High Mileage Go Through - BMW Forum

4drEthirtysix · 05-11-2011, 07:06 PM

Hey all, my first BMW...

It is a 99' 323i with 146k on it. I know most of the history on the car(its been family owned)...Are there any major things I need to have serviced soon...timing chain, coils...stuff like that? I know the water pump has been replaced, but thats about it engine wise.

I am used to cars that need a timing belt every 100k..

And help is greatly appreciated!

Thanks all!

devon.818 · 05-11-2011, 08:45 PM

look in the manual.
use the BMW service intervals.
maybe check bushings and endlinks.

jimmythepie · 05-12-2011, 09:41 AM

if you know the previous owners they should be able to tell you at what stage they replaced the stuff like the Bushing. The shock absorbers might be getting a bit saggy at that mileage but BMW ones seem to last almost forever. Many people on buying a new car change the engine oil the gearbox oil and the diff oil. Possibly even the belts, the water pump is a favourite but as that's been done you should be okay. Didn't they give you some kind of service history with it?

Anyway good with good luck with it and let us know how it goes

4drEthirtysix · 05-12-2011, 06:50 PM

With 146k how long with the engine typically last if it has been well maintained?
Do they need a timing chain replacement at some point? Headgasket?

Thanks!

jimmythepie · 05-13-2011, 04:46 AM

the chain should go to 250,000 miles the motor will keep going as long as you replace parts as needed.regular maintenance is the key here. My 328 has now done 123,000 miles all I ever do is change the oil. Oh yeah and filters, I've seen some earlier BMWs with over 500,000 miles on them. So your car if it's been looked after fairly well should keep going for quite some time

4drEthirtysix · 05-15-2011, 09:40 AM

Very nice. Yeah, the car has been in the family over the last ten years....my dad used it as a commuter but always had it in for oil changes and check ups;worn parts were always replaced.
My sister drove it for one year at college(probably the darkest time in its life, because it wasn't taken care of). Once she gave it up for an SUV it sat at my parents for two years collecting dust until it crossed paths with me.

Now it's mine and ready for a new life. I have been driving it daily and slowley restoring it as I go.

jimmythepie · 05-15-2011, 10:29 AM

by the looks of it if you continue to treat it like your dad did you shouldn't have any problems. Here's hoping you get many happy years with.

Photos?

4drEthirtysix · 05-16-2011, 07:07 AM

Here are a few:

ImageShack Album - 5 images

I plan on changing the wheels to a different BMW model once I find a nice set.

jimmythepie · 05-16-2011, 08:16 AM

that seems pretty amazing condition, I think you got yourself a good one. A nice set of evos should set it off nicely

Jack Dabsy · 05-16-2011, 02:25 PM

Timing chain tensioner would be peace of mind for you!

4drEthirtysix · 05-16-2011, 08:39 PM

I'll definitely look into a tensioner...
Once I get some free time I am going to pull apart/check over/and clean the engine bay.
I am looking for wheels like the ones on the Silver BMW under the BimmerWerkz logo at the top of the page.

theluis · 05-17-2011, 12:21 AM

yea those wheels would be pretty nice on your car,, dude these engines go forever, you say they replaced the water pump and i asume they flushed the coolant and changed the thermostat,, just some suggestions.

theluis · 05-17-2011, 12:22 AM

ahh,, the stig is everywhere!!! lol
"some say he has eyelids that close sideways" - clarkson lol

jimmythepie · 05-17-2011, 02:26 AM

some say he lives above a fish and chip shop in Barnsley.

4drEthirtysix · 05-17-2011, 07:41 AM

This guy...lol

Do you guys know what style BMW rims those are?

Yep, years back the water pump actually locked up throwing the belt/fan through the radiator. All that was replaced;that was about 5 years ago.
I need to get it up in the air and check the underside over; it's a great car and I look forward to many years with it!