2003 BMW 325Ci (11/02 build)

MaintenanceModificationRepair
Date Miles Work Performed Performed by
11-02-2002 0 IMG_3312e copy Build PG 60946 Options BMW AG
12-16-2002 7 Warranty claim : 5113103700 Rain channel / roof trim strip loose. BMW NA
01-17-2004 14881 85990089MP 1st oil change; 10320105MP Full Maintenance Program. BMW NA
04-21-2005 22461 Warranty claim : 5412055200 Floating headliner / roller blind not opening; 6711011200 Actuator drive, central locking, front door permanent failure. BMW NA
04-21-2005 22461 85990089MP Maintenance Program - low annual mileage oil service BMA NA
12-19-2005 24359 Warranty claim : 0012100200 SIB #12-13-05 recall 05E-A01 Bremi Ignition Coils replacement; 6711011200 Actuator drive, central locking, front door permanent failure. BMW NA
12-19-2005 24359 34000077MP - Brake fluid change - full maintenance program; 34110077MP Front brake pads - maintenance plan BMW NA
03-22-2006 25075 61610077MP Front rubber wiper insert - full maintenance plan BMW NA
12-18-2006 27688 Warranty claim : 31120137SA Rubber bushing for wishbone loose. BMW NA
12-18-2006 27688 17110077SA Engine coolant change - maintenance plan; 61610077SA Front windshield wiper rubber insert - maintenance plan; 85990087SA Engine oil service (annual low mileage) - maintenance plan. BMW NA
04-11-2007 29903 Warranty claim : SIB #54-04-03 Sunroof Drive repair. BMW NA
11-20-2008 42502 Updated EGS (ZF 5HP19) transmission software from 7.523.489 to 7.546.103. BMW NA
01-03-2009 42542 New to me courtesy of Weatherford BMW. I purchased this car for my Mom in anticipation of her moving to the States, but those plans did not go through so it became my hobby car. Sport that farmer's tan. IMG_3321e copy Paolo
01-06-2009 42654 Clip for passenger door moulding. Removed moulding to adjust window alignment because it didn't fully seat into the channel.. Vendor : BMW of Concord Paolo
01-10-2009 42802 Filter kit. I should have known better than to pay dealer prices. Vendor : BMW of Concord Paolo
01-12-2009 42876 BMW Fuel System Cleaner (82140413341 ; repackaged Chevron Techron). Vendor : BMW of Concord Paolo
01-15-2009 42988 Serpentine and AC belts changed. 4 oil filter kits and 1 fuel filter also purchased. Peake Reasearch FCX-3 (code reader) also included in this purchase. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
01-19-2009 44854 Changed 4 worn tires to Yokohama S-Drives. Loud and noisy but had a nice wide profile and tons of grip. Vendor : Discount ire and Wheel Concord IMG_3344e copy Jim
01-23-2009 44901 Purchased 9 extra clips for passenger lower sill that never sit flush since the car was purchased. Vendor : BMW of Concord Paolo
01-28-2009 44988 Additional payment for DMV registration by dealer. Vendor : Weatherford BMW Kathleen
01-29-2009 45002 Fan clutch and counter holder. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
02-28-2009 45205 Replaced original water pump due to slight play. I used a new (not remanufactured) Graf unit. Also replaced idler and 2 tensioner assemblies. Also replaced thermostat as preventive maintenance as there was nothing wrong with it at the time of replacement. Paolo
01-31-2009 45433 Original Key case for the E46. Vendor : BMW of Concord Paolo
03-01-2009 45657 Brake fluid flush with ATE Super Blue. Used Motiv brake bleeder. Paolo
03-20-2009 45802 Spark plugs replaced, changed original Bosch plugs with BKR6EQUP. Steering Coupler (32301094703) also replaced. Paolo
03-22-2009 46101 Changed headlight lenses. Motiv Power Bleeder also included in this purchase. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
03-30-2009 46873 Replaced VANOS piston seals as well as all related hardware (VCG, VCG grommets, VANOS gasket and VANOS oil line crush washers). I also purchased the left hand-threaded bolts for the VANOS pistons. I didn't break it upon removal, but replaced it anyway. Don't forget the RTV at the joints and half-moons. Permatex Sensor Safe copy Paolo
