E46 parts & maintenance

[Juan Powerblow]

The list of failing parts keep mounting. Last nite, one of my kidney grills dropped off. Good thing it was at my car park so I could pick up the part and went over to Stuttgart this morning for a quick fix where I met Energy. Like my earlier gripe on power window regulator, the kidney's metal exterior is held on to the car's body by 6 flimsy plastic clips. On one side, all 6 clips had broken off while the other side 4 out of 6 clips had broken. I've never had a frontal impacts b4 and can only guess it was due to parking outside in the hot sun on some occassions. Energy's E46 325i is a couple of months older but his kidneys were intact. Anyways, Azwan of Stuttgart was kind enough to source 2nd hand but in good order kidneys for me, so 2 sets came out to total RM120-00 which I think is reasonable considering the original is RM250 each!

I also had a diagnostic done on my airbag warning light which came on a few days ago. It was discovered that my belt tensioners were faulty. To replace, incl. labour would cost me almost RM1,000. I fainted...

I wonder if CKDs got so much more problems than CBU and why these parts are so flimsy for a BMW. Didn't know they're outsourcing the manufacture of these parts in Rep. of Congo or Bangladesh!

 

[flash]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Sep 30 2005, 01:43 PM
The list of failing parts keep mounting. Last nite, one of my kidney grills dropped off. Good thing it was at my car park so I could pick up the part and went over to Stuttgart this morning for a quick fix where I met Energy. Like my earlier gripe on power window regulator, the kidney's metal exterior is held on to the car's body by 6 flimsy plastic clips. On one side, all 6 clips had broken off while the other side 4 out of 6 clips had broken. I've never had a frontal impacts b4 and can only guess it was due to parking outside in the hot sun on some occassions. Energy's E46 325i is a couple of months older but his kidneys were intact. Anyways, Azwan of Stuttgart was kind enough to source 2nd hand but in good order kidneys for me, so 2 sets came out to total RM120-00 which I think is reasonable considering the original is RM250 each!

I also had a diagnostic done on my airbag warning light which came on a few days ago. It was discovered that my belt tensioners were faulty. To replace, incl. labour would cost me almost RM1,000. I fainted...

I wonder if CKDs got so much more problems than CBU and why these parts are so flimsy for a BMW. Didn't know they're outsourcing the manufacture of these parts in Rep. of Congo or Bangladesh!

JB, the car is trying to tell you to upgrade to another new car....

 

[Ade]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Sep 30 2005, 12:43 AM
The list of failing parts keep mounting. Last nite, one of my kidney grills dropped off. Good thing it was at my car park so I could pick up the part and went over to Stuttgart this morning for a quick fix where I met Energy. Like my earlier gripe on power window regulator, the kidney's metal exterior is held on to the car's body by 6 flimsy plastic clips. On one side, all 6 clips had broken off while the other side 4 out of 6 clips had broken. I've never had a frontal impacts b4 and can only guess it was due to parking outside in the hot sun on some occassions. Energy's E46 325i is a couple of months older but his kidneys were intact. Anyways, Azwan of Stuttgart was kind enough to source 2nd hand but in good order kidneys for me, so 2 sets came out to total RM120-00 which I think is reasonable considering the original is RM250 each!

I also had a diagnostic done on my airbag warning light which came on a few days ago. It was discovered that my belt tensioners were faulty. To replace, incl. labour would cost me almost RM1,000. I fainted...

I wonder if CKDs got so much more problems than CBU and why these parts are so flimsy for a BMW. Didn't know they're outsourcing the manufacture of these parts in Rep. of Congo or Bangladesh!

Why are the belt tensioners sooo expensive? I changed mine for RM130 and RM180 for the tensioners. Labour was RM50.

Anyway, good to know my CBU has an extra set of metal cover at the bottom of the vehicle..not sure what issit called....Its very heavy and I wonder why CKDs do not have it...hmmm....

