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Preventive maintenance on 316d E90

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  • 15-02-2020 3:04pm
    #1
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭


    Hello Bimmers,

    Could someone with experience watch and listen to that video until the end of the E90 Diesel Engine sound and let me know if that sounds normal?

    https://youtu.be/u6sY0BOUB_w

    It's cold start after 1.5 day. I feel it's loud and somehow there is some weird noise but probably I am just overthinking this.

    Keep in mind, 190k miles and never replaced timing chain

    Thanks
    Tagged:


«1

Comments

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    #2
    pjmn
    Registered Users Posts: 1,059 ✭✭✭pjmn


    Not a mechanic, but had a 520d that sounded like that for a while - then the crankshaft pulley wheel sheared off and I discovered the source of the noise! Might be worth checking that out.


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    #3
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    Hello,

    I would really use an advise from experienced people. I have been reading a lot and it gets me to worry so I wanted to ask if I should start spend some money to prevent engine disaster in the future. Car is on 190k Miles very high 315k (2011).

    Up till now what I read that could cause disaster are (Hopefully this only as maybe not limited too, please mention more if you think :( ):

    1- Waterpump + its Thermostat
    2- Crankshaft Pullys
    3- Serpentive Belt

    I do have service history of the car from BMW but I do not find any of this done there also seems that BMW and other mechanic wont do any preventive job, they just fix what it's broken. Usually normal service were done on car since day one.

    However, do you really think I should start changing these right away? so far there are no sign of failures, as I see car is running fine and no noise or cracking or similar!!! I even video the sound as not sure if it's bad or normal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6sY0BOUB_w) however I do not want end up with a disaster while driving

    One last thing, if I should change them, is it doable as DIY or you think I should go to mechanic (They will charge a lot for this :confused: I believe)

    Any recommendation?

    Regards


  • Options
    #4
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    pjmn wrote: »
    Not a mechanic, but had a 520d that sounded like that for a while - then the crankshaft pulley wheel sheared off and I discovered the source of the noise! Might be worth checking that out.

    I hope nothing expensive because seems crazy prices with BMW :(


  • Options
    #5
    TheBoyConor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭TheBoyConor


    If the parts are working fine then what is the point in changing them? Sounds a bit anxiety led and silly like the way that fella with the fiesta was wondering what parts he should change to extend it's life even though it was NCT'd and running perfectly.

    Just drive it away. If one of the parts needs to be replaced then the car will let you know of it by stopping. The only part i'd change worth changing on a schedule is the timing belt.


  • Options
    #6
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    TheBoyConor wrote: »
    If the parts are working fine then what is the point in changing them? Sounds a bit anxiety led and silly like the way that fella with the fiesta was wondering what parts he should change to extend it's life even though it was NCT'd and running perfectly.

    Just drive it away. If one of the parts needs to be replaced then the car will let you know of it by stopping. The only part i'd change worth changing on a schedule is the timing belt.

    You are right, it's a bit of Anxiety where you read people's comment and experience it makes you feel that your car will fall apart soon. My car was NCT'd and passed from first time even perfect emissions and all. I just want to keep the car running for 2 to 3 years more and BMW are way too expensive if something break therefore I wanted to prevent the issues. However you are right, I will drive until the car shows me else, I will keep positive


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    #7
    TheBoyConor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,292 ✭✭✭TheBoyConor


    Apart from timing belts, it makes no economic sense to replace parts before they are actually needing replacement. You paid enough for the car, sweat the asset and every last part in it in order to get best value from it.


  • Options
    #8
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    TheBoyConor wrote: »
    Apart from timing belts, it makes no economic sense to replace parts before they are actually needing replacement. You paid enough for the car, sweat the asset and every last part in it in order to get best value from it.

    It has timing chain as it's diesel. However you are right. Thanks a lot :)


  • Options
    #9
    wandererz
    Registered Users Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭wandererz


    Shah91n wrote: »
    It has timing chain as it's diesel. However you are right. Thanks a lot :)

    OP, that's bad advice. He provides the same bad advice to other threads as well.

    There are items that if fail can blow your engine & that's effectively the end of your car.

    One item that is known to fail are the swirl flaps. If it breaks it gets sucked into the engine & destroys it.