05-03-2009 47983 Replaced Transmission filter and gasket. (2x) Drain & Fill then replaced the filter for final D&F. Rubber gasket I used tore against the transmission body (rubber instead of OE paper) a few hundred miles later. It tore while parked after a spirited drive, probably due to metal contraction. Redline D4 for all D&F. Paolo
06-08-2009 48329 Transmission gasket and oil pan replaced after I got a leak from the first drain and fill. The old pan was corroded at the sealing surfaces and the aftermarket (rubber) gasket I bought tore and leaked. Redline D4 used. Vendor : Bmw of Concord Paolo
11-19-2009 54413 Changed the 4 S-Drives because of uneven wear (feathering) on all 4 tires. They were also very noisy and wore out quickly. Vendor : America's Tire Technician
11-30-2009 59104 Right rear wheel bearing replaced due to droning noise. Diagnosed with the sweeping turns method. Vendor : Les Schwab Mike
12-15-2009 60013 Rebuilt DISA flap due to slight play between lever and flap. Used epoxy. Edit : Checked at around 100k and there is still no play between the rebuilt components. Paolo
02-25-2010 60223 Replaced windshield washer pump. I left it outside in sub-zero temperatures (24degF) and the ice killed the pump. I got into the car that morning and low washer light was on, plus the washer fluid was all under the car. I had a summer blend washer fluid in. I didn't think to put the winter blend in because it's California! Lesson learned - don't leave your car outside. I secured the headlight washer line while I was at it. I noticed some crusting where the hose meets the pump. Ebay for 9.95 delivered. Vendor : socalmotorsport Paolo
08-30-2010 67932 Subframe inspection due to class-action suit, Passed. (http://www.e46subframeclassactionsettlement.com/) Vendor : BMW of Concord Subframe Class Action 2 Paolo
10-31-2010 68101 Blew my Voltage Regulator on a spirited drive down from Tahoe. The car slammed into limp mode during acceleration and the cluster lit up like a Christmas tree. All the lights reset after a few seconds except the battery light, which gave me some indication as to what was going on. Symptoms point to a power spike from the VR, and the transmission operated normally after restart. After pulling over and checking for a thrown belt or popped transmission, I decided to continue the drive home. I made it two more hours on my oversized 49DL and it quit a few blocks from home where I safely coasted into a parking lot. I put our E90's battery in and drove it home. Also purchased a new Fan Clutch for the heck of it and 3 oil filter kits. Vendor : Pelican Parts BadVoltageRegulator2 copy Paolo
11-12-2010 70293 California Smog Inspection, Passed. BMW Smog 2010 BMW Smog 2010 copy Technician
11-24-2010 70487 Vehicle Registration California. Vendor : CA DMV Paolo
12-01-2010 70622 Added BMW Performance Intake. Got rid of a flat spot I was getting around 6k rpm at WOT. This airbox eliminated that flat spot. Vendor : ECS Tuning IMG_5114 copy Paolo
12-10-2010 71717 Installed BMW Performance Exhaust. I wanted to install myself but apartment complex was a concern. Re-adjusted after I got the car back. I was able to insert the connection another 3/4 inch. I also pushed up the entire pipe assembly before tightening the clamps. Vendor : Midas Paolo
12-19-2010 71753 Power steering reservoir seal purchased but never installed. Bought it as a backup for when it finally does leak. Purchased and installed M3 fuel baffle fixture for the fuel tank. I installed this after experiencing a hesitation after taking a long, accelerating right-hand sweeper in Davis, CA. Wiper blade assembly (set) also purchased. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
12-24-2010 71856 Engine mounts replaced. Outgoing units were intact (fluid still inside) but had lost 1/4 to 1/2 inch in height. I am cautious because I have a mechanical fan that may make contact without properly functioning mounts. M3 Sachs-Boge units used. Lemfoerder ZHP Control arms installed, as well as standard Lemfoerder bushings. All unit tightened to spec. ZHP Arm Paolo