And my mechanic says that some components like piping, nuts etc seems to be thicker and more sturdy compared to CKDs....

 

[stephen]

Juan, ......my Airbag warning light was also due to driver's side seat belt tensioner faulty .....RM580 for part cost & RM60 labour (M-Speed) ... a year ago.

This saturday need to bring in the BMW to see doctor again .... for engine mounting problem supposedly ....causing the seats to vibrate when car in D-auto mode whilst not moving. :cry:

 

[Juan Powerblow]

Thanks guys! I suppose I also have to thank Energy for advising me later to check prices with other places which I plan to do since not so urgent to repair this (I hope...).

 

[stephen]

i am not sure whether u can classify this as not so urgent. As far as i know, seat belts work in tandem with airbags ..... well, you aribag warning light came on isn't it?

I had this problem immediately b4 Raya holidays last year. Tried to get a slot at AB Glenmarie and they said cannot. When i said i was going outstation, and worried that airbag may not work when required, one service advisor even got the cheek to tell me ...."my car also got no airbag what" ....??!!! Some of them give really stupid reasons or answers that you just feel like slapping them.

My airbag sensor warning lights frequently come on whenever under the seats are vacuumed or once when the passenger seat was moved up and down. Sucks. Had to go AB Glenmarie to reset like 4times already. Another service advisor said because people put shoes under the seats and affects the sensitive wiring. I said i do not put shoes. He then said because i got another layer of dust-trap mat on top of my BMW velvet mat and that may have disturbed the wires. What the F@#&?? My dust-trap mats doesnt even move to anywhere near under the seats. Some crazy replies from AB people for you to laugh about.

 

[Juan Powerblow]

My diagnostic reads "(Fault) currently present...belt tensioner, driver... resistance too high". I got no idea what this means. Pertinently, I need to know if this means I have to change the tensioner and cables as recommended by Stuttgart. If it's just re-setting, that won't cost much. But changing the said items is very expensive.

 

[stephen]

latest damage. Changed engine mounting. RM330 for a pair and RM80 for labour at M-Speed.

However, car seats do not have vibration feel now. One of those wear and tear items i suppose but now @ 60k kms?

 

[energy]

Originally posted by Juan Powerblow@Sep 30 2005, 09:39 AM
Thanks guys! I suppose I also have to thank Energy for advising me later to check prices with other places which I plan to do since not so urgent to repair this (I hope...).

No problem man! I just changed my Cooling coil and some valves for RM2500 in DU tyre, a few shops away from Brother Peter, DU. My aircond wasn't as cold anymore.

Juan Powerblow, I locked in a 2.4 Harrier today too for 246k! Getting it next Friday.

 

[3er]

What a rip off just to have that AB stamp in your service handbook!

Location: AB Sg. Besi.
Service Advisor: Stephen Bernard Albert
Date: 4/10/05

Oil Service (41783kms)
-------------

Shell Helix Ultra AB 6.5L - RM 377.00
(BMW Longlife Oil)

Oil Service Labour - RM44.00
Checking function of auto transmission - RM44.00
Programming control unit - RM66.00

Filt.Element - RM57.37
FILTER - RM217.62
CLEANER - RM11.04
Service Tax - RM7.70

---------------------
Total - RM820.73


(I'm going elsewhere for Inspection II next year)

 

[bmchai]

8++ for a freaking oil service?? better than rob bank....

but BMW owners are a stingy bunch aren't we?

 

[3er]

I noticed 318i owners are charged RM168 for 4L of engine oil of the same grade and type. Which makes it RM42 per litre. So a 6 cyl engine takes 6.5L therefore i should be charged RM273. But i was billed RM377!! Rip off!!

 

[mini_jeff67]

Finally changed my lower arms and bushes today - will get the car back tonight and report on labout charges and handling next week...