    Another is the oil breather filter. This should be changed to a vortex type. Even if it has one, it should be changed every 3-4 oil changes.

    If doing the swirl flaps, the Vortex filter should be changed at the same time as the manifold will be opened up at the time. Also there are 4 cylinder gaskets which can be changed at the same time.


  • Options
    #10
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    wandererz wrote: »
    OP, that's bad advice. He provides the same bad advice to other threads as well.

    There are items that if fail can blow your engine & that's effectively the end of your car.

    One item that is known to fail are the swirl flaps. If it breaks it gets sucked into the engine & destroys it.

    Another is the oil breather filter. This should be changed to a vortex type. Even if it has one, it should be changed every 3-4 oil changes.

    If doing the swirl flaps, the Vortex filter should be changed at the same time as the manifold will be opened up at the time. Also there are 4 cylinder gaskets which can be changed at the same time.

    Much appreciate the advise, I noted that parts :)


  • Options
    #11
    wandererz
    Registered Users Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭wandererz


    Also, the higher the mileage, the sooner the oil service.

    So, rather than every 10,000 miles, perhaps every 5 or 6000 miles for an oil & oil filter change. You should be able to do this easily enough yourself.


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    #12
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    wandererz wrote: »
    Also, the higher the mileage, the sooner the oil service.

    So, rather than every 10,000 miles, perhaps every 5 or 6000 miles for an oil & oil filter change. You should be able to do this easily enough yourself.

    Yeah I watched online and seems easy, I did change oil before on Skoda, was pretty straightforward but never on BMW but seems same thing to be honest.

    I will definitely change it earlier than recommended.

    Thank you very much


  • Options
    #13
    Sexual Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 2,053 ✭✭✭Sexual Chocolate


    Just make sure it's LL04 spec oil that you use.


  • Options
    #14
    wandererz
    Registered Users Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭wandererz


    Engine sounds fine to me. Difficult to tell though, being diesel there's so much clatter. But sounds normal.

    At that mileage, you are right to have the belts looked at & changed if possible. It depends on your level of experience.
    I leave it in to get that done. If they haven't been changed I would suggest you do so. Rubber degrades over time & with use.

    One other thing I would recommend is getting the transmission/gearbox oil changed as well. Recommended at 50,000 miles. Doesn't cost much - about €50-€60 at a gearbox specialist.
    Could prevent huge bills in replacing the gearbox if it fails, which could be more than the value of the car.
    If you want to do it yourself, here's an example for a manual gearbox.
    https://youtu.be/RVGhI6zVBQ8

    If you prefer to have someone else do it then I would recommend Ace Clutch & Gearbox in Dublin 15 (if you are in the Dublin area).

    For other work that you cannot do yourself, i would suggest DL Motorworks in Ballymount. They are BMW specialists.


  • Options
    #15
    wandererz
    Registered Users Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭wandererz


    BTW, when I mentioned swirl flaps above, I wasn't sure if your 316D engine has them. Probably worthwhile doing some research on that. Your engine looks different to my 320D.

    Heres some more info:
    http://bmwspecialistreading.co.uk/what-are-swirl-flaps/

    It may or may not be applicable to you.

    Edit: just noticed that you have a 2011. So it probably does not apply.


  • Options
    #16
    wandererz
    Registered Users Posts: 2,525 ✭✭✭wandererz


    Back to oils.

    I only use Liquimoly oil in my cars now.
    It's a German oil with very good ratings & reviews.

    Usually I also add their Ceratec Oil additive as well which provides additional lubrication.
    The Liquimoly website has an oil finder that will show you the correct oil for your car.
    I usually buy it from Finglas Auto Parts. They are close to Joe Duffy BMW in Finglas.

    The Ceratec additive does say that it can extend your oil change intervals to 30K Km or something but i would never do that.
    It does provide a bit of peace of mind though if you cannot change the oil in time (e.g. middle of winter)


  • Options
    #17
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    Sexual Chocolate wrote: »
    Just make sure it's LL04 spec oil that you use.

    Thank you that is a good point to note down.


  • Options
    #18
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    wandererz wrote: »
    Engine sounds fine to me. Difficult to tell though, being diesel there's so much clatter. But sounds normal.

