[DementedF10]

Oil change and Trans filter/ fluid change. And Im sure the trans hasn’t had a fluid change since new. It was nasty and it now drives SMOOTH!!!

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by DementedF10

Oil change and Trans filter/ fluid change. And Im sure the trans hasn’t had a fluid change since new. It was nasty and it now drives SMOOTH!!!

Better late than never!!!

[StradaRedlands]

Working through the fleet, washing/waxing/detailing. Things were looks haggered! This car cleans up nice!

[SWFLf10]

Finally replaced the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) and Oil Cooler gasket. I’m a little over 166,000 miles and this was still on the original gaskets. Gaskets came out of the grooves without too much hassle. Really surprised at how long they lasted and at the condition they were in. I had just started to get a little weep recently and knew it was finally time.

[r2dmax]

Originally Posted by SWFLf10

Finally replaced the oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) and Oil Cooler gasket. I’m a little over 166,000 miles and this was still on the original gaskets. Gaskets came out of the grooves without too much hassle. Really surprised at how long they lasted and at the condition they were in. I had just started to get a little weep recently and knew it was finally time.

How hard was the job? I need to do mine as well

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by r2dmax

How hard was the job? I need to do mine as well

If you’re used to working on basics like oil changes and plugs and coils it’s not too bad. I personally do everything I can to not have to pay a shop, plus I really find doing the work myself rewarding.

The actual gaskets aren’t bad to replace. Its a bit messy, mostly because of the coolant, and it’s really just a lot of steps to get to the one rear bolt on the oil filter housing.

I ended up removing the intake manifold completely to get to that bolt, which requires the air inlet filter box to be removed as well as the upper charge pipe. And because I removed the intake manifold completely to better clean the surface and install new gaskets on the manifold, I also had to disconnect all the wiring harnesses from the DME and various other connectors and tubing around the engine bay on the drivers side.

I also replaced my upper radiator hose since I expected it to be brittle and need replacement anyway. And I indeed the small top nipple snapped off of it as soon as I started messing around in that area.

One thing to note too is I disconnected the injectors electrically before firing it up the first time to get oil flowing without actually starting the engine. That required some extra disassembly and temporary re-assembly of the passenger side intake pipe to get to the injectors before then removing and re-installing it again. I might have been able to just leave the whole harness disconnected, but I ended up disconnecting each injector individually right where they connect to the harness beside the coils.

Another option here I’ve heard is to disconnect the low pressure fuel pump fuse and let the engine run itself dry before starting the work so afterwards you can prime the engine without having to get to the injectors. That would most definitely save time and energy doing it that way.

I ended up spending about 6 hours total doing it, taking my time to clean each part and take photos along the way to help with reassembly. I’m sure it could be done in half the time now that I know what I’m doing and if I was really in a rush.

Hope that wasn’t too in depth! Haha.

[SWFLf10]

Yesterday I did the OFHG and oil cooler gasket as well as the upper radiator hose and an oil change at the same time.

Today I did the belt, tensioner, and idler pulley.

And I also replaced my ignition wiring harness that had been partly chewed through by some vermon.

And I replaced my plugs and upgraded my coils to the B58 version using the Nexsys Motorsports adapters and coded the DME to accept them with Bootmod3.

Now I think I’m done for a bit. I feel a bit more enthusiastic about taking the car on longer trips now.

[Hoa]

Notice any difference when vehicle is at idle with the B58 coils?

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by Hoa

Notice any difference when vehicle is at idle with the B58 coils?

I haven’t really noticed a difference with idle. It may be a bit more responsive when giving it some gas, but that could have been the plugs or me cleaning the air filter. The coil upgrade was a spur of the moment decision I bought a while ago and just now got around to installing. My thought was that’s cool, something else I can do to keep the me interested in the car and potentially help with a slight boost in power or reliability.


I still have a rough idle on cold starts, but it could be anything at this point. I’m thinking about cleaning the intake valves next to see if that helps. Still hasn’t been done at all on this engine. They are a bit dirty looking at this point, but honestly thought they’d be worse.

[Hoa]

Originally Posted by SWFLf10

I still have a rough idle on cold starts, but it could be anything at this point. I’m thinking about cleaning the intake valves next to see if that helps. Still hasn’t been done at all on this engine. They are a bit dirty looking at this point, but honestly thought they’d be worse.

