70,000 mile tune up on 3.0i (Finally done)

[gregwx5]

hey guys and girls,
My 3.0 just hit 70,000 miles. I am planning on doing the following and have questions about the products I should use...I will be doing the work by myself with my mechanic friend. If anyone one could advise me on any tips or have done any of the maintance please comment

Filter and oil change: Castrol Syntec 5w-30
Tranny fluid and filter: ?
Fuel filter: OEM BMW (location ?,is this a difficult replacement?)
Differential Fluid: ?
Cabin air filters: OEM BMW dealership
Spark Plugs: ? (OEM or Bosch)

Thanks in advance,
Greg

[gregwx5]

No one has any advice?

[JCL]

Well, you asked on a Friday, so they are probably all in the Lounge.....

The following are my opinions and recommendations.

Filter should be OEM. Not worth trying anything else.

I use Castrol Syntec, viscosity as per your manual. I don't worry about the various long life labels, where the Castol oil is sourced from, whether oil A or M is better on the track, etc. Also, it isn't in there long enough to matter to me (mine gets changed every year, even though the km are low). Cleanliness matters more than lab specifications to me.

Transmission fluid (assume it is Steptronic): Look on the X5world home page for an article on how to do it. Bit of a pain, as you will only get approx 50% of it out, the rest is in the torque converter. You can change it several times, getting more each time, or just accept that only half of it is new and fresh. This is a discretionary change in any case, as it is rated as lifetime fluid by BMW. Not a bad idea to do it, at least if you are going to keep it for another 70,000. I would pick up the fluid at the dealership.

Fuel filter: never done it. Seems like a hassle.

Diff fluid: Similar to transmission, it isn't recommended by BMW but it is not a bad idea if you are keeping the vehicle for another 70,000. Pick up the fluid at the dealership.

Cabin filter: OEM, dealership. I think there are two versions/part numberss, one with charcoal and one without, IIRC. If so, there is a price difference.

Plugs: OEM, dealership.

To me, for the minor cost involved, I would just buy from the dealership for all of it. You can shop the autoparts stores, or get into a debate about Amsoil and Redline, etc, vs Castrol, but to me, doing it is more important than miniscule differences between oil brands, etc. Besides, half of the items on your list are only available at the dealership. Good luck.

Jeff

[gregwx5]

Well I finally got around to doing my tune up. I replaced both the a/c and drive belts, spark plugs, oil and filter, and coolant flush....yesterday I took the X on a CAPE RUN sponsored by Xtreme Clean detailing in Weymouth...I was pushing the X real hard (85-128mph the whole way down in manual mode, rpm rarely dropped below 3000)....I was surprised at my 15.7 mpg as apposed to my 14.3 pre tune up....and everything feels so smoothe (that could be psycological). After disconnecting my battery and starting up the x for the first time I had the dsc and brake light come on...I searched the WORLD and found the solution about turning the wheel from lock to lock..I immediately went and tried it..the lights went off....X5world is awsome!!

Here is a link to a very few pics..still good turn out despite flood warnings!! I was the only X! There will also be a Newport and NEW YORK RUN will post more info later! Ohh ya note the 2007 911 Turbo that paid a visit..only 97 miles on it and was bought the friday before the meet! (its in the second link)

http://duey170.smugmug.com/gallery/1600825/1
http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b8...pe%20Run%2006/
http://duey170.smugmug.com/gallery/1600825/11/77762854
http://duey170.smugmug.com/gallery/1600825/12/77766730