2008 330i SE Servicing Advice

[saulusg]

Happy Sunday!

I've recently bought a decent condition 330i manual with 76k on the clock. Interior & Exterior are in great condition but the vehicle only came with part service history (I know its a risk but I have money ready for servicing/repairs). I've always wanted to own one of these vehicles so i took the plunge .

Mileage is reliable and MOTs have been solid. Its had defective fuel injectors (781655/part no.), Nox & Oxygen sensor replaced in 2018 at 56K (which I know is a common problem with the N53 engine).It's had a recent service of Engine Oil, Oil Filter, Air Filter, 2 Coil Pack – 76500.


1. I haven't got a service handbook, where can i get one? I've looked on the internet but the best i could find is an ebay BMW service booklet...
2. There is no record of the water pump being replaced, when does this need doing?
3. What should be checked at this age and mileage?

I'm going to get a health check at a local garage soon but would like to know this information beforehand.


Any other tips are welcomed!

Thank you,
Saul

[TheGinger1]

The waterpump needs replacing when it fails, or early if you want to do preventative maintenance. It is variable if and when they go though. I thought mine was going at 87k and having owned the car since 45k I am sure it was original. Turned out the issue was the wiring rather than the pump, but did it and the thermostat anyway as preventative as it appears to be around this mileage that they can go.

Regarding what else, mine has just started to have things go: rear shocks, washer pump, front suspension arm so anything could be hitting point of wearing and failing at that age and mileage. My steering wheel has also lost worn through in the past year even though the mileage isn't crazy.

Edited by TheGinger1 on Sunday 26th February 18:26

[Mr Tidy]

I haven't had the N53 engine, but currently have my 4th BMW with the N52 and life expectancy for the electric water pumps seems hugely variable.

My first one had the pump die at 60K miles but my 2nd seemed to be on the original pump when I sold it at 91K miles. The pump on number 3 died at 135K, but as I bought it on 132K it may have been its second one!

As I'm no longer working a failure wouldn't be a disaster, just a hassle waiting to get recovered. But I can see why people replaced them for peace of mind as it will probably only need doing once during your ownership.

[saulusg]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm not sure if there is any visual check of knowing but will ask the garage to. Then I'll probably get it changed for peace of mind - I've broken down on a motorway before and it's horrendous.

[saulusg]

TheGinger1 said:

The waterpump needs replacing when it fails, or early if you want to do preventative maintenance. It is variable if and when they go though. I thought mine was going at 87k and having owned the car since 45k I am sure it was original. Turned out the issue was the wiring rather than the pump, but did it and the thermostat anyway as preventative as it appears to be around this mileage that they can go.

Regarding what else, mine has just started to have things go: rear shocks, washer pump, front suspension arm so anything could be hitting point of wearing and failing at that age and mileage. My steering wheel has also lost worn through in the past year even though the mileage isn't crazy.

Edited by TheGinger1 on Sunday 26th February 18:26

Thanks for the info! There is an intermittent creaking noise from the rear (could be inside) somewhere sounding like a spring. Need to do some investigations. Will also get it checked over at my indy garage.

That's a shame about the wiring!