2000 BMW 323i

[Ukrainian]

like 2 days ago i`ve got myself a used BMW....with 126,000km on it.......
i was wondering when i should change timing belt,cuz i guess privious owner didnt........and if anyone could give me any tips on maintanance of that model of BMW.....
Thanks alot ppl

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by Ukrainian

like 2 days ago i`ve got myself a used BMW....with 126,000km on it.......
i was wondering when i should change timing belt,cuz i guess privious owner didnt........and if anyone could give me any tips on maintanance of that model of BMW.....
Thanks alot ppl

You do not have to change timing belt, because these cars have no belts ! They are equipped with timing chain maitenance free, so you do not have to worry about it.If car has not been recently serviced(inspection II), the following things like spark plugs(6 of them), air filter, fuel filter, oil change,new coolant(original BMW every 4 years), new brake fluid(every 3 years) should be changed ASAP!
If car has auto transmission ,you should change transmission fluid, even though these car have lifetime oil in transmission(do not belive in lifetime oil), but be careful these car required special fluid made by Texaco, avilible only at BMW dealerships, you can not mix this fluid with any Dexron , Red Line or Amsoil stuff or you will screw transmission on your car.
Beat regards! Daniel (Ja z Polski)

[Ukrainian]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

You do not have to change timing belt, because these cars have no belts ! They are equipped with timing chain maitenance free, so you do not have to worry about it.If car has not been recently serviced(inspection II), the following things like spark plugs(6 of them), air filter, fuel filter, oil change,new coolant(original BMW every 4 years), new brake fluid(every 3 years) should be changed ASAP!
If car has auto transmission ,you should change transmission fluid, even though these car have lifetime oil in transmission(do not belive in lifetime oil), but be careful these car required special fluid made by Texaco, avilible only at BMW dealerships, you can not mix this fluid with any Dexron , Red Line or Amsoil stuff or you will screw transmission on your car.
Beat regards! Daniel (Ja z Polski)

can i somehow check if inspection II was done or not???

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by Ukrainian

can i somehow check if inspection II was done or not???

If you have original manual and warranty-service booklets , it should be recorded there, if not ask person who sold you this car , where the car was bought and serviced.Mostly "inspection II"is due at 84000 or 96000km(depend on driving style, which on board computer calculate).

[Ukrainian]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

If you have original manual and warranty-service booklets , it should be recorded there, if not ask person who sold you this car , where the car was bought and serviced.Mostly "inspection II"is due at 84000 or 96000km(depend on driving style, which on board computer calculate).

it says that inspection II was done,and computer says that i still have 24,500km to next inspection.
what is inspection III ...is that the same thing as #II?
thanks man

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by Ukrainian

it says that inspection II was done,and computer says that i still have 24,500km to next inspection.
what is inspection III ...is that the same thing as #II?
thanks man

There is no inspection III, after inspection II, again oil service.oil service. inspection I,oil service, inspection II and so on ...
Do you have these original books from this car or not?
If yes you can learn whole procedure from that!

[daniel 61]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

There is no inspection III, after inspection II, again oil service.oil service. inspection I,oil service, inspection II and so on ...
Do you have these original books from this car or not?
If yes you can learn whole procedure from that!

BMW Inspection I
The BMW Inspection 1 Service is the smaller of the two inspection services recommended by BMW. It includes basically all of the items that assures safety and full functionality of your vehicle. Other makes and models can also utilize this maintenance program to ensure a pleasant drive and ownership (But make sure you mechanic says it is OK first). Inspection 1 could cost in the range of $200+ to $300+ depending on who you go to and also if you have any repairs. (Repair cost are not included in the inspection cost) So be prepared to spend more!. If your mechanical skills are high, just DO-It-Yourself! The items that are generally checked are listed below. If you are performing the inspection yourself..

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

Inspection II
The Inspection 2 Service is the larger of the two Inspection Services and basically includes all of the items performed on the Inspection I Service along with some extras like differential oil change; fuel filter and air filter replacements; Replacement of spark plugs. Inspection 2 generally runs around $400+ to $500+..

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

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)
_________________

[nit78]

Originally Posted by Ukrainian

like 2 days ago i`ve got myself a used BMW....with 126,000km on it.......
i was wondering when i should change timing belt,cuz i guess privious owner didnt........and if anyone could give me any tips on maintanance of that model of BMW.....
Thanks alot ppl

I have the same car with about the same KM's. I was thinking about selling it. Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for yours, this way I can consider how much I might want to sell it for.

[Ukrainian]

Originally Posted by nit78

I have the same car with about the same KM's. I was thinking about selling it. Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for yours, this way I can consider how much I might want to sell it for.

the original price was 17,000...but then taxes,interest,and all that bullshit on top of it....
just go to auto trader and see same cars...
hey dude why r u selling it? do u have any problems with it?
for how long u`ve had it? and how was it?

[Ukrainian]

Originally Posted by nit78

I have the same car with about the same KM's. I was thinking about selling it. Do you mind if I ask how much you paid for yours, this way I can consider how much I might want to sell it for.

hey and my car also has sport package......
i think u`ll be able to sell it for 17,000 if u took care of it,through u dont give any warranties as dealers do.
p.s: i`ve got a prety good deal on it,lol,i bought it the second day it came to the dealer

[temantapimesra]

Originally Posted by daniel 61

You do not have to change timing belt, because these cars have no belts ! They are equipped with timing chain maitenance free, so you do not have to worry about it.If car has not been recently serviced(inspection II), the following things like spark plugs(6 of them), air filter, fuel filter, oil change,new coolant(original BMW every 4 years), new brake fluid(every 3 years) should be changed ASAP!
If car has auto transmission ,you should change transmission fluid, even though these car have lifetime oil in transmission(do not belive in lifetime oil), but be careful these car required special fluid made by Texaco, avilible only at BMW dealerships, you can not mix this fluid with any Dexron , Red Line or Amsoil stuff or you will screw transmission on your car.
Beat regards! Daniel (Ja z Polski)

Hi

The last couple times I changed my car's engine oil at the delaer, I noticed that they also changed the microfilter along the fluid.
what is a microfilter and what does it do ?
Is it necessary to replace it every time I change oil ?

I called around some independent bmw repair shops for a quote, they never said anything about it as part of the oil change ?


thanks
TTM

[HikinTech]

The microfilter is the filter for your heating and air conditioning system. Filters out the air coming into the vehicle. I recommend replacing them, they can get pretty dirty.