    At that mileage, you are right to have the belts looked at & changed if possible. It depends on your level of experience.
    I leave it in to get that done. If they haven't been changed I would suggest you do so. Rubber degrades over time & with use.

    One other thing I would recommend is getting the transmission/gearbox oil changed as well. Recommended at 50,000 miles. Doesn't cost much - about €50-€60 at a gearbox specialist.
    Could prevent huge bills in replacing the gearbox if it fails, which could be more than the value of the car.
    If you want to do it yourself, here's an example for a manual gearbox.
    https://youtu.be/RVGhI6zVBQ8

    If you prefer to have someone else do it then I would recommend Ace Clutch & Gearbox in Dublin 15 (if you are in the Dublin area).

    For other work that you cannot do yourself, i would suggest DL Motorworks in Ballymount. They are BMW specialists.

    Yeah a lot of people keep saying to me, sound normal, it's loud once you start hear cracking or metal or any other weird sounds then go for check up otherwise normal.

    My experience is very limited with BMW as this is my first one hopefully I won't hate the car hahahahaha :D I used to have Skodas and they have been reliable and very good but wanted BMW all the time so hopefully I will experience the same

    I am not sure where to find the gearbox oil on my car as I do not see any container or anything that contain that liquid maybe will ask a mechanic to do this.

    Yeah I am in Dublin and 5 mins from D15 :D good I will give these guys a try sometimes


  • Options
    #19
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    wandererz wrote: »
    Back to oils.

    I only use Liquimoly oil in my cars now.
    It's a German oil with very good ratings & reviews.

    Usually I also add their Ceratec Oil additive as well which provides additional lubrication.
    The Liquimoly website has an oil finder that will show you the correct oil for your car.
    I usually buy it from Finglas Auto Parts. They are close to Joe Duffy BMW in Finglas.

    The Ceratec additive does say that it can extend your oil change intervals to 30K Km or something but i would never do that.
    It does provide a bit of peace of mind though if you cannot change the oil in time (e.g. middle of winter)

    As far as my research goes, Castrol is the best rate out there but definitely if you have been using some oil and making good to your BMW then it worth to use. I will look into it

    Thank you very much for sharing


  • Options
    #20
    Bunkernumber1
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Bunkernumber1


    wandererz wrote: »
    OP, that's bad advice. He provides the same bad advice to other threads as well.

    There are items that if fail can blow your engine & that's effectively the end of your car.

    One item that is known to fail are the swirl flaps. If it breaks it gets sucked into the engine & destroys it.

    Another is the oil breather filter. This should be changed to a vortex type. Even if it has one, it should be changed every 3-4 oil changes.

    If doing the swirl flaps, the Vortex filter should be changed at the same time as the manifold will be opened up at the time. Also there are 4 cylinder gaskets which can be changed at the same time.

    All these things you have listed are all on older bmw engine problems none of this is applicable to this engine.


  • Options
    #21
    Bunkernumber1
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Bunkernumber1


    Shah91n wrote: »
    Hello Bimmers,

    Could someone with experience watch and listen to that video until the end of the E90 Diesel Engine sound and let me know if that sounds normal?

    https://youtu.be/u6sY0BOUB_w

    It's cold start after 1.5 day. I feel it's loud and somehow there is some weird noise but probably I am just overthinking this.

    Keep in mind, 190k miles and never replaced timing chain

    Thanks

    The first port of call tho check out that sound is to see if it's coming from the engine or the aux belt areA. First thing to do is take the belt off and see if the sound is gone or still there then you can decide your next move but until you find out if its internal or external you wont know.


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    #22
    Leonard Hofstadter
    Registered Users Posts: 5,540 ✭✭✭Leonard Hofstadter


    Bunkernumber1 wrote: »
    All these things you have listed are all on older bmw engine problems none of this is applicable to this engine.

    Beat me to it. There's no problem with either the swirl flaps or the turbo in these engines. The turbo can go in them but that would hardly be a surprise given the mileage on this car, that could happen any car with 190k miles on the clock. The only thing worth doing as preventative maintenance would be the timing chain, not worth risking it IMO as if it were to snap the engine would be a write off.