In the process, discovered that the belts are worn/ cracked, so had those changed for RM25 (5PK590) and RM80 (6PK1706) (labour excluded). Was not able to locate OEMs, and AB quoted RM113 and RM195 respectively (!!!)... so made do with "BANDO" (Japanese but made in Malaysia). Figured that since it's not visible... Anyone else tried b4?

 

[mini_jeff67]

Handling is fantastic after changing the boomerang arms and bushes! Total cost:

1 set lower arms (lemforder) - RM1200
1 set bushes (lemforder) - RM500
1 bando 5PK950 belt - RM25
1 optibelt 6PK1705 - RM90
Labour - RM150

Total damage: RM1965

BTW, was told that optibelt's one of the OEM suppliers - this true?

 

[MRTA.chew]

i performed inspection 2 in early sept at 72k mileage on my 1.9l, at optimum auto kayu ara biz park, pj.

spark plugs x 4 rm146.80
return line (p/steering hose leaking) rm 176
oil filter rm32.80
gasket (oil leaking out) rm22.30
o ring rm7.50
eng mounting x 2 (car vibrating badly at times) rm 372
air filter rm56.30

labour:
insp service rm60
renew eng mounting rm35
renew oil filter gasket rm65
renew p/steering hose rm15

oil:
shell helix ultra 4l rm168
syntheti atf (for p/steering reserve tank) rm18

grand total rm1217.20

bloody expensive but 'reasonable'.

the effect was immediate! the car feels smoother and quieter! the occasional vibration when the car was stationary is gone. the rpm hovered around 700 with N or P gear. very smooth!

after that, i did tyre alignment, and waxing.

the next day, i did atf change. pls go to 'anyone tried emailing BMW Malaysia on the longlife atf issue' at www.e46owners.com forum to read more about my atf change story.

with all these done, my car's in tip top condition, till the next service.

 

[EZ_Raider]

okow Posted: Jun 1 2005, 05:54 PM

Inspection II

Inspection II including old oir disposal RM 220.00
Shell Helix Ultra 6.5L RM 273.00
Steering Fluid RM 4.50
Oil Filter RM 41.72
Spark Plug RM 432.30
Air Filter RM 95.27
Microfilter RM 144.40
Windshield Washer RM 9.77
Fuel Filter RM 313.65
Bolt RM 9.97
Clamp RM 6.90
Ribbed V-Belt (Fan belt) RM 169.76
Replacing Fluid in ABS/ASC+T RM 44.00
Brake Fluid RM 56.28
Replaceing Power Steering Intake Pipe RM 77.00
Intake Manifold RM 112.17
Pipe Clamp RM 5.12Replacing Power Steering Return Pipe RM 77.00
Return Pipe RM 206.28
Pipe Clamp RM 6.20
Replace Brake Front Pads RM 77.00
Brake Linings RM 382.10
Check Funtion of DSC Light RM 33.00
Cover RM 5.26
Bulb RM 50.18

Total Labour RM 528.00
Total Parts RM 2047.00
Lubricant RM 277.50
Total RM 2852.83
Service Tax 5% RM 26.40
Gross Total RM 2,879.23

Hi Sifu,

My 318i E46 just clocked 100,000km and the inspection lamp is on. Planning to do an Inspection. Saw your post, mind sharing the details on where did u do your Inspection II?

As for details, where else would it be advisiable for us to do Inspections other than AB?

Cheers,

 

[okow]

Originally posted by EZ_Raider@Oct 24 2005, 03:42 AM
okow Posted: Jun 1 2005, 05:54 PM