Yours still look ok. N55 is pretty good with carbon buildup. Mines have 320K miles and never had it done. Still idle fine on cold starts.

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by Hoa

Yours still look ok. N55 is pretty good with carbon buildup. Mines have 320K miles and never had it done. Still idle fine on cold starts.

Wow. That’s impressive for sure. I appreciate the input.

With all the sensors on the engines, I really think it could be anything. I’ve replaced stuff over the years as preventative maintenance, never had a CEL or any major issues. Just have had the cold start rough idle for some time now. Not too concerned really, but eventually hope to get it straightened out. Besides that she’s a beast!

[StradaRedlands]

Thanks for posting the above SWFLf10!!! I am going to need to take the manifold off my N52 to replace the PCV parts, and am dreading it. But seeing your straightforward take on it gives me hope! Also you and Hoa make me a little less nervous about moving up to a N55 engine at some point. HPFP, walnut blasting, expensive injectors, new turbos... those are all I hear, but maybe that's more on the three series forum and the F10 application is just a better engine, or maybe just better maintenance? Either way, there's hope yet!

[Unspec]

Might be a bit silly, but for 3 dollars shipped, figured it might be worth it. IMO it helps break up the monotony of black in that corner.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...andl_shipto=US

[ctcarbonari]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Might be a bit silly, but for 3 dollars shipped, figured it might be worth it. IMO it helps break up the monotony of black in that corner.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...andl_shipto=US

That's got to be one of the best return on investment mods I've seen so far!!!

I actually really like the subtle look it achieves!

I wonder if they come in carbon fiber too!? he he he

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by ctcarbonari

That's got to be one of the best return on investment mods I've seen so far!!!

I actually really like the subtle look it achieves!

I wonder if they come in carbon fiber too!? he he he

Yea it was silly cheap and I was like "even if it looks like ass, I'd only be out 3 bucks". Worth it!

It's the small things that really bring an interior together.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Yea it was silly cheap and I was like "even if it looks like ass, I'd only be out 3 bucks". Worth it!

It's the small things that really bring an interior together.

Aaaaand purchased... Thanks for posting this! I definitely agree, it looks like a nice addition to the interior!
FYI I found a similar set on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/363993329174

[Double Nickel]

Im at 51k... This PM job came as i wanted to paint my calipers and put my wheels on, SERVICE FIRST.

[CrippledLucifer]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Might be a bit silly, but for 3 dollars shipped, figured it might be worth it. IMO it helps break up the monotony of black in that corner.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...andl_shipto=US

Not silly at all! I was eyeing these myself and had no clue how it would actually look but after seeing your picture, I instantly bought a pair for myself. Thanks!

[Unspec]

Added an oil cooler. OEM has the oil cooler on the passenger side and aux coolant rad on the driver. I didn't want to go through the hassle (and expense) of sourcing a new rad, new coolant lines, new oil lines, etc, so I installed the oil cooler on the driver side. No leaks so far on oil priming, so fingers crossed. The oil thermostat housing is a 3 series style one that goes down rather than up, as I had concerns with hood clearance due to the AN fittings.

[musclesmarinara75]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Might be a bit silly, but for 3 dollars shipped, figured it might be worth it. IMO it helps break up the monotony of black in that corner.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...andl_shipto=US

Looking good as always bro...Just ordered my Jeff!!...

[StradaRedlands]

Just got the car back with a new starter. Paid a professional as I do not want to mess with the intake manifold if I can help it. So new starter, alternator, oil sensor, DISAs, VCG, plugs, coils, OFHG, tensioner/belt, trans flush/filter, tires, and water pump in the last year! I basically bought a new car at this point!

But on the other end of maintenance expenses, I did the $3 Unspec upgrade today! The trim doesn't quite fit perfectly, but pretty good. If I get highly motivated I might glue them in, but probably leave as is.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Just got the car back with a new starter. Paid a professional as I do not want to mess with the intake manifold if I can help it. So new starter, alternator, oil sensor, DISAs, VCG, plugs, coils, OFHG, trans flush/filter, tires, and water pump in the last year! I basically bought a new car at this point!

But on the other end of maintenance expenses, I did the $3 Unspec upgrade today! The trim doesn't quite fit perfectly, but pretty good. If I get highly motivated I might glue them in, but probably leave as is.

It can fit perfectly - at least, mine did. Need to remove the tweeter cover a little to allow it to properly seat into the cover.

Kind of fun to have an upgrade named after me haha