Preventative Maintenance

[740il97g]

I'n the process of buying new parts for the new 7


Cooling system

Upper Lower Hose

Bmw Coolant


Valve Cover

Gasket

Gasket Grommets

Spark plugs

Ngk

Oil

Mobil 1 0W40.


The car is not having any issues. But I don't know the maintence history.

If theres anything I left out let me know.

Thanx

[purplecty]

When doin vcgs also do upper timing cover gaskets

[i495 bandit]

Lol!!!

[purplecty]

Whoops! Damn bimmerforum app!

[740il97g]

Thanx. Didn't think about that. Order it can't wait to turn the wrench.

[kimokk]

Oil pan gasket so you can drop the pan and check the oil pump bolts and any other pieces.

[IcemanBHE]

Whoops! Damn bimmerforum app!

Quit using it. :)

[purplecty]

I cant. Im addicted! ;)

[motion]

Oil filter, +1 on the upper timing covers, don't forget #11141736758 gasket ring, new tensioner with gasket ring #07119963355 and, dipstick "O"ring, a couple of spark plug boots on hand, powder coat VC's, assorted plastic clips for wiring and hoses, check the condition of the heater hoses, I like to open the left side wiring box and cutting and installing a connector on the wires going down to the alternator it provides more room to remove and install the VC. On the right I like to disconnect the starter and oil level sensor for the same reason I don't like streching and pulling wire while installing the VC's. Wile you're doing all of the above consider also doing the valley pan up you've already have the engine open from belly to brisket. Good luck

[badwayz]

Nothing...If it's not broke or showing signs of wear, don't throw away money at it.

[redpicker]

Nothing...If it's not broke or showing signs of wear, don't throw away money at it.
This.

Maybe an oil change and drop the pan to check you oil pump bolts, but past that, I think I'd wait to find out what is needed. Having a jug of BMW antifreeze on hand isn't a bad idea, either.

You are probably wasting your time and money on the radiator hoses. Wait until you can fully evaluate your entire cooling system. If you change the hoses now, then you have a problem with your radiator or expansion tank (and, eventually, you will), you will probably be changing those hoses, again. New hoses won't help the system and the upper/lower hoses aren't the common ones to break, anyway.

On the gaskets, see if they leak. Changing gaskets that don't leak is just likely to make a leak where there wasn't one before. Know what you are trying to fix before you start turning wrenches.

If you just want to do something, get INPA software and up and running on a old laptop. By the time you done that, you'll have found a half-dozen things that need to be fixed.

rp

[kblaze325]

what is INP software?

[motion]

Yes it cost money but based onit being a '97 it will need the aboved mentioned. I personally don't trust anyone who sells me a car and says they did this or that, I want it to be my fault if the vehicle screws up. If i purchase a car with 90k plus miles and repair or replace parts and pieces I hopefully can expect to get another 90k fairly worry free miles. Proactive beats reactive.

[purplecty]

I always keep a jug of coolant in my trunk!

[740il97g]

To me its more of a peace of mine knowing these parts are changed. I had a 97 where I didn't change anything until it showed signs of problems. I'll feel better taking it on long trips knowing I changed out these items. The radiator hose I left out of the order they looked fine. I do always keep coolant in the trunk.


The car was at a auction. Stating that it has a newer motor with 90k on it. Does anyone know how to verify this on the engine? The Odometer says 211k

So this week I'll run some B&G through the system. Change the oil, spark plugs a gasket. I gonna paint the valve covers also. Check all the parts while I have everything apart. Drop the oil pan like you guys mention. The car does have a vanos noise until it warms up and a slight shake when its cold. i'll post pics of valve covers once I'm done.

[motion]

Since you're already dropping the lower pan, consider changing the three "O"rings on the pump piping, adjust the chain to specs. Also the oil level sensor "O"ring.

[purplecty]

Since you're already dropping the lower pan, consider changing the three "O"rings on the pump piping, adjust the chain to specs. Also the oil level sensor "O"ring.

What are the part numbers for oil pump orings?

[redpicker]

To me its more of a peace of mine knowing these parts are changed. I had a 97 where I didn't change anything until it showed signs of problems. I'll feel better taking it on long trips knowing I changed out these items. The radiator hose I left out of the order they looked fine. I do always keep coolant in the trunk.


The car was at a auction. Stating that it has a newer motor with 90k on it. Does anyone know how to verify this on the engine? The Odometer says 211k

So this week I'll run some B&G through the system. Change the oil, spark plugs a gasket. I gonna paint the valve covers also. Check all the parts while I have everything apart. Drop the oil pan like you guys mention. The car does have a vanos noise until it warms up and a slight shake when its cold. i'll post pics of valve covers once I'm done.
No problem with taking care of issues before they cause a problem, I just think you need to learn a bit more about the issues before you start to fix them.

You can check by a BMW dealer on the Engine. If it was replaced by a BMW dealer, they will have a record of it. If it was not replaced by a BMW dealer, there is no way of telling.

Before you paint the valve covers, do some research on this forum on painting valve covers. Most people will powder coat them, since it is difficult to get paint to stick well and they will often look worse after painting then they did before. Use the search function and you will find lots of posts on this.

For the INPA software, check out the diagnostic software forum. INPA is a software program that can run on a loptop that will not only give you the trouble codes that causes the check engine light to come on, but a whole lot more information than just the codes. Poke around and you will learn a lot. If you want to maintain this car yourself, I highly recommend INPA.

If you do have a VANOS rattle on startup, you may consider Mobil1 10W40 instead of the 0W40. Some people have reported less rattle using the 10W40. Mobil1 fully synthetic is what you want, though. Unless you are dealing with a lot of cold starts in sub-zero temperatures, the 10W40 is probably fine.

Good Luck

rp