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Calling all high mileage xi owners (what has broken?)

74K views 227 replies 154 participants last post by  Bhewgs 
#1 ·
I have a xi about to hit 50k...I'm wondering who has put a lot of miles on their xi and what has gone out on it...(related to a mod or not...)

I know my cooling system was replaced by the dealer before I bought it from the original owner @37k, and my front cv boot was leaking a bit...other than that, I have had zero problems. :pimpin:

How 'bout yall?
 
#130 · (Edited)
Bought with 91k.

1. Sunroof kit after bits and pieces in track
2. Driver's side window regulator after cracked mount
3. Thermostat after stuck open position (included a stewart water pump to replace the oem and all hoses/expansion tank were good)
4. Front inner and outer CV's were cleaned and repacked with Mobil-1 grease. Stupid amount of vibration at around 50-60mph.
5. Two bent rims; two new tires. (Needless to say the previous owner did not avoid rough roads and the car was had for mighty cheap.)
6. Rear springs and shocks with Bilsteins. Oem were leaking bad and spring was cracked.
7. Left lower control arm with bushing.
8. All four brake pads/rotors.
9.DME housing fan


136,900 I've just finished doing:
1.4 new tires
2.Drive belt
3.A/C belt and recharge
4.VCG (second time)
5.Oil filter housing gasket
6.both front axles
7.left front control arm
8.both front wheel bearings
9.front and rear brakes (3rd time-warranty)
10.left rear bilstein shock (second time- warranty)
11.fuel filter
12.expansion tank
13.upper and lower radiator hoses
14.Emp stewart waterpump (second time- warranty as seals were weeping)
15.camshaft actuator line
16.right window regulator . . . .
17.Engine mounts

at 153,000 . . . .

1.Another vcg or valve cover because of an ongoing leak at the rear passenger side firewall (3rd time).
2. oil filler canister for power steering system and flush
3. Both front Bilstein strut assemblies with mounts.
4. Fluid flush and fill for tranny, front diff., rear diff., and transfer case
5. Another set of brakes (4th time) . .
6. Steering rack leaking a bit just below the double universal joint.
7. Intake camshaft position sensor
8. both front tie rod assemblies
9. both front endlinks
10. headlight washer pump ( still doesn't work)

Still love this car
 
#131 ·
02 330xi 127K. I traded my bike for it a few months ago.

Very little to no maintenance records came with so I have done:
ET, WP, fan clutch, belts, thermostat
both front axles, front diff fluid change
FCABs, RCABs, end links, rear strut mounts
did front pads while front end was apart
OFHG, VCG
factory HK amp failed
remove fabric from a,b and c pillars then sand a paint

Items that I plan on doing sooner rather than later:

DISA
trans flush
possibly batt or alternator
steering rack boot
rear diff fluid change
PS fluid change
 
#133 ·
'04 325xi with 101k miles. Bought it new

Broken Sunroof clips, drivers side window regulator, window switch, wiper motor, battery.

Maintenance

New Cooling System hoses Stewart Water Pump
New Pulleys and Belts
New Coils
New 02 Sensors
New CPS sensors
Vanos Repair with Beisan rings
New Coils and Plugs
VCG, Crankcase vent and hoses
Eibach Lowering Springs , Koni shocks upgraded bushings and rear support
New Rotors and Brakes
SS brake lines
18 inch wheels Continental Tires
New drivers side seat cover
New Center Console and Euro tray cup holder replacement
New shift knob
New FCABs and Control Arms
Both front axles completely rebuilt

Did most myself with the help of the forums and saved a ton of money!
The cars needs constant maintenance to keep it running well. All the money was well spent as the car rides on rails in the worst weather the Northeast dishes out.

Planning on doing a headlight update and Dynavin nav system next. Haven't replaced the cooling system reservoir yet, but going to take a look at it after all I'm reading.
 
#136 ·
154k bought with 116k... just replaced front driver side window regulator and motor. timing belt and water pump. brakes and oil changes. just ordered side mirror glass (currently have brown rust spots).

thinking about doing the cooling system (preventative)- is this necessary?
 
#139 · (Edited)
02 330Xi, 5 spoed, 93,000 miles
Purchased 1.5 years ago with 60,000 miles

Final Stage Unit
Battery (Optima)

Preventive maintenance on cooling system:
Radiator
Expansion tank
Water pump (Stewart)
Hoses
Thermostat
Water pump pulley (switched to metal when plastic one chipped during belt
replacement)
Belts
Belt tensioner and idler pulleys

Rear rotors
Rear pads
Wear Sensor

License plate lights/lenses

Rear springs
 
#141 ·
127k+

Never really had anything break with the exception of a rear window motor...ive taken the steps of replacing/upgrading a few things:

-New Bilstein sport shocks
-Eibach lowering springs
-Performance ignition coils
-RogueEngineering Power pulleys
-new water pump/thermostat
-new clutch/flywheel at 100,000

Over time ive done the normal of replacing brake rotors and what not but other then my windshield washer pump going out I cant think of too much thats broken on its own...the cars extremely reliable and it did excellent during my recent PCS from my base in jersey to texas...1750miles...ran like a champ...on the horizon im going to replace the cooling system, some knock sensors, and a few other things just in the preventitive maintenance side...
 
