Full fluid change

[Mac]

Soo,

It's been a while since I've been on here (other hobbies take the rest of my time!) but with the zed reaching its 12th birthday next month I think it's time to pamper her a little. She's on 18.5k on the clock and only just had the original tyres changed due to cracks (loads of tread left)

So I need to prepare a full fluid change this year, in stages. Any recommended oils/additives?
I am planning on using bmw spec fluids where I can.

Things on my mind;

Oil change (should I flush with any additives?)
Coolant change (I'll probably remove the rad and reverse flush it too)
Gearbox oil
Rear diff (no idea if it's even servicable)
Brakes
Power steering

 

[joey]

flush always a good idea..on both the engine and rad..gearbox oil I would leave at that mileage same for rear diff and power steering..

brakes not sure TBH can't imagine you have any problems at that mileage...

things like hoses,bushes, all the rubber stuff basically are your main points to check..and gunk int bottom of the tank can clog injectors ...i'm sure you know this stuff! stop me if you have heard it before...but its those kind of things that can rot when a car is sat for long periods..

 

[Mac]

Fair point, will have to give all the rubbers a once over too...

Still tempted to do the gearbox anyway as it's pretty tortured in there and as you guessed she spends a lot of her time on the drive.

12 Years will still degrade an oil in my humble opinion. And it gives me another reason to tinker under the car...

 

[GazHyde]

I've had the gearbox oil changed on both my '99 and '01 Z3's and well worth the effort. Diff oil changed on my 2.2 at the last service too. The fluids aren't expensive and if you've got the time I'd go for it Mac.

Opie oils are worth while contacting for the fluids, and the website will also tell you which you need.

 

[Mac]

Gravy; over to opie oil site now...

 

[joey]

fair enough, it can't do any harm to change the oils in the gearbox and diff, I will be getting both done at next service but then mine is on 60k..

still low for a 98 car but nothing on your 18k!...i'd do that in about 8 mths..

enjoy the tinkering!

 

[t-tony]

At work we use Forte products. I will stick my neck out and say that they are excellent. If it was me I would use their engine oil flush and petrol system additive. I have used both on my car and put the engine oil flush in for 2 days before changing the oil. The Forte rep. says he does this on his Honda as their product has great lubricating properties as well as cleaning/flushing . I did change the Auto box oil and filter too last year. Got the filter and sump gasket of eBay. 12 years will degrade lots of things on cars so you can't beat having a very good look under your car regularly. please don't leave it o your M.O.T. to tell you about any possible problems.

 

[joey]

t-tony..I too have the auto box..and have been on the fence re an ATF change..what mileage was the car on when you did this? an did you notice any improvements...my gearbox is behaving very well but i'm thinking a pre emptive maintenance schedule on some things could be in order..

on the list is

water pump

gear box

injector clean (ultrasonic)

 

[Mac]

Yeah, I'm lucky to be able keep the zed for sunny days only. The lolvo takes the mileage and as long as I'm not fecking around under that too, the zed can be in pieces as long as it needs to be.

 

[Mac]

The volvo guys are very pro auto gearbox oil changes, and recommend changes every 80k or 5 years. If not, the oil starts to leave a varnish type residue on the internal valves.

I know volvo use Aisin-Warner boxes; not sure if BMW make theirs in house?

 

[t-tony]

t-tony..I too have the auto box..and have been on the fence re an ATF change..what mileage was the car on when you did this? an did you notice any improvements...my gearbox is behaving very well but i'm thinking a pre emptive maintenance schedule on some things could be in order..

on the list is

water pump

gear box

injector clean (ultrasonic)

My car had approx. 80k when I changed the gearbox oil and filter, and It did improve the gear shifts. I hadn't experienced any issues with the gearbox but I thought it was time to do it. Also a friend at work had the oil changed on his 7 series a couple of years ago and said to me it improved his.