What service to do??

[daveg520]

This Jan. I will be driving my 03 X5 3.0 from MA to FL, she has a little above 75000 on her, I made a list of things I want my mechanic to change/check. Can you guys look over it and add or remove any thing.
Fuel filter
Water pump
Oil change
Air & cabin filter
check brakes
change brake fluid
Change trans fluid
Check suspension & axle boots
Change spark plugs
F & R diff fluid
Transfer case fluid
power steering fluid
check all hoses and belts

Thanks!

[///Bruce]

How about the timing belt?

[sethro]

Originally Posted by ///Bruce

How about the timing belt?

I was always under the impression that the X5 had a timing chain

[///Bruce]

I would not put it past BMW to opt for a rubber/cloth belt. Remember, these are the same guys that installed a water pump in the 95-99 M3's with a plastic impeller on a steel shaft!

Verify!

[sprocket1200]

it is really not that far of a trip. what do you SI lights say?

[JCL]

Fuel filter - not a bad idea
Water pump - not a bad idea, and change the hoses at the same time
Oil change - only if it is due, and add an oil filter as well
Air & cabin filter - only if it is due
check brakes - good idea, front and rear
change brake fluid - only if it is due, which is every 24 months
Change trans fluid - bad idea before a trip, as it can lead to trans failure. Do it when you are going to be near home for awhile
Check suspension & axle boots - excellent idea
Change spark plugs - early, but not a bad idea if it is running rough
F & R diff fluid - not a bad idea
Transfer case fluid - not a bad idea
power steering fluid - not worth changing, but check the level
check all hoses and belts - excellent idea

Plus:

Change engine coolant if it hasn't been done yet (due every four years)
Check all lights
Change windshield wiper blades front and rear
Check the pressure in your spare tire
Inspect tires for cuts, even wear patterns, and pressure

For all of the above, don't get it done and then leave the next day. Get it done, drive it for a week to make sure everything is copacetic, and then depart.

PS: I believe the last BMW with a timing belt was the E30, in the '80s, SOHC with a rubber belt drive. You have a timing chain.

[c4racer]

Mine recently traveled from KY to CA, some 4K miles and it had 20K more than yours does. I would not worry much. 75K on a bmw is nothing. The list looks pretty good. Diff / transfer case fluid - recommended change is 100K, same as spark plugs - you could do it early and it would not be a bad idea, but not sure that is needed. I have not changed mine yet. I would not swap trans fluid at 75K personally.

What I would consider doing:
- fuel filter
- radiator hoses and expansion tank (common failure items and relatively cheap to swap) - replace fluid while you are at it since the system will be open anyway
- serpentine belts

And then for oil, air and cabin filter, brake flush - go ahead if this is due within 5K miles, otherwise don't worry bout it.

And checking CV boots, brakes, all hoses - excellent idea.

I'd wait till 100K for the plugs, driveline fluids myself. Except transmission - I don't see the need to go against BMW's current recommendation to leave the original fluid in there.

Oh - and have a fun trip!!

[m5james]

I've put almost 10k on the X in the 4-5 months of owners and haven't done anything more than an oil change. Do the service intervals when they're needed, I don't think doing it early just because you're taking a small road trip is really needed.

[m5james]

Originally Posted by ///Bruce

How about the timing belt?

I hope to god your kidding Should we start w/ blinker fluid jokes too