  • Options
    #23
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    Leonard Hofstadter wrote: »
    Beat me to it. There's no problem with either the swirl flaps or the turbo in these engines. The turbo can go in them but that would hardly be a surprise given the mileage on this car, that could happen any car with 190k miles on the clock. The only thing worth doing as preventative maintenance would be the timing chain, not worth risking it IMO as if it were to snap the engine would be a write off.

    Ok so timing chain is the thing I must look into it at some point yet chain must be a life time component I believe but ok I will keep that in mind


  • Options
    #24
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    Bunkernumber1 wrote: »
    The first port of call tho check out that sound is to see if it's coming from the engine or the aux belt areA. First thing to do is take the belt off and see if the sound is gone or still there then you can decide your next move but until you find out if its internal or external you wont know.

    Serpentive Belt seems to be fine also not sure if I should replace it as preventive job or it's better to leave it as it is.

    I will check the noise again during weekend after another cold start and see because I cannot tell where it comes from generally as engine is normally loud :D


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    #25
    Esel
    Registered Users Posts: 22,002 ✭✭✭✭Esel


    Shah91n wrote: »
    Ok so timing chain is the thing I must look into it at some point yet chain must be a life time component I believe but ok I will keep that in mind
    I think the poster is saying it's not worth the risk not doing it (leaving it).

    Not your ornery onager



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    #26
    Sexual Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 2,053 ✭✭✭Sexual Chocolate


    Leonard Hofstadter wrote: »
    Beat me to it. There's no problem with either the swirl flaps or the turbo in these engines. The turbo can go in them but that would hardly be a surprise given the mileage on this car, that could happen any car with 190k miles on the clock. The only thing worth doing as preventative maintenance would be the timing chain, not worth risking it IMO as if it were to snap the engine would be a write off.

    I was advised recently to get my swirl flaps blanked. Done a bit of googling and it seems to be something that people do but it seems that these engines are no where as bad as the M47 for them. Others suggested having the manifold cleaned instead as they suffer from carbon built up.


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    #27
    Sexual Chocolate
    Registered Users Posts: 2,053 ✭✭✭Sexual Chocolate


    Shah91n wrote: »
    Ok so timing chain is the thing I must look into it at some point yet chain must be a life time component I believe but ok I will keep that in mind

    Supposed to be a life time component. When I got mine recently there was a receipt in it for over €1900 from main dealer for new chain.

    There are independent places that do them from between 800 - 1200 I've heard.


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    #28
    Bunkernumber1
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Bunkernumber1


    Sexual Chocolate wrote: »
    Supposed to be a life time component. When I got mine recently there was a receipt in it for over €1900 from main dealer for new chain.

    There are independent places that do them from between 800 - 1200 I've heard.

    Ya about a grand would do the job on the timing chain.in fairness there simple to do but its engine out to do them. Turn around time if I'm doing one is about 3 days. As for anyone on about swirl flaps on these engines the dont suffer with that problem so it's nothing to worry about.


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    #29
    Bunkernumber1
    Registered Users Posts: 65 ✭✭Bunkernumber1


    Shah91n wrote: »
    Serpentive Belt seems to be fine also not sure if I should replace it as preventive job or it's better to leave it as it is.

    I will check the noise again during weekend after another cold start and see because I cannot tell where it comes from generally as engine is normally loud :D

    If u read what I said it was to remove the belt weather it looks fine or not because the tensioner or pulleys or alternator pulley etc can be making the sound so if u remove the belt and the sound is still there it's in the engine .if it's gone then you have a problem with one of the prmarts listed above


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    #30
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    Bunkernumber1 wrote: »
    If u read what I said it was to remove the belt weather it looks fine or not because the tensioner or pulleys or alternator pulley etc can be making the sound so if u remove the belt and the sound is still there it's in the engine .if it's gone then you have a problem with one of the prmarts listed above

    I understood what you meant, so I should remove it and start the engine, would not that be harmful for those parts or the engine as the belt is part of the operation?


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    #31
    Shah91n
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭Shah91n


    Sexual Chocolate wrote: »
    Supposed to be a life time component. When I got mine recently there was a receipt in it for over €1900 from main dealer for new chain.

    There are independent places that do them from between 800 - 1200 I've heard.

    Yeah my mechanic said 1200 but I still do not wanna bother changing it until I hear weird noise from the back of the engine :D


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