Any diesel F30 high milers? Maintenance?

[m0lt3n]

Hi Guys

My car is now at 103 000km and out of motorplan. Soon I will know if our retrenchments ended well for me or not...if it goes up for sale again you will know...

SO, my question, I intend to keep this car for a while, what extra or preventative maintenance can be done on it?

1) I was thinking of having the oil changed at maximum every 10000km, even considering doing this myself as it will be over and above normal services. This should prevent sludge buildup.

2) The fancy gearbox, can I have this serviced at ZF? maybe at 150k km?

3) Anything else?

if you have a high miler F30 diesel, please post your km and what issues/maintenance you have had?

 

[uncle j]

Hi Guys

My car is now at 103 000km and out of motorplan. Soon I will know if our retrenchments ended well for me or not...if it goes up for sale again you will know...

SO, my question, I intend to keep this car for a while, what extra or preventative maintenance can be done on it?

1) I was thinking of having the oil changed at maximum every 10000km, even considering doing this myself as it will be over and above normal services. This should prevent sludge buildup.

2) The fancy gearbox, can I have this serviced at ZF? maybe at 150k km?

3) Anything else?

if you have a high miler F30 diesel, please post your km and what issues/maintenance you have had?

Hi
Changing the engine oil on the diesel as per the vehicle (service/CBS indicator) will be fine i.e. as and when the oil change is required as per the vehicle indicates. Make sure you use good quality oil.
Diesels don't generally have much of a sludge issue if serviced regularly.
The "fancy" gearbox is designed with long life oil which ZF says is to last the life of the gearbox. The dealerships don't change the gearbox oil because there is no service intervals for the gearbox oil (long life oil). A word of caution that if the mileage gets very high and you replace the GEARBOX oil, you may find that the gearbox starts getting issues. I know there is mixed feeling about this, each to his own. The gearbox oil isn't cheap and you are going to battle to fill up the gearbox if you don't have a pump to get the new oil back in so do some homework BEFORE you just drain the gearbox oil.

As for the rest, common sense, if there is a noise, attend to it, don't let it develop into a bigger issue. Check the belts etc

Just my input.
I work at a dealership and we don't really have any problems on the 320d F30.

Regards

J

.

 

[m0lt3n]

Thanks uncle J. That is good feedback.

I wont be attempting any DIY on the gearbox myself, but hear what you are saying. I dont believe much in lifetime oil but I guess it should be fine for a few more years. Guess I will investigate that later again in a few years time, it is still early days for the F30.

On getting the oil service as per the OBC is my bigger concern. I believe it is one thing when a manufacturer states service intervals longer to sell a car that is cheaper to run, and then another when an owner would actually like to take it past 200k km. (plus I do not have much confidence in Castrol oil, my opinion)

But thanks, your reply has put me a little more at ease wrt....if it aint broke dont fix it.... :=):



SO guys...which diesel F30 have the highest mileage?

 

[Donovan2412]

Sparkplugs?:rollsmile:

JK:tiptoe:

 

[m0lt3n]

Sparkplugs?:rollsmile:

JK:tiptoe:

Welllll what about injector servicing....?

 

[uncle j]

Thanks uncle J. That is good feedback.

I wont be attempting any DIY on the gearbox myself, but hear what you are saying. I dont believe much in lifetime oil but I guess it should be fine for a few more years. Guess I will investigate that later again in a few years time, it is still early days for the F30.

On getting the oil service as per the OBC is my bigger concern. I believe it is one thing when a manufacturer states service intervals longer to sell a car that is cheaper to run, and then another when an owner would actually like to take it past 200k km. (plus I do not have much confidence in Castrol oil, my opinion)

But thanks, your reply has put me a little more at ease wrt....if it aint broke dont fix it.... :=):

Hi

FYI, BMW No longer uses Castrol, it is now called BMW original oil which is supplied by Shell.

Regards

J


SO guys...which diesel F30 have the highest mileage?

 

[Hot_Bobby's]

Hi
Changing the engine oil on the diesel as per the vehicle (service/CBS indicator) will be fine i.e. as and when the oil change is required as per the vehicle indicates. Make sure you use good quality oil.
Diesels don't generally have much of a sludge issue if serviced regularly.
The "fancy" gearbox is designed with long life oil which ZF says is to last the life of the gearbox. The dealerships don't change the gearbox oil because there is no service intervals for the gearbox oil (long life oil). A word of caution that if the mileage gets very high and you replace the GEARBOX oil, you may find that the gearbox starts getting issues. I know there is mixed feeling about this, each to his own. The gearbox oil isn't cheap and you are going to battle to fill up the gearbox if you don't have a pump to get the new oil back in so do some homework BEFORE you just drain the gearbox oil.

