000 these days is find for oil change intervals - just make sure that the levels don't get low...

-Wayne

[Jeron]

The E36's did not come with synthetic oil so the service interval was 5k.

I change my synthetic on a 6mo/7500 interval and my natural oil on 6mo/5k interval.

[brothersinc1]

96 328i My car now has 93,000 miles. Dont I need to change the timing belt/chain sometime. I dont see it listed on the maintenance items. I am assuming it has never been done b/c the dealer has now record of it. Hopefully its a chain and I dont have to mess with it every 50,000 miles.
Thanks
Rob

[Jeron]

It's a chain and it has no service interval, meaning there is no recommendation to replace it. I haven't heard of one failing, yet....

There is a hydraulic chain tensioner, run off engine oil pressure, that should be changed when the chain starts making noise. I haven't changed mine yet at 105k, but I am keeping an hear out for it.

[Wayne 962]

Chains do "stretch" though. I say stretch lightly, as they actually wear around the joints of the chain and become loose and longer. This is somewhat common on the 911 engine chains. You would see a problem if the chain tensioner was fully extended against the chain.

On the other hand, I haven't seen a chain wear this much to cause this particular problem on a BMW engine...

-Wayne

[Mr Hugo]

Thanks for the info guys as I have the same vehicle and am going to do as much of the servicing myself.
No recent service history came with the car as I got it from an auction, all I know is it had a new short block and pistons 43.000 miles back main dealer fitted.
This is a great forum and I am glad I found it.

[Wayne 962]

Mr Hugo, make sure you get a copy of the 101 Projects book (http://www.101projects.com) - it's essential to the DIYer...

-Wayne