2003 330Xi Fluid Capacity and Maintenance Questions

[BMWCurves]

As some of you may have seen, my sister recently acquired a 2003 BMW 330Xi with a manual transmission. I'm now trying to put together a list of parts for her to buy and then take to the mechanic to bring it up to snuff. Turner Motorsport has maintenance kits and overhaul kits but I want to see if anyone knows about 330Xis specifically and what fluids should be used since I'm not as familiar with BMW's AWD system.

Fluids

Motor oil - I assume BMW 5W-30 is perfectly fine. The other question is capacity. I've seen around the internet that capacity is 8 quarts compared to non-Xis 6.5. Is that correct?
Transmission - I used Redline MTL. 2 quarts, correct?
Transfer Case - I read that you need 1 quart of Redline D4 ATF?
Front and Rear Differentials - Redline 75W90, 2 quarts total.

Any other huge differences in maintenance between RWD and AWD 330is? I want to help her out and get this thing in good shape.

[ryankokesh]

I think the oil depends on the pan her particular Xi has. I don't remember if it was year based or what. I think my '03 Xi took 8, but I couldn't tell you for sure. I'd just buy 8 and stick the leftovers in the trunk to top up.

The other thing I remember being different is the need to keep an eye on the front half-shafts. The seals have a bad habit of blowing out and then you get grease everywhere and screw everything up...

[BMWCurves]

I think the oil depends on the pan her particular Xi has. I don't remember if it was year based or what. I think my '03 Xi took 8, but I couldn't tell you for sure. I'd just buy 8 and stick the leftovers in the trunk to top up.

The other thing I remember being different is the need to keep an eye on the front half-shafts. The seals have a bad habit of blowing out and then you get grease everywhere and screw everything up...

Okay, thanks for the info! Yeah, the half shafts were replaced really recently, thankfully.

[BMWCurves]

Another question, her car is probably due for replaced shocks/struts. Has anyone used Konis for 330Xis? I'm sure they'd be fine, but trying to decide if they're worth it over standard BMW units for this car.

[ryankokesh]

They are on sale... http://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers/details.jsp?promoID=I612

[BMWCurves]

They are on sale... http://www.tirerack.com/specialoffers/details.jsp?promoID=I612

Yup, on sale and cheaper than replacing the worn units with BMW originals. Just a question if anyone's had issues with them.

[ryankokesh]

I personally have not, but haven't used them on an Xi either. :/


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[BMWCurves]

Now a more general question. I think it's probably wise to replace the pulleys since the car has around 80k miles and I believe they're original. Does everyone use BMW-branded pulleys or are there other brands that are acceptable quality (Meyle)?

Also, how do you edit a thread's title? I can only seem to edit the title of the original post, but not the thread itself.

[san]

Also, how do you edit a thread's title? I can only seem to edit the title of the original post, but not the thread itself.

Only the mods can change the title I think


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[ELCID86]

Only the mods can change the title I think


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On some threads that's true. Not sure why though.


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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[danewilson77]

Now a more general question. I think it's probably wise to replace the pulleys since the car has around 80k miles and I believe they're original. Does everyone use BMW-branded pulleys or are there other brands that are acceptable quality (Meyle)?

Also, how do you edit a thread's title? I can only seem to edit the title of the original post, but not the thread itself.
PM me what you want it to read.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[danewilson77]

Now a more general question. I think it's probably wise to replace the pulleys since the car has around 80k miles and I believe they're original. Does everyone use BMW-branded pulleys or are there other brands that are acceptable quality (Meyle)?

Also, how do you edit a thread's title? I can only seem to edit the title of the original post, but not the thread itself.
I've had good luck with UrO pulleys.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[BMWCurves]

PM me what you want it to read.

Will do.


I've had good luck with UrO pulleys.

Perfect, just the info I was looking for!

[BMWCurves]

Another question for everyone: for those of you that have replaced your final stage resistor (FSR) / final stage unit / blower motor resistor (part no. 64116923204), what brand did you go with? BMW is about 2-3x more expensive than any other manufacturer.

[ELCID86]

OEM. For the blower go with the x3 part. It's the same size and a lot cheaper.


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"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[danewilson77]

I think I replaced mine with Febi. I've had pretty good luck with them.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[ryankokesh]

I've had good luck with UrO pulleys.

Sent from an S6 Edge

I got a UrO pulley that was not round. Got it replaced and all was good, though.

[BMWCurves]

OEM. For the blower go with the x3 part. It's the same size and a lot cheaper.

Yup, I have that written down somewhere either thanks to you or someone else's suggestion a while ago!


I think I replaced mine with Febi. I've had pretty good luck with them.

Roger.


I got a UrO pulley that was not round. Got it replaced and all was good, though.

Interesting. I ended up suggesting INA to my sister. I had to dig around back in my maintenance thread but that's what was supplied in the Turner Motorsport kit I used in my car and has worked great.

Thanks for all the help, gentleman!