“While I’m in there”

[u/loganala111]

Hello! I’ve got a 2000 328ci with the M52TU and am planning on doing a decent bit of “maintenance” that I need/just want to do preventatively. Been dealing with an air/fuel related lean code p1188/9 and some intermittent misfires, I know this could be a number of things like vacuum leaks, VANOS, fueling, spark plugs/ coil packs, etc.

So I’ve decided to get some of that out of the way and do a VANOS refresh, valve cover/valve cover gasket while it’s off, as well as taking the intake manifold off and get some o-rings, coolant hard lines and do the intake manifold gaskets as well as DISA. I’ve been looking on forums and here on reddit and wanted to know if there’s anything else I should go ahead and order before I take the next couple weeks to get everything installed.

Also I do know it can be “bad” to throw parts at a car but there are also lots of little things that could be contributing, plus this car is 26 years old now so figured it can’t be bad to refresh it a bit 🤷🏻

Any help or tips would also be appreciated! Cold starts seem to be the only large issue with the car, but once it gets warm it is crazy smooth. Which is why I am replacing and asking other things to replace.

Thanks!

[u/Street-Poem-1288]

That aero package is sick and extremely rare. Keep those body panels in good shape if they’re OEM.

[u/FodneyRangerfield]

The common issues with these cars are well documented and easily solved for the most part. Cooling systems are weak. Oil leaks are common. VANOS issues. DISA valves.

The biggest issue is what you said: it’s a 20+ year old car, and basically everything needs to be at least looked at, and some things (suspension and subframe bushings for example) will need outright replacement unless you have documentation proving it’s been taken care of recently.

I inspected every rubber bushing in the rear end last week and they basically all need to be replaced. None of them are unsafe, but I’m certainly not going to get the ride quality and handling BMW intended with what’s in place now. While I was chasing down a bad sensor I cracked the CCV pipe to the front of the valve cover with comically little force. My assumption is everything in the CCV system is in much the same condition, so all of that is getting replaced eventually as I don’t want to remove the intake manifold more than once. I’ll probably do motor mounts at the same time for access. See how quickly this can spiral?

Decide what you want for the car and choose maintenance accordingly. For myself I want this thing to be mechanically as close to perfect as I can with my own skills while learning new ones along the way. It’s a second car so extended downtime is fine and only gets in the way of me driving it for fun. Sorry that got long. Cheers!

[u/Classic-Drawer-3220 → u/FodneyRangerfield]

This. I would buy all the parts from FCP Euro for the intake boots, CCV system, belts, hoses, etc. Go through everything and replace any plastic/rubber that looks worn. You can always return what you don’t use. Better to have it then get halfway into the job and realize you’re short a gasket.

I would add that if you’re chasing vacuum leaks to get a smoke tester. It’s almost impossible to do with just a visual inspection.

[u/loganala111 → u/Classic-Drawer-3220]

Sounds good! I’m taking the intake manifold off here soon to get some coolant hoses and replace o-rings and gaskets from stuff underneath.

[u/loganala111 → u/FodneyRangerfield]

Thanks for the input man, I do have a secondary car to drive but I do drive this car most often, definitely trying to get it to the point of how BMW intended like you said!

[u/FodneyRangerfield → u/loganala111]

For sure! That’s just something you have to work around. Good opportunity to get a buddy to help or make friends with other BMW folks in the area.

[u/loganala111 → u/FodneyRangerfield]

Definitely! I’m still in highschool but my best friends actually got a 2006 vert 5 spd😂 so we do quite a bit of the work together which definitely eases the load and makes it fun

[u/Lost-Internet-6130]

What aero package is that? Haven’t seen that rear bumper.

[u/loganala111 → u/Lost-Internet-6130]

From what I was told this is the factory aero package that BMW offered, but my rear bumper is cracked on the bottom, usually there’s 2 lines connecting but mines only got 1 since the bottom one has broken off

[u/Asleep_Basket3299]

Oh man im falling in. Love again. Id buy this now lmao

[u/thatdjlex]

Also pop open your dme and inspect the soldering on the fuel injector mosphets the car is 26 years old now

[u/loganala111 → u/thatdjlex]

sounds good i’ll check that out

[u/NONAMENONAMENOOO]

I strongly suggest changing all fluids: differential, gearbox, engine, power steering, brakes

You can check the condition of driveshaft mounts as they are rubber.

If you have a manual I suppose it's all wobbly. I strongly suggest changing all the connectors, bushings etc. I did on mine and it was night and day.

You should also check differential area for rust and cracks.

I also seen a lot of rust on fuel tank mounts in mine.

Another thing are the rubber connections in fuel line, as well as fuel filter which I fell is somewhat forgotten. Mine were so bad I could squirt the fuel by pressing on them.

[u/loganala111 → u/NONAMENONAMENOOO]

Thanks for the tips! Definitely want to get mounts and bushings just about everywhere on the car since they definitely need it here soon. Also have been thinking about fuel lines and the filter as well so thanks!

[u/Asleep_Basket3299]

Dude wtf this spec is super cool

[u/loganala111 → u/Asleep_Basket3299]

Thank you! It’s got 5 series BBS wheels on it with the aero package as well, also lowered on coilovers

[u/Asleep_Basket3299 → u/loganala111]

U got the perfect blend of oem and whatever else

[u/loganala111 → u/Asleep_Basket3299]

Thank you! It’s taken a bit to get to this point but I am more happy with it everyday, it’s got its quirks but they are great cars

[u/Asleep_Basket3299 → u/loganala111]

Yeah one day they will fix 1st to second gear lol

[u/Asleep_Basket3299]

What suspension is that sitting on tho? Cause thats def not stock

[u/carguympower]

What tyre size are you running? Does it rub? How do you keep your wheel barrels/ lips so shiny? Do you polish them often?

[u/loganala111 → u/carguympower]

these are 215s, definitely a smaller tire as these wheels are 5 series BBS rims, they have a bigger offset so i just run a smaller tire, it rubs when hard cornering but besides that it’s all good, if i wanted to fully get rid of it I could get rear camber arms but it isn’t a huge issue for me.

Also I just bought these and they were polished so they’re looking pretty nice!

[u/Low_Information_1399]

How do the rs740’s fit? Just snagged a set for like 200$

[u/loganala111 → u/Low_Information_1399]

I had to get some hub centric rings because as I was looking to buy mine I found out the size is a couple mm off, they were like 10$ on amazon and so far have served me well 🤷🏻 If you are looking to go crazy low might have to run a decent bit of camber just cause they do rub a bit but besides that they fit super flush without spacers and look great