#142 ·
179k+ so my 330xi has a lot of miles on it and the only thing that i have had to worry about was the thermostat and the water pump. i am looking at a possible rear differential fix soon a few window regulators have been gone through. what you want to do is make any fixes timely because when you let things pile up it becomes overwhelming. these cars shouldnt have a problem making it to 300k as long as you keep up with the maintenance.
 
#147 ·
i've had mine since 68,000 miles, now must be getting close to 90k. what's "gone out?" 2 window regulators and a sway bar end link. and apparently at least one of the cv joints or boots went out some time before i got the car, as i found a lot of grease caked around one axle when i pulled the undercarriage cover off.

maintenance done has included overhauling the cooling system, as well as some fluids and filters. and front brakes.

suspension is next, along with some odds and ends. fuel pump. need to get on the a.c., too.
 
#148 ·
Got it just over a month ago, in 24 hrs had it TOWED back to dealer, (2001 330xi) they replaced the alternator.
Changed both downstream o2 sensors, I have to re thread the 2nd bank o2 sensor bung because the dealership decided to attempt to replace that one and ended up cross threading it.
Repaired vacum leek at rear of engine
replaced intake boot after maf sensor (closest to engine)
Fingers crossed and learning alot the service light hasn't been on for over a week now.
 
#150 ·
im at 93k and change, the defroster has a hard time defrosting my windows, as I had to pull over on the road for 10 minutes when it was pouring out. After that I just had to wipe my window down and rush home. Window regulators will soon need attention. My thermostat needs replacing as it is open /coolant sensor too needs attention. I have the waterpump pulley from ECS tuning, debating on GRAF metal pump or stewarts high pressure water pump. Also need a new left axel assembly. My a/c needs work. Headliner needs to be replaced on all pillars
 
#151 ·
I've had a series of "high mileage" Bimmers for nearly 45 years. In the last 10 years, I've owned a '95 740i (wife still drives it), an e39 '97 540 (it died at 225K with a blown head gasket), an e39 '03 530i (it died by a tail-gating college kid - totaled at 185K), and for the last 11 months a 2001 330xi that replaced the 530. I bought it at 127K. The most typical weak spots in all of these cars have been the cooling systems, window regulators, and the trim around the electric seats. My 330xi has manual seats and has had no problems. The plastic seat pans with the switch controls break as the seat foam breaks down and the seat sides collapse with age.

The cooling systems start failing between ~110K miles and ~130K. When I've had a header tank or a water pump start leaking, it has saved money in the long run, to replace all of the parts at one time. Otherwise you will pay the labor fee repeatedly, each time another part fails. I know that may not be easy if money is tight but it's a choice that should be consciously made.

The window regulators are weak design. The cable that pulls the window up/down and fastening hardware on that cable seem to be weak links. On all of these cars, I've probably replaced 6 or 7 of them in the last 10 years. All the different models seem to experience this problem. One precaution I use is to stop the window before it lowers to the end of its travel. That solid stop at the end of the travel seems to apply the most strain to the cable. I know it's a stupid thing to have to put up with but these cars have been so much fun to drive since my 1st car (1967 1600) that I've made allowances and just keep looking for that next crooked road!

-GaryGG
Sebastopol, CA
 
#152 ·
i have 227k on my 02 325xi and all it needs as of right now is axles which are on order.... my other 325xi has 183k and needs nothing, only did full cooling system overhaul on both...not sure what previous owners did but there both work in progess and ill keep replacing things for both together as i go.
 
#153 ·
I'm looking at an '05 325xi, and have noticed on this thread that most of the high maintenance cars are '02s. Was that a bad year for the xi's, or do all years require this much maintenance? If so, I may have to reassess my desire for a BMW. I'm on a tight budget (kid in school) and cannot afford too many out-of-pocket expenses.
 
#154 · (Edited)
I'd say 2004&05's are the better all around ones. Yes, these are some what a pain in the arse to maintain. The starter motor is located in between the engine and tranny, so far it has taken my indy 2 full days to work on it... ($700 in change) The window regulators go on these cars, CV BOOTs leak and will require attention ($300-400 w/o labor) Pressure control valves, Valve cover gaskets run $300 each. If your purchasing one of these, get your cooling system flushed, and make sure to replace the plastic parts of the motor. Such as, plastic water pump pulleys, plastic water pump in exchange for all metal ones (very highly recommended) Your right, this car is like a stuck up broad who demands maintenance. If she's running in the clear, she's a bubbly gem that pulls. However, when something goes, it's sorta annoying, but manageable. This car is all about the longrun, preventative maintenance is the golden rule of thumb here. Take care of the car and the car will take care of you. If you purchase a non XI model, be on the look out for broken/worn cracking rear subframes as this only happens to non XI's. ($1300.00) a body shop/indy will have to weld it back in place, or else the whole rear can tear off, like a torn piece of paper. Hey, don't let your hopes down on owning a BMW try purchasing a E30 (1986-1991) 325iX. These are cheap and cost effective to own and a great pleasure to drive. THE iX, is a beast in the snow and the motor should last over 250,000 miles if taken care of. Best of luck. Look for a decent condition e30 3 series, if your alil cautious on maintenance of these e46's! best of luck :thumbsup:
-Casper
 
#157 ·
Thanks for all the info Casper! I'm going to have to think this through quite a bit. I'm on a very fixed budget.

I wonder if anyone has had success with any of these Third party extended warranties? Thinking if I can find a reputable one, it could. E a good buy over the long run. Not to mention allowing me sleep at night. :-D
 
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