As for the rest, common sense, if there is a noise, attend to it, don't let it develop into a bigger issue. Check the belts etc

Just my input.
I work at a dealership and we don't really have any problems on the 320d F30.

Regards

J

ZF themselfs say the "Lifetime Oil" is good for about 125K KM and not the life of the gearbox.... change the oil every odd 125K KM and that should keep it happy and the clearances in check.

 

[uncle j]

Sparkplugs?:rollsmile:

JK:tiptoe:

Welllll what about injector servicing....?

Don't scratch if it isn't itching is my moto. I some cases preventative maintenance does help, but sometimes you create problems.

J

 

[EFJ]

The thing with any diesel is servicing it regularly. Also what helps is to add NF diesel additives (there is 2 products) which do wonders for your system and injectors. Another thing to look at is de-cat your beemer. Further nothing but your normal wear n tear items like tyres, brakes etc.

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[DieselFan]

Completely disagree with BMWs service intervals. Change oil at 10k kms.

Take the car to ZF they will test the oil and if your box is good change the oil.

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[Iceman007]

I got my oil changed at 65 000km and believe me the oil was already discolored compared to the new oil. Im happy I did it at 65000km. I recon if you drive fairly then 80 000km would be fine for a 320d. Very expensive oil. the filter is about R2500 for its part of the gearbox oil pan. I think 150000km is to far gone to change oil but ZF will test oil and give you there recommendation is the best option.

I service mine every 7500 km for that nice in the center of each service. I have been doing this since I took ownership at 10 000km and this 320d oil is cleaner than its petrol counterparts at each service interval.

"Thank you for your valued enquiry.
The oil in the picture you sent is Shell Helix Ultra Extra 5W-30 with the BMW Longlife-04 specification.

The product is available at our Distribution Centre only in packs of 12 x 1 Litre.
The cost of a pack of 12 is R906.98 inclusive of Value Added Tax."

This was in November last year for the New Shell oil used by BMW I took a photo of the 200L drum they had and inquired at shell

 

[NS406]

Is it necessary to flush coolant or is it 'longlife' too? Diff oil? These items do not 'appear' to be regular service items?


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[m0lt3n]

Soooo I just had a very nice discussion with ZF.

I thought I would go onto their website and just ask a quote on a gearbox oil change. A guy just called me and gave some detail before forwarding my request to their passenger vehicle sales department.

He is also of the opinion that there is no such thing as lifetime oil, or does lifetime stop when your gearbox breaks...

It seems the 8 speed auto is now very common in a lot of vehicles, and specifically some of the harder working vehicles like F250 and some Defenders and stuff actually do recommend oil changes. In his opinion oil should be changed every 80 to 120k km and even more so if you do a lot of towing or fast driving.

I will wait for their quote now and then try to have it done at 120k km, I am taking the upper bracket as I believe I am safe on the time element as my car have done a lot of long distance driving in a short time.

I will then probably have them look at the diff as well, if they do services there as well and wherever else is possible.

Interesting, he mentioned the oil filter is part of the plastic sump :shakehead:

 

[that_guy_Ettiene]

Soooo I just had a very nice discussion with ZF.

I thought I would go onto their website and just ask a quote on a gearbox oil change. A guy just called me and gave some detail before forwarding my request to their passenger vehicle sales department.

He is also of the opinion that there is no such thing as lifetime oil, or does lifetime stop when your gearbox breaks...

It seems the 8 speed auto is now very common in a lot of vehicles, and specifically some of the harder working vehicles like F250 and some Defenders and stuff actually do recommend oil changes. In his opinion oil should be changed every 80 to 120k km and even more so if you do a lot of towing or fast driving.

I will wait for their quote now and then try to have it done at 120k km, I am taking the upper bracket as I believe I am safe on the time element as my car have done a lot of long distance driving in a short time.

I will then probably have them look at the diff as well, if they do services there as well and wherever else is possible.

Interesting, he mentioned the oil filter is part of the plastic sump :shakehead:

Keep us updated please as Im also looking to do mine as well.

 

[m0lt3n]

ZF is really giving good customer support I must say.

I recieved the qoute already. A bit more than what I was expecting and I am not to sure if everything is necessary but I havent querried anything.

8 Speed ZF Transmission oil change. (Service kit)
-New sump/filter (1piece)
-New wiring harness sleeve
-ZF Lifegaurd 8 oil
-New sump bolts

R5200 excl VAT (R5928 inclusive)

If anyone else goes ahead with this, please let us know? I wont probably get around to it within the next few months.

