Servicing For 318is

Post Sat Sep 10, 2005 6:50 pm

Im going to tackle doing my own service for the iS

(Really needs it!) this week and wanted to check with you guys that im on the right track. Ive had a search through sum old threads but havent found one focusing on the iS.

Im planning on changing the following:

Spark Plugs (Which ones bosch,ngk???)
Oil Filter
Fuel filter
Oil
Fluids (Brake, Power Steering)
Coolant

Does this cover the essentials, if not please add.
What parts should I avoid getting as non-reputable/bmw spec and how much will this lot cost me roughly. I dont want to get fobbed off!

Thanks

Post Sat Sep 10, 2005 8:31 pm

I to would like to know this, but for the M40, i know its gona be virtually identical so will be watching this thread

Adam

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 12:57 pm

If you got a standard air filter, then replacing that would let the engine breath properly. If you got an aftermarket air-filter (K&N, etc) then giving it a clean will be beneficial.

When servicing, always check for things like corroded brake lines/pipes, fuel lines/pipes, worn bushes, inc. top mounts, front lower arm bushes, trailingarm bushes, axle carrier bushes, wheel bearings, etc, as some people overlook these and dont find the problems early enough

Umm, what else...

Remember to bleed the cooling system properly as air locks are BAD news, and try to get the correct coolant/water solution ratio too.

The BMW recommended oil for this engine is Castrol GTX Semi Synthetic oil, with a 10W 40 viscosity rating

I believe the correct spark plugs are the NGK double-tip ones, but dont hold me to that (for M42 that is) however if your unsure, ringing your local BMW dealer for some advice wont hurt, as someone will know!!

I hope this info is ok. Anything else you need to know, the give me a shout guys

Peace

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 2:15 pm

Double tip like this one?

Thats what im putting in my M40

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 2:17 pm

I fitted whatever GSF sold to me. I think they looked like that.

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 3:19 pm

Adam318i wrote:I to would like to know this, but for the M40, i know its gona be virtually identical so will be watching this thread

Adam

for m40 boys I have my sevicing guide available-can email it to you if you give me an addy?!

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:34 pm

Yup, its adam_will1ams@hotmail.com

Cheers mate

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 4:53 pm

Adam318i wrote:Yup, its adam_will1ams@hotmail.com

Cheers mate

email wingeth its way mate:D

Post Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:49 pm

Cheers mate, recieved it fine

Post Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:09 am

Adam318i wrote:Cheers mate, recieved it fine

good good!

think the instructions should fit the m42 as well, so I can pass it onto you redrobbie (along with a shiney pic showing all the locations of the important stuff

)

Post Tue Sep 13, 2005 9:43 am

Whats the best method for bleeding the coolant system to avoid any air locks?

Post Tue Sep 13, 2005 9:46 am

Kedge wrote:Whats the best method for bleeding the coolant system to avoid any air locks?

alrighty kedge!

got a guide for doing the m42 coolant etc if you wnat it?just PM me your email addy, or post it up here

its remarkably similar to the e34 m20 system (ie easy

)

Post Tue Sep 13, 2005 9:48 am

Kedge wrote:Whats the best method for bleeding the coolant system to avoid any air locks?

Undo the bleed screw on top of the radiator. Run car till it starts to warm up, raise the idle slightly to get some decent flow through the engine (Set heater to hot) when hot and water comes out of beedscrew, tighten and job done!.

I've never had any problems bleeding a 318iS, to be honest i also just leave the rad cap off & give it a good rev a couple of times. Works for me!

Post Tue Sep 13, 2005 5:22 pm

Take it i do this after refilling Mark?

Dumb q's i know but just want to make sure!

Post Tue Sep 13, 2005 7:46 pm

320Touring wrote:
Adam318i wrote:Cheers mate, recieved it fine
good good!

think the instructions should fit the m42 as well, so I can pass it onto you redrobbie (along with a shiney pic showing all the locations of the important stuff )

my email is e30318is@hotmail.co.uk

Cheers people

Post Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:06 am

Kedge wrote:Take it i do this after refilling Mark?

Dumb q's i know but just want to make sure!

Yep, fill it when cold to the max marker on the side of the rad, then loosen the cap / bleed screw and let it warm up.

Never seem to have any probs with the 4 pots, the 6 pots tend to air lock somewhere at the back causing all sorts of problems for people...