[mrtigerb]

This is a repost of sorts. I am continuing my post (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=951701) here because i think its more relevant in the xi community.

I contemplated what to do with an aging e90 330xi AT. 134k miles. Whether to trade it in or upgrade.. You can read the details via the link.
But as for now;

I've decided to make this car a project car. Im not really prepared to make car payments for something of similar caliber. And I'm amazed that with this many miles, the engine still feels lively and strong. So I'm going to reinvest some of the car payments into replacing components and repairs as they arise. I should say that i don't track the car and it serves as a daily driver. Im not looking for ultimate performance, but compared to some of my rwd buddies, i def think you can squeeze more out of this chassis (and maybe a tiny bit more from the engine). Now, the list of upgrades and or repairs:

1. Transmission (AT):
As stated before, i had 2 occasions, in a 3 month span, where i had warning messages via iDrive, and the car revert to a "safe mode". Transmission pan/fluid were replaced 5-10k miles prior by a indy bmw shop. After the second occurrence, i took it to 2 different independent bmw shops. This is what they told me:
#1 - Diagnostic reads 4th to 5th is slipping. They recommend shipping it in for a rebuild.
#2 - Diagnostic also reads that 4th to 5th is slipping. Though they seemed inclined to recommended another transmission pan/filter/fluid change. They were kind of a perf shop and said they don't deal with a lot of auto trannys much less, awd.

Ive been driving cautiously, but haven't seen anything suspicious at any speed. I'm planning on a remanufactured (not rebuilt) transmission, direct from a ZF distributor. Remanufactured for various reasons, but the main one being that its built from scratch and not just replacing the broken "parts". Its for piece of mind, esp. since I'm considering the long haul for this vehicle. Est price for parts based on research: $2800-3000. labor:$500-700.

But not till i get one more sign. Right now, we're at 2 strikes.. I also plan on looking into replacing the bushing for the transmission mounts, whenever the time comes....

2. Oil pan leak
Feedback from both shops:
#1 - The guy behind the counter didn't even mention it. It wasn't until i was talking with the mechanic outside that i learned about it. Upon learning about my plans to keep it and extend its longevity, he said that it would eventually need to be replaced and that its not small job. He said he noticed some leaking.
#2 - Aside from the tranny, they said they noticed leaking from the oil pan and also said it'd have to be replaced soon.

I should have specified but i assume and hope they only mean the oil pan Gasket needs replacing. I don't recall any mention of a crack or structural damage. I haven't noticed any low oil notifications, so i can only assume its a slow leak and most likely the gasket. Its a fairly inexpensive piece yet a long labored job. Shop #1 said anywhere from 6-8 hours. eeeshhh...

Whenever the oil pan gasket gets replaced, they'll need to remove the subframe This led me to the following upgrade list:

3. Subframe bushings
Since they'll be removing it to access the oil pan, I figure why not replace the subframe bushings. I read good things about Powerflex and will most likely pursue this path. The other option being m3 bushings, which i have yet to research.

4. Rear Swaybar
From what i understand, installing the rear sway bar requires removing the subframe. So again, while we're at it... why not. Plans are for the m3 sway bar. Mostly because of reports that it is the best fit and balance and oem manufactured.

Anything else?

Suspension and tires are soon to come, but the vital issues need to addressed, first.

I don't plan and hope i don't have to do the transmission/ oil pan gasket at the same time.. I'd like to put some distance between them but I'm preparing for a hefty service bill this year. Contemplating which to do 1st.... ( to be continued.)

advice/comments welcomed.

[jeguth1s]

You're talking 2 different things. The oil pan gasket requires the front subframe dropped. The subframe bushings and rear sway require the rear subframe to be dropped. I'd recommend replacing the 2 motor mounts and 1 transmission mount during the oil pan gasket replacement.

[mrtigerb]

Originally Posted by jeguth1s

You're talking 2 different things. The oil pan gasket requires the front subframe dropped. The subframe bushings and rear sway require the rear subframe to be dropped. I'd recommend replacing the 2 motor mounts and 1 transmission mount during the oil pan gasket replacement.

Gotcha, for some reason i thought it was rear subframe to access the pan.. Well that def affects my plans..

How'd you do your setup and how do you like it? And which bushings have you replaced? at some point, I'd like to add the eurobox, bmw PE and Coilovers/shock+spiring. My list is almost identical to yours...

[jeguth1s]

Originally Posted by mrtigerb

Gotcha, for some reason i thought it was rear subframe to access the pan.. Well that def affects my plans..

How'd you do your setup and how do you like it? And which bushings have you replaced? at some point, I'd like to add the eurobox, bmw PE and Coilovers/shock+spiring. My list is almost identical to yours...

I still love my set-up. I didn't go with coils because of cost. I have powerflex bushing inserts. I would def go with full bushing replacement. I did the rear sway myself. Would def go faster the 2nd time around
The PE minus the 2nd cats sounds fantastic!

[jeguth1s]

Also, I'm sitting @ 125k. Just had the following service done:
Oil pan gasket
Intake mani gaskets(had engine cleaned after oil leaks, dried out gaskets)
Engine mounts
Front drive shaft(hopefully you wont have this issue in FL)
Oil separator hoses
Both Vanos solenoids
Valve cover gasket
Oil filter housing gasket

All this was not preventative. Was have issues with it all minus the mounts

And now I have a rear main seal leak. It never ends!

[mrtigerb]

oh man... thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for those things.

I assume you looked at the koni yellows in addition to the bilsteins? What made you go with the bilsteins? I ask bc the yellows are on sale and adjustable dampening. Yet, i hear the Bils are tough as nails.. but feel that way too?

[jeguth1s]

Originally Posted by mrtigerb

oh man... thanks for the heads up. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for those things.

I assume you looked at the koni yellows in addition to the bilsteins? What made you go with the bilsteins? I ask bc the yellows are on sale and adjustable dampening. Yet, i hear the Bils are tough as nails.. but feel that way too?

Got the Bils on sale. No complaints thus far.