E36 Maintainance Schedule

[anxious]

Model Year 91 and Older
Model Year 92 - 98(including 99 E36)
Model Year99 & newer (except 99 E36)
Description ofService Intervals
All mileages are approximate. 7,500 miles 10,000 miles 15,000 miles Oil Service15,000 miles20,000 miles30,000 milesInspection I22,500 miles30,000 miles45,000 milesOil Service30,000 miles40,000 miles60,000 milesInspection II37,500 miles50,000 miles75,000 milesOil Service45,000 miles60,000 miles90,000 milesInspection I52,500 miles70,000 miles105,000 milesOil Service60,000 miles80,000 miles120,000 milesInspection II67,500 miles90,000 miles135,000 milesOil Service75,000 miles100,000 miles150,000 milesInspection I82,500 miles110,000 miles165,000 milesOil Service90,000 miles120,000 miles180,000 milesInspection II97,500 miles130,000 miles195,000 milesOil Service105,000 miles140,000 miles210,000 milesInspection I112,500 miles150,000 miles225,000 milesOil Service120,000 miles160,000 miles240,000 milesInspection II127,500 miles170,000 miles255,000 milesOil Service135,000 miles180,000 miles270,000 milesInspection I142,500 miles190,000 miles285,000 milesOil Service150,000 miles200,000 miles300,000 milesInspection IIBMW Inspection I Undercarriage

• Change engine oil and filter 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

BMW Inspection II Undercarriage

• Change engine oil and filter 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

I found the above at the following site:- http://www.perillobmw.com/site/service_intervals Also see:- http://www.athensbmw.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions.aspx http://www.gms.cc/maintenance.htm http://www.ultimateautoworks.com/services.html

 

[Lee36328]

Good info, anxious. Thanks for putting it up.

 

[anxious]

The reason for me starting this thread is to discuss what maintainance regime u guys follow for your E36.

If I am not mistaken the service booklets sets out the above details as to what is to be attended to at various intervals based on the service lights.

I for one never believed in the service interval light.

For my E30, I did this:-

Every 6 moths @ 5000km change oil(Castrol Magnatec) & oil filter

Every 12 months @ 10000km oil service + change coolant

Every 24 moths @ 20000km oil service, coolant, plugs, ATF, brake fluid, fuel filter, clean K&N air filter, axle oil

Now wondering what I should do for my E36.

If I use synthetics then should I can extend my oil change to 10000km.
Probably do Inspection 1 @ 20000km & Inspection 2 @ 40000km?

 

[anxious]

Also see

http://www.dvatp.com/bmw/maintenance/e36/


This is a very interesting site where the owner of a E36 had taken the trouble to record his experiece and put it up on the web. Navigate the site, I'm sure u 'll enjoy it.

 

[Lee36328]

I noticed that my lights go out at different km intervals, depending on how hard I drive. If I push it hard, the lights go out at a shorter km interval, at about 8k - 9k km. If I drive gently, it goes out at a longer interval, about 13k - 15k km.

According to your chart about, the standard interval is 10k miles, approx 16k km.

So, my service interval lights are well within range.

 

[infinityKL]

Thx for the input. Btw, could this inspection I and II only be done at AB?

Cheers, sach

 

[anxious]

Yes. But for a car this old most of the owners would hv migrated to specialist workshop who do bmws as AB may be a bit expensive.

 

[LCP]

Yes, the service interval lights are dependent on how hard you push the car... Mine goes down one notch every 2000km or so. But I have known of a friend's 318i going down only 1 notch (4 green bars left) after 8000km.

Anxious, I'm averaging 10000km for an oil change, on fully synthetic, don't think it doing any harm in the long run... it is okay to change the oil more often, pocket permitting.... Btw, I think there's a different service schedule for "heavy duty" usage (including hot weather and getting stuck in jams), search the instruction manuals carefully...

 

[luvbmw]

well.. thanks anxious for the maintenance thingy.. well just few question running on mind.. going to get E36 soon.. but i need to know as well of course some opinion on this E36 maintenance and also what need to be change and do when you get the car.

thanks so much.

 

[viewfinder]

Fuel filter is not must change @ A.B. during Inspection II (for any series)? Hmm....

 

[anxious]

Ok guys while at the workshop today...the whole day, a friend of mine came to the shop.

He owned a E46 318 2002 with 48k km. So far he has only serviced once at 25000km.

Yesterday his temperature went up. He stopped the car and later the car drove ok. He took it to AB to check today but they found nothing wrong.