12-30-2010 71898 Front brake pads and sensor (one only for both sides) replaced. Textar pads, PEX sensor. Vendor : Pelican Parts Photobucket Paolo
02-12-2011 72100 Replaced oil level sensor after experiencing normal fault (yellow light after start). Also replaced the 3 nuts that hold it in. Vendor : Pelican Parts Photobucket Paolo
02-15-2011 72539 Preventive maintenance. Expansion tank, expansion tank thermostat and upper radiator hose. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
04-03-2011 72960 Oil Filter Housing Gasket, along with sealing rings for the upper vanos hose connection which has to come out for the OFHG repair. Vendor : Pelican Parts Photobucket Paolo
04-15-2011 73405 Repaired rear deck to address fading.Photobucket  photo IMG_0763.jpg Paolo
04-26-2011 73813 (1) velcro floor mat fastener; (1) lower air intake tube; (2) expanding rivets; (1) key case for wifey; (1) cloth webbed tape 7.5M; (1) cabin filter; (1) OE aux cable; (1) windshield washer concentrate. Vendor : ECS Tuning Photobucket Paolo
05-09-2011 74295 LED Retrofit kit. I got DIS running because of this project. Changed coding options via the Retrofit path to avoid the bulb-out warning. LED tail lights were a gift from my wife. Vendor : getbmwparts Paolo
05-09-2011 74295 VAG-KKL cable with write capability purchased from user Adrian Evans from BFC. I used this with my DIS/GT1 setup, which I also got running from BFC. Vendor : Adrian Evans via Ebay Paolo
06-17-2011 75742 Tuff Stuff stain remover. Used for various random stains in the interior. Vendor : Car Quest Paolo
11-22-2011 81603 Changed 2 rear tires. Even and expected wear. Nothing negative to report. Funny story. I was supposed to buy new tires for the Benz, but I had the BMW's tire size in my head for some reason. Turns out the Bimmer's tires were worn to the bars, so the mistake was fortuitous. Falken ZE912s used for quietness. Vendor : America's Tire 325Ci Tire Wear 2 Paolo
11-24-2011 81677 Vehicle Registration California. Vendor : CA DMV Paolo
12-11-2011 82307 Serpentine and AC belts replaced, but only serpentine belt was worn and needed immediate replacing. Idler pulley also replaced. Side markers (middle of fender) also changed. Vendor : Pelican Parts; Serpentine & A/C pullies replaced with 89133s from Dayco (pulley only). Vendor : Rockauto 89133 PG 60946 Side Markers copy Paolo
12-23-2011 82752 Upstream oxygen sensors replaced. I suspect these are fake, but I am keeping them in there anyway and monitoring the output (fuel trims) via INPA. So far they have been ok. Vendor AutoPartPro via Amazon Photobucket Paolo
12-26-2011 82864 Repaired creaking front seats. Took both seats out and insulated the creaking control box for the electric seats. Vendor : None Paolo
12-28-2011 82938 Cover to the (B+) jumper terminal replaced. I broke this when I accidentally closed the hood on an open cover. No other damage other than a slight indent on the hood insulation material. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
12-29-2011 82975 Front turn signals replaced. Filler cap replaced. Valve cover nut seals replaced along with VCG due to leak in front of engine. 2 oil filter kits also purchased. Vendor : RM European. Photobucket Paolo
12-31-2011 83049 Repaired sagging cloth liner on the bottom of the A-pillar. Stretched it and glued it to place. Looks like new with nothing spent other than already existing shop materials. Vendor : none IMG_0053 IMG_7604 Paolo
01-07-2012 83309 Tried Dr. Colorchip on hood strikes. Not so good. I think I would have been better off with normal touch-up paint from BMW. Vendor : Dr. Colorchip Paolo
01-08-2012 83346 Installed piezo buzzer from Radio Shack for lock/unlock chirping functionality. CIMG0400 Paolo