 

[m0lt3n]

some more info re gearbox:

Hieronder is `n uittreksel uit die aangehegte olie lys wat diens intervalle op die ZF transmissies bespreek: (BMW, Land Rover, Audi, Jaguar, Maserati, Bentley etc.)
5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:
ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed
partially synthetic ATF oils. Maintenance-free fills are intended for normal operating conditions. Especially driving at very high
operating temperatures can result in accelerated aging or increased wear of ATF oils. It is recommended, in the event of severe
operating conditions, such as:
- frequent highway driving in top speed range,
- offensive, sporty driving style,
- frequent trailer operation,
being above average, oil purification (oil change) on automatic transmissions is recommended between 80,000 km and 120,000
km, or 8 years, depending on the load.
In each case, only released ATF oil may be used for oil changes. And oil changes must be performed in accordance with the
relevant specifications.

 

[Waseem 333i]

okay look at e46 diesel and e90 diesel. They are solid cars. F30 is still too new but from our experience with the older cars is service at 10k km. Gearbox service at max 120k km If you wait till 150k km its too late. After 150k km you cant service and just have wait for it to break which at absolute best will be at around 250k km. When it breaks expect a huge repair bill. Check if the car needs oil breather to be replaced. Look at serpentine belts. water pump if its a good one should last 250k km. suspension components. E46 gives issues with vibration damper pulley. How was the car during motorplan? If it had alot of issues then it could turn out to be a lemon. If it didn't then you don't have to worry too much about maintenance. Injectors and hpf fuel pump are also big ticket items but my e46 is at 210k km and hasn't had an issue with those. Be sure to replace fuel filter and air filter whenever you service. If budget allows use liqui moli oil and also if you can chuck in a can of ceretec. Its expensive but its also an amazing product. Don't be afraid to run a car out of plan. Look into having a downpipe fitted. That helps to protect the turbo. If you can DIY as much as you can. E46 is really easy to repair. F30 should be easier.They are really not too bad on maintenance.

 

[m0lt3n]

Hi Waseem
I would like to switch over to liqui moly, just need time to figure out exactly which one to buy. But I will wait one or two services more as at the moment I am just out of motorplan so good will fixes will still be on the cards, but will not be if oil type was changed. I believe liqui moly will be cheaper than BMW rebranded Shell oil.

On what do you base the comment that the gearbox should be serviced at 120k km or it will die at 250k km? Do you know of a diesel F30 with more than 200k km on? Or even more than 150k km?

What is Ceretec?

I dont think any downpipes are available for diesel F30's yet.

You believe F30 DIY will be easier than E46? Why do you say so?

 

[Waseem 333i]

Hi Waseem
I would like to switch over to liqui moly, just need time to figure out exactly which one to buy. But I will wait one or two services more as at the moment I am just out of motorplan so good will fixes will still be on the cards, but will not be if oil type was changed. I believe liqui moly will be cheaper than BMW rebranded Shell oil.

On what do you base the comment that the gearbox should be serviced at 120k km or it will die at 250k km? Do you know of a diesel F30 with more than 200k km on? Or even more than 150k km?

What is Ceretec?

I dont think any downpipes are available for diesel F30's yet.

You believe F30 DIY will be easier than E46? Why do you say so?

With regards to the e46 gearbox, if not serviced in time they will fail. The e90 was fitted with a better zf gearbox. They are alot less prone to failure but I have heard of a few which have failed. On the f30 gearbox, I have not heard any issues because they are still new. I should have mentioned that I am talking of experience with older model cars. Also remember the diesel has alot more torque vs the petrol cars which adds to strain. Rather be safe and do the service then to risk it. You still have time.

Ceretec is an oil additive by liqui moli. It coats the engine internals with a layer of ceramic.

Downpipes are not necessarily off the shelf products. An exhaust shop would build one from scratch.

On the e46 its quite easy to take things apart. You do have to remove quite a few things to do certain repairs. I work on my own car and I had very little mechanical knowledge. I did not battle. The e90 is easier to work on than the 46. F30 should be easier also. I would believe when the cars are designed they are made to be worked on easily to save time in workshops.

 

[m0lt3n]

Thanks for some clarity Waseem

Guys, no one have higher than 100 000km on a diesel F30 yet? Everyone is always so chuffed with low mileage, I think that should be frowned upon, the cars are suppose to be driven....

Post your mileage with pride.... :cartel: