My Project

[myfirstbeamer]

I recently bought a 1996 318Is with 89k miles on it. This is my first BMW and once I'm done this is going to be my daily driver, so far I have done the following:

1) Replaced the control arms and bushings
2) Replaced the front struts
3) Replaced the valve cover gaskets
4) Replaced the oil filter housing gasket to take care of a major leak
5) Replaced the low pressure power steering hoses to repair another leak
6) Performed an oil change
7) Replaced the air filter
8) Replaced the spark plugs

The following I plan on doing as soon as the snow melts

1) Replace the gas filter
2) Replace the O2 sensor
3) Replace the tie rods
4) Get an alignment
5) Buy tires
6) Flush the cooling system
7) Do something with those ugly grey side skirts
8) Replace the rear shocks
9) Replace thee Auto Trans filter and fluid?????????
10) Replace the differential fluid????????

I think that about covers what I have planned for this car, can anyone think of anything else I should be doing? I do not have any records on this car so I do not know how well it was maintained. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[Jeron]

Do these:
Rear shock mounts
Rear trailing arm bushings

Maybe:
Fuel pressure regulator
water pump
thermostat


Check:
belts and pulley bearings
fan clutch

I wouldn't replace the O2.
Unless the rear shocks are bad I'd wait and do front and rear at the same time.

Yes, replace diff fluid
I would replace the tranny fluid but be aware there is a small risk of causing a problem by dislodging gunk.

[myfirstbeamer]

I've updated my list on what's been done and I also added some items Jeron recommended. let me know if anyone can think on anything else.

1) Replaced the control arms and bushings
2) Replaced the front struts
3) Replaced the valve cover gaskets
4) Replaced the oil filter housing gasket to take care of a major leak
5) Replaced the low pressure power steering hoses to repair another leak
6) Performed an oil change
7) Replaced the air filter
8) Replaced the spark plugs
9) Replaced the gas filter
10) Replaced the O2 sensor
11) Replaced the tie rods
12) Replaced both belts
13) Replaced the interior lights

The following are still on my list to do

1) Get an alignment
2) Buy tires
3) Flush the cooling system/Replace thermostat
4) Do something with those ugly grey side skirts
5) Replace the rear shocks
6) Replace thee Auto Trans filter and fluid
7) Replace the differential fluid
8) Rear shock mounts
9) Rear trailing arm bushings
10) Fuel pressure regulator
11) water pump

[Jeron]

Do the RTAB's before the alignment. RSM's shouldn't matter before or after alignment. I would also buy the tires right before the alignment.

[myfirstbeamer]

Jeron, thanks for all of your help.

[Jeron]

No problem.

I have to take back the RSM comment, somewhat. If the RSM's are really really bad then it could effect alignment. Also, get E46M3 RSM's they are stiffer but not so much so that you will notice harshness.

[myfirstbeamer]

Here is the latest update on what has been done.

1) Replaced the control arms and bushings
2) Replaced the front struts
3) Replaced the valve cover gaskets
4) Replaced the oil filter housing gasket to take care of a major leak
5) Replaced the low pressure power steering hoses to repair another leak
6) Performed an oil change
7) Replaced the air filter
8) Replaced the spark plugs
9) Replaced the gas filter
10) Replaced the O2 sensor
11) Replaced the tie rods
12) Replaced both belts
13) Replaced the interior lights
14) Got an alignment
15) Bought Michelin HydroEdge® tires

The following are still on my list to do


1) Flush the cooling system/Replace thermostat
2) Do something with those ugly grey side skirts
3) Replace the rear shocks
4) Replace thee Auto Trans filter and fluid
5) Replace the differential fluid
6) Rear shock mounts
7) Rear trailing arm bushings
8) Fuel pressure regulator
9) water pump

I'm getting ready to take her for a 300 mile drive tomorrow. As of right now she is running well and the front end is nice and responsive, however the back feels spongy and sloppy, I need to get under there and take a look.

[myfirstbeamer]

Here is the latest update on what has been done. Both rear shocks were blown, what a difference. I don't think I'll do the water pump and the RTAB but we'll see.

1) Replaced the control arms and bushings
2) Replaced the front struts
3) Replaced the valve cover gaskets
4) Replaced the oil filter housing gasket to take care of a major leak
5) Replaced the low pressure power steering hoses to repair another leak
6) Performed an oil change
7) Replaced the air filter
8) Replaced the spark plugs
9) Replaced the gas filter
10) Replaced the O2 sensor
11) Replaced the tie rods
12) Replaced both belts
13) Replaced the interior lights
14) Got an alignment
15) Bought Michelin HydroEdge® tires
16) Replaced the rear shocks
17) Replaced the rear shock mounts
18) Flushed the cooling system/Replaced thermostat

The following are still on my list to do

1) Do something with those ugly grey side skirts
2) Replace thee Auto Trans filter and fluid
3) Replace the differential fluid
4) Rear trailing arm bushings
5) Fuel pressure regulator
6) Water pump