Mileage: 84,16x
Recently took two separate drives to the coast in three days and the car ran great as always. I'm busy studying for a licensing exam but have decided I should use the slight increase in free time while being off rotations to do a little maintenance/care for the car. I do not plan to do even a fraction of all of these things, but wanted to try and get it out on "paper" so to speak for my own reference. Questions I have for the forum are highlighted in red
Maintenance:
- Brake fluid: I've been flushing on an annual basis with ATE SL6-1. Is there any prescribed mileage that people replace brake fluid?
- Transmission fluid: I've passed the 30k mile mark and should probably change it for cheap maintenance. Is everyone still using Redline MTL or have they moved onto other brands/weights?
- Differential fluid: same mileage consideration as transmission above, but using Redline 75W90.
- Power steering fluid: My lower pressure hose is leaking, so I plan to have that replaced and fluid flushed at the same time using Redline D4 ATF. Also just assess if other lines/components need to be replaced. Can someone confirm the power steering feed line part number for our cars is 32416774215?
- Replacement of idler and tensioner pulleys: At least one is dying already even though they were replaced 35k miles ago. Cheap to replace.
- Replace windshield cowl: 51718232894. She's cracked.
- Rebuild DISA: Already have the kit, just need to sit down and do it.
- Replace leaking oil filter housing gasket (OFHG, 11421719855): Any specific brands/suggestions for a Viton version?
- Repair cracked/dying rear window gaskets using this guide
- Differential bushings: One of them (unclear which) was found to be cracked and should be replaced. I don't want to use poly for NVH reasons, but are there good rubber alternatives to original bushings or should I just stick with originals, and are the part numbers 33176770788 (front) and 33176751808 (rear)?
- Replace spare tire: I believe mine is original and should be replaced (I think it is T125/80R17)
- Replace/renew fading side markers
- Replace soft fuel lines to/from fuel filter
- Although squeaking/fluttering sound has improved, will at some point need to replace the AC blower motor
Modifications
- Install used M3 27mm front sway bar (31352229755) and purchase/install correct bushings (31352229756). I was planning to pick up a larger 330Cic (33556751267) or Xi rear sway bar w/ correct bushings (33551096669) as well, but ZHPizza suggested just installing the front bar. Do y'all agree with ZHPizza's wild suggestions? I have never replaced the sway bar end links either (31356780847), should that be replaced as well?
- Install ZHPizza's larger throttle body: Will also replace the upper (13541438761) and lower intake boots (13541438759) and clean the ICV at the same time and reset accelerator adaptions
- Install Bimmerworld Spherical RTABs: I assume this requires an alignment afterwards, correct?
- Reset my Xtrons PB7646BAP to factory settings to see if that'll improve speed. Otherwise consider selling and getting an Avin Avant 4.
- Install M3 fuel baffle (16112229656)
- Repaint the Black Cube Trim to Silver Cube trim: Using this "guide" and Precision Grey paint from Advance Auto.
- Recode the car as a convertible to have one touch up/down windows: Using this guide. Would also require new center console trim and window switch (61316902183)
- Purchase/install M3 gauge cluster if someone can figure out coding the shift lights for a manual, non-M car.
- Purchase/install LSD of some sort with 3.23 or 3.38 ratio
- Purchase/paint brake calipers black using G2 kit
- Purchase/install Bavsound Stage 1 speaker kit
- Purchase/install the M56 valve cover per this thread
- Purchase/install the euro tray (51167038323)
- Install M3 motor mounts (11812283798 [2x])
- Fabricate/install custom brake duct air scoop: Using this guide