Just hit 90k - Time for some maintenance

[mylifeasapc]

My 04 3.0L is due for some preventative care. I've maintained4-5k oil changes for life but have yet to get into any serious work. She runs like a champ and I'd like to keep it that way.

Here's what I was thinking:
-Plugs and Coils (Bosch)
-Struts and Springs (Eibach)
-Sway Bars and Endlinks (Eibach)
-SS Brake Lines
-Air Filter or Intake
-Fuel Filter
-O2 Sensors

Drain and Fill:
-ATF with Filter
-Brake Fluid
-Power Steering
-Final Drive
-Coolant

Anything else any of you would recommend? I was leaning towards Redline fluids for most of the above. If you have any feedback its greatly appreciated!

[JCL]

If you are planning to do all fluids do both differentials, and the transfer case. Transfer case is a special BMW fluid

Add in all coolant hoses. Some would add the water pump, thermostat, and expansion tank to that list

[Icer006]

I would skip the suspension stuff and SS brake lines, unless you need it, then go with OEM.

Add coolant expansion tank and coolant flush. Water pump if you have the budget. I'd wait for the tstat to "fail."

[bgsquad]

and it would be a good a idea to have a look at your CV boots, and the intake manifold and/or Disa valve for any unusual hissing/wistleling/ratling...

[ECS Tuning]

For the transmission we suggest D4 RedLine, I have trans service kits available HERE. But as JCL stated the transfer case uses a BMW specific fluid, I highly suggest it over other options and have it available HERE. HERE is a link to the section of our site that is specific for your 3.0.

Sounds like you are on track with keeping well ahead of the ball with your X5!

ECS Tuning

[tmv]

Originally Posted by Icer006

I would skip the suspension stuff and SS brake lines, unless you need it, then go with OEM.

Add coolant expansion tank and coolant flush. Water pump if you have the budget. I'd wait for the tstat to "fail."

I wouldn't risk to be stranded for a $60-part failed. Why wouldn't one replace it while doing a cooling system overhaul at that mileage?

[Icer006]

Originally Posted by tmv

I wouldn't risk to be stranded for a $60-part failed. Why wouldn't one replace it while doing a cooling system overhaul at that mileage?

tstat typically fails OPEN, not closed.

[Icer006]

...and unless you're driving with an unknown condition of your car, it shouldn't leave you stranded if you're on top of things (by "on top of things," I don't mean replacing everything just because they *might* fail)

[HuskerX5]

Just did all the fluids myself at 60k on my 4.4i with all OE fluids. To include, Transmission fluid and filter, front and rear differentials, Transfer case, coolant, engine oil and filter and brake fluid. What a huge comfort to have all fresh fluids onboard.

That said, after working at the dealership, I can tell you with 100% confidence that if you have a higher mileage X5, say 75k miles or more, and have NOT changed the transmission fluid, I would recommend NOT doing it. I have seen more transmissions fail after a high mileage fluid change than you would think. The dealerships are starting to make clients sign a waiver stating that the service adviser has informed them that if they do select to change the fluid, if it fails the dealership will not be held liable. It only takes a few thousand miles for it to fail, and I have seen many of these.
My recommendation is to change it before 60K miles and start questioning it after that. If you know its been changed in the past, then no problem.

I see the Redline product line has been recommended by one of the vendors. Again, your choice and I know it is pretty good stuff. That said, if you have a vehicle that is under warranty or BMW CPO warranty, if the components fail, and you are not using OE fluids, they CAN deny your warranty. I know, I know, the non OE fluids "meet or exceed" the OE specs and all that warm and fuzzy wording. Still, once your failed part gets back to BMW for dissection and they test the fluid (and they will), ultimately they are the ones deciding whether your not your failure will be covered. I have seen this not go well for clients I have seen at the dealership. So...ask if Redline or whatever other brand, will stand behind their product and cover the $6k-$8k transmission replacement if it should fail and the BMW engineers decide they don't like the fluid and feel it was a factor in it failing. If you are out of warranty, go with make you sleep better at night. For the cost difference, which really isn't that much if you buy at a discount at some dealerships, I will always use OE fluids in my X5.

I always have a problem with people that feel the BMW engineers are not smart enough to design a lubricant that works best with the systems they also design. All of the fluids used in BMW's are custom blended with specific additive packages designed for each component. Even if it says Castrol or whatever on the package when you get it at the dealership, it has NOTHING in common with any fluid available at your local parts store or online supplier.

Hey, just my observations and experiences....ultimately decide for yourself.

[tmv]

Originally Posted by Icer006

tstat typically fails OPEN, not closed

on typically

Originally Posted by Icer006

...and unless you're driving with an unknown condition of your car, it shouldn't leave you stranded if you're on top of things (by "on top of things," I don't mean replacing everything just because they *might* fail)

Originally Posted by Icer006

I would skip the suspension stuff and SS brake lines, unless you need it, then go with OEM.

Add coolant expansion tank and coolant flush. Water pump if you have the budget. I'd wait for the tstat to "fail."

It depends on one's definition of "preventative maintenance"