Inspection II

Inspection II including old oir disposal RM 220.00
Shell Helix Ultra 6.5L RM 273.00
Steering Fluid RM 4.50
Oil Filter RM 41.72
Spark Plug RM 432.30
Air Filter RM 95.27
Microfilter RM 144.40
Windshield Washer RM 9.77
Fuel Filter RM 313.65
Bolt RM 9.97
Clamp RM 6.90
Ribbed V-Belt (Fan belt) RM 169.76
Replacing Fluid in ABS/ASC+T RM 44.00
Brake Fluid RM 56.28
Replaceing Power Steering Intake Pipe RM 77.00
Intake Manifold RM 112.17
Pipe Clamp RM 5.12Replacing Power Steering Return Pipe RM 77.00
Return Pipe RM 206.28
Pipe Clamp RM 6.20
Replace Brake Front Pads RM 77.00
Brake Linings RM 382.10
Check Funtion of DSC Light RM 33.00
Cover RM 5.26
Bulb RM 50.18

Total Labour RM 528.00
Total Parts RM 2047.00
Lubricant RM 277.50
Total RM 2852.83
Service Tax 5% RM 26.40
Gross Total RM 2,879.23

Hi Sifu,

My 318i E46 just clocked 100,000km and the inspection lamp is on. Planning to do an Inspection. Saw your post, mind sharing the details on where did u do your Inspection II?

As for details, where else would it be advisiable for us to do Inspections other than AB?

Cheers,

Hey EZ,
Thanks for asking. I did my inspection II in AB Glenmarie. As you can see from my detailed list, I did change a few things too hence bringing up the cost.
As for yours, you are way past Insp II, so I guess, you are asking for a service? Depending on where you live and where's convenient, so the several workshops that have been recomended in our forum before.In fact only yesterday, I sent my car in for flush my ATF (1st time) and after reading and getting a much info as I could before I made my mind up to do it. My ride just hit the 100,000km mark.
You will read in my next post details of my service I did yesterday.
Hope it helps and apologies for the late reply.

 

[okow]

Finally flused and changed my ATF plus others....

Auto Transmission Oil (RM60x11 ltrs) RM660
Auto Gasket RM 42
Auto Filter RM 64
Receiver Tank RM 300
Rocker Cover Gasket RM 98
Oil Seal (RM5.50x15) RM 82.50
Power Steering (Filter) RM 95
Radiator Cap RM 52
Power Steering Fluid RM 20

Labour
To machine Flush Auto Transmission Oil & Replace Filter & Gasket RM 150
To Replace Rocker Cover Gasket & Oil Plug RM 45
To Replace Receiver Tank RM 30.

I was very fortunate as only the previous day, my "coolant low" light appeared and I topped it up. Thought all was well. As I drove to the workshop to have my ATF job done, just about 200 meters from the shop, suddenly my temp went straight up to the "RED" zone. Quickly turned off my a/c and drove to the shop. Popped the bonnet and hot water and steam was gushing out of the receiver tank, IT HAD CRACKED, in the nick of time. Luckily I wasnt "on a dark dessert highway with cool wind blowing in the hair".
I'd like to add that Im happy with the job done and the professionalism of this workshop. They have all the tools and equipment required for the change of transmission oil but more importantly, to do the flush too.
Next recommended ATF change 60,000 km away.
The drive: smooth as silk.............for now.
The shop: Bavarian Auto Works, Tel: 03 77297306/7716
936A, Kg. Kayu Ara, Jln Leboh Raya, Damansara.

 

[kahar]

hi dude, how u doin? long time no c

anyway, a quick one, wuz dat yer 1st ATF oil change eh at 100k mark?

rgds, B)
kahar abdullah

 

[okow]

Originally posted by kahar@Nov 9 2005, 04:46 AM
hi dude, how u doin? long time no c

anyway, a quck one, wuz dat yer 1st ATF oil change eh at 100k mark?

rgds, B)
kahar abdullah

Am fine bro. Yeah, that was my first ATF change. Initially, after hearing from some sources that if you have not changed your ATF before your mileage hitting the 100,000km mark, dont bother. Some say it should have been changed at 60,000km. I cant dont and cant live with "should have's", so I decided to do it anyway but make sure you do your flush too. Although my flushed oil was dirty, it looked quite good, considering the fact that its been used for 100k...no bits and pieces of metal found floating around.