He then sent it to the workshop I go to. The mech noticed the engine oil already gunky.

So guys dont follow AB serrvice schedule of 25000km unless thats how much u do in a year.

My sugesstion is that regardless pof the lights service every 10k km if u use synthetic and 5k otherwise....better be safe than sorry.

 

[viewfinder]

Ok guys while at the workshop today...the whole day, a friend of mine came to the shop.

He owned a E46 318 2002 with 48k km. So far he has only serviced once at 25000km.

Yesterday his temperature went up. He stopped the car and later the car drove ok. He took it to AB to check today but they found nothing wrong.

He then sent it to the workshop I go to. The mech noticed the engine oil already gunky.

So guys dont follow AB serrvice schedule of 25000km unless thats how much u do in a year.

My sugesstion is that regardless pof the lights service every 10k km if u use synthetic and 5k otherwise....better be safe than sorry.

No doubt about it. See pictures of the gunk to believe. Some more the AB service is not using BMW LongLife graded oil, if it's truly 25000 km worthy in the first place.

 

[anxious]

Found anor interesting article on maintenance schedule wherein the author tries to explain the longer intervals in the modern cars wherein the manufacturer throws in free maintenance but drags out the servicing......very interesting, a must read.

see http://72.14.235.104/search?q=cache....doc+e36+service+schedule&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=14

view it in hmtl

 

[anxious]

I have decided to follow the following schedule:-

Oil Service @ 6 months @ 10000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter

Inspection 1 @ 12 months @ 20000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter
Change Air Filter
Microfilter?
Whatelse??

Oil Service @ 18 months @ 30000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter

Inspection 2 @ 24 months @ 40000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter
Change Air Filter
Spark Plugs
Fuel Filter
Microfilter
Brake Fluid
Coolant
Steering Fluid
ATF & Filter
Diff Oil

Whatelse?

Also what synthetic oil do you guys use/recommend?

Thanks.

 

[anxious]

I read in Total BMW December issue that automatic transmission oil for E36 should be changed every Inspection 2 or 30000miles.

That means

Oil Change 7500milles @ 12000km
Inspection 1 15000miles @ 24000km
Oil Change 22500miles @ 36000km
Inspection 2 30000miles @ 48000km

Therefore ATF should be changed every 50000km.

I would think that u should change it every 2 years.

 

[astroboy]

Wah... not LifeTime meh? Why this magazine is not consistent with BMW practice le? BMW never make noise meh? Or no BMW owner bring this magazine and complaint to BMW..

Why when ask 10 people/engineer, 9 people will say :stupid: and yet BMW continue to practice ler? Who's :stupid: ...... the consumer? :stupid:

I have decided to follow the following schedule:-

Oil Service @ 6 months @ 10000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter

Inspection 1 @ 12 months @ 20000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter
Change Air Filter
Microfilter?

Oil Service @ 18 months @ 30000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter

Inspection 2 @ 24 months @ 40000km
Change Synthetic Oil & Filter
Change Air Filter
Spark Plugs
Fuel Filter
Microfilter
Brake Fluid
Coolant
Steering Fluid
ATF & Filter
Diff Oil

...

That's a very familiar maintenance schedule. Identical as my Toyota! Except the spark plug and brake fluid, Toyota recommend replacement every 20k km instead of what u mention, 40k km. The other headache item is Flush ATF and Service Aircond.. I have been delaying it despite mostly recommended 40k km intervals..

 

[8080pbmw]

i believe the 40K km service interval for the ATF is for long life ATF just like the one filled in factory and supposely for "LIFE".
I believe CS uses regular ATF which I am told to change every 20K km. mine due soon.
Another thing that I believe worth looking into is the installing of additional ATF cooler next to the exisiting one connected in series. I did mine last year and find that the louder noise from gearbox during the stop-go traffic condition is gone. only thing is it needs 0.5L extra ATF. The additional ATF cooler fits perfectly beside the existing one( which is very thin ), this also makes me wonder if there are version of E36 for "hotter" climate which will have the additonal ATF cooler. Just like those extra package for extreme condition where there's the extra cover below the engine bay to prevent dust and water from entering the engine and shorten the life span of the belts and bearing.

 

[anxious]

8080, I recall Chu Seng mentioning 20000km to me too but that wqould mean changing ATF almost every year for most.

I think Chu Seng using Caltex Dextron ATF fluid?

 

[8080pbmw]

yes, it's Caltex