01-11-2012 83457 Spark Plugs, NGK BKR6EIX. I decided to try the Iridium spark plugs for this round. Vendor : Amazon via Amazon CIMG0418 copy Paolo
01-16-2012 83643 Lloyd's car mats to replace the original BMW car mats. The Lloyds were of higher quality, were much thicker, and came with no-slip anchors. The old BMW units had the velcro anchors tearing from the bottom. Paolo
01-30-2012 84162 Homelink GDO added. Purchased a used unit on eBay and it turned out well, unit looked new after cleaning. I got the newer unit with lit buttons and rolling codes. Vendor : luzsixty via eBay. Also purchased (1) oil filter kit; (1) gas tank cap (updated version plus my old one had cracking seals) and (1) cloth webbed tape 7.7M from ECS Tuning. Amount is for the total. Homelink copy Paolo
01-31-2012 84199 Leather shift knob (25167533347) added. Trunk Box (51472153676) added. Vendor : ebmwparts Paolo
02-07-2012 84459 Adapter (82110004073) to use the flashlight jack as an extra accessory plug (lighter socket). New rear view mirror (51167148838) with compass, alarm LED and rain sensor. Vendor : ebmwparts Paolo
02-07-2012 84459 Added bluetooth functionality with Parrot (CTPPAR007) system. I paired this with an Eclipse BT-E600 handsfree car kit. CIMG0421 copy Paolo
02-11-2012 84607 Friction insert clip (51458266814) replaced for front wood trim. Bought 2, replaced 1. Paper log book (80560444565) purchased but subsequently never used. Vendor : BMW of Concord Paolo
02-16-2012 84793 PDC installed. Buzzer from eBay and tapped to reverse lamps using appropriate T-connectors then insulated with BMW tape (I was able to keep the factory layout and look). I used the original bumper trim piece for the PDC units. I chose this solution for simplicity - the factory units involved taking the center console apart to run the wire for the PDC defeat switch and other wiring. photo copy 325Ci rear reduced Paolo
02-19-2012 84904 Front sway bar end links replaced with Lemfoerders. Oil filter kit also purchased with this order. Vendor : Pelican Parts Paolo
03-08-2012 85572 Changed water pump due to noisy bearing. Diagnosed and replaced on the same day. I went with an Autozone pump (AWP-882) based on a couple reviews and because I was in a pinch. On initial comparison it seems like a better built unit than the Graf unit I previously put in which only lasted 40k miles. Water Pump copy Paolo
02-22-2012 87260 Changed after discovering 2 front tires had premature and uneven inner tire wear. Used Falken ZE612s instead of my favorite ZE912s. Same tire but the 612s are exclusive to America's Tire. Vendor : America's Tire Daniel
02-22-2012 87261 Four-wheel alignment. They did a good job. Toe-only adjustments up front. Rear camber bolt and RTAB carrier tightened to spec (at my house) after the alignment. Camber bolt was under-torqued. Vendor : Alignment Services Walnut Creek. Zach
02-29-2012 87533 Brake fluid flush with ATE Typ 200. Used Motiv brake bleeder. I ended up using 3 cans because the blue dye from the previous flush was pretty hard to get clear. In the end I just lived with it - no harm if the color didn't completely clear up because the fluid itself was clear. The 3rd can used was Super Blue because I only had 2 cans of Typ 200 during the change. Paolo
03-01-2012 87617 Expanding rivets (51118174185) puchased for various uses, this one specifically for the carbon canister cover. Same clip is also used on the front bumper. New hub with chrome rings also purchased (new style) to replace the old worn out ones, as well as a new front roundel. Paolo
03-14-2012 87899 Spare expanding rivets (51471919209) for the front ram intake. Precautionary because I'm always removing it. Screws for the headlight (63126975083) replaced due to rust (aesthetic reasons only); DME computer fan (12907571019) replaced due to what I thought was noise coming from this unit, but preventive because it's known to fail on the E46; headlight gaskets (63128380210) replaced due to discoloration and heat cracking, and water pump pulley bolts (07119904524) to replace the old ones that were slightly bent due to pump pulley tool leverage. Paolo
