Major Maintenance

[juggalopimp1225]

Ok guys so I am in Afghanistan and I am bored right now so I am trying to figure out what I need to do to the M whenever I get back. The patient is a 98 m3/4/a with about 120k miles on it. I have had it since about 92k and the PO did not have any service records. I use it for daily driving and looking to get a little deeper into auto-x

What I have been keeping up with so far:
Brakes
Oil changes
Tires

What I have so far:

Suspension:
Diff mount bushings
FCAB bushings
RTAB bushings
Motor/Tranny mounts
Rear subframe bushings
Associated reinforcement kits
X-brace
Rear ball joints
Rear wheel bearings

Cooling:
Samco silicone hose kit
Engine fan
Fan clutch
Stewart water pump
Radiator(havent decided on what kind)

Engine:
I think my valve cover gasket is leaking so that

I am also going to be doing all the flushes and refills(power steering, trans, etc.)
This will be my winter project whenever I get back to Ft. Drum so I anticipate this guy being on stands for a while. What else do you guys think I should look at replacing. I just got done reading a thread about how crappy our vanos are and I was wondering if I should just go ahead and rebuild/replace that guy while I have the time. Thanks in advance for your help.

[thedude60126]

I would do a vanos rebuild, flush out all the fluid like you said. possibly front control arms and sway bar/links if your looking to autox more. Also steel brake lines and clutch line.

[juggalopimp1225]

okay im new to working on cars but do i still have a clutch line if i have an automatic sorry if thats a dumb question

[olemiss540]

Also, Do all the belts/pullys/tensioners while you are in there. Worth the money to not have to dig back into it in a year or two.

[nighthawk328i]

okay im new to working on cars but do i still have a clutch line if i have an automatic sorry if thats a dumb question

No, you don't. Only the 5 speeds come with one.

[das borgen]

I would do a vanos rebuild, flush out all the fluid like you said. possibly front control arms and sway bar/links if your looking to autox more. Also steel brake lines and clutch line.
a steel clutch line is a great (possibly the best) way to completely burn 29 bucks uselessly

the performance gain is nonexistant

[Volf]

a steel clutch line is a great (possibly the best) way to completely burn 29 bucks uselessly

the performance gain is nonexistant

+1. Stainless brake lines are also a giant waste.

[juggalopimp1225]

okay belts,pulleys, tensioners dont have a clutch line like i thought and 2 outta 3 say the brake lines are a waste. any thing else you guys think should get done while i got the time. any one else with an opinion on the vanos whether i should rebuild or replace or just leave it alone. thanks for the input guys.

[bmw Drifter]

M50 Intake Manifold, Cold Air Intake, Software, Catback Exhaust, weight reduction, coilovers, Sway Bars, Camber Plates, Bucket Seats

[er1k325]

manual swap :D

[Volf]

For sure get the vanos replaced. New upper chain tensioner and chain while you're in there.

[juggalopimp1225]

sry bmwdrifter should have been more specific, im not looking to do performance oriented mods just trying to refresh the car so i can be one of those cool guys with 300k on the ticker. the performance mods will come after i get finished fixing what may break or is worn out. thank you for the input though i already have an afe cai with it sharked and the m50 will be tops on the list along with a 3.91 diff.

eric i think im just going to leave it as an automatic but who knows maybe after another deployment ill just man up an do it.

volf so just get the vanos replaced and replace upper chain tensioner and chain check....anyone else have anything i should put on the list? you guys have been more than helpful.