05-18-2012 88205 Crank Case Vent valve (CCV) and associated hoses and parts. I also bought a disptick tube 0-ring but didn't install it because I decided not to remove the guide tube for now and just swing it out of the way for service. Vendor : thebmwpartstore CCV repair copy Paolo
05-29-2012 89052 Replaced fuel pump due to growling noises and fuel cut-off at WOT. This was the conclusion of trying to find those growling noises. I ended up replacing the DME fan, the CCV and related hoses, the fuel filter then this pump. Problem finally solved. BMA Parts did have the best price for the original VDO/Siemens pump. I bought the fuel filter also on this invoice, and I installed that first hoping I wouldn't have to get into the pump. Fuel Filter copy Paolo
06-27-2012 89689 Differential and Transmission service. New gasket, filter and bolts for the Transmission with Redline D4. New sealing rings for the differential with Redline 75w-90. New radiator cap and radiator drain plug also purchased. Drain plug not yet installed. Vendor : thebmwpartstore; fluids from Monument Car Parts ZF pan copy Paolo
07-08-2012 89930 Oil change with Mobil 1 TDT; Hengst filter CIMG0484 copy Paolo
07-10-2012 90171 Changed filter for BMW Performance airbox. I used a Napa Gold 6301 and it fit perfectly. From what I could tell it was exactly like the old filter, all the way to the paper material, filter "thickness" and pleat count. 6301 Napa Gold Paolo
07-24-2012 90691 BMW Scanner 1.4.0. Installed on Sony VAIO SR laptop with Windows 7 64-bit. This has been a very capable diagnosis and programming tool for the E46 and in many ways exceed the factory GT1 I used to have. Good Times - Original copy Paolo
08-23-2012 91803 Changed A/C blower motor due to chirping noise associated with a failed bearing. Replaced with Behr unit, which is also the outgoing part. This is listed as the blower for the X3 (64113453729) but it fits anyway because it is supplied with a new cradle. Cleaned IAT and MAF with CRC MAF cleaner while I had it apart. Blower motor opening Paolo
08-27-2012 91952 Headlight lenses replaced for second time. Previous replacement already had a lot of rock chips, plus running my lights in the daytime together with daylight heat was producing hairline fractures right where the beam is concentrated. After replacement I turned on my DRLs instead, with the brights running at 40%(?). Included some spare differential plug crush washers and transmission mounts in this purchase. New headlight lenses IMG_7144 Paolo
09-06-2012 92254 Replaced FPR vacuum line (rubber portion only) at F-connector junction. Even at this modest mileage that rubber just crumbled in my hands. I'll have to tackle the rubber lines for the SAP check valve another day - not in the mood to remove engine covers today which is what it will take to do it properly. I used vacuum line left over from my CCV replacement. Paolo
09-14-2012 92300 California Smog Inspection, Passed. BMW Smog 2012 BMW Smog 2012 copy Paolo
09-14-2012 92300 Vehicle Registration California. Vendor : CA DMV Paolo
09-23-2012 92755 Topped off tire pressures as per usual practice at start of season. Fronts have softened to 29.5 from 30.5. Inflated to 31 this time in preparation for colder temps. Rears softened to 33.5 from 35. Inflated to 35 again due to no rear load at most times. Paolo
10-18-2012 94533 Shock absorbers (rears) changed due to (what I felt was) excessive rebound when going through dips in the road at freeway speeds. The rear remained planted as evidenced by no tail jerking even at speed, but BMW recommends 100k intervals for shocks. Plus I was looking for a project. 1 tensioner pulley also purchased but not installed at this time. photo 3 copy new shock Paolo
10-19-2012 94538 Waxed with 3M Performance Finish. Paolo
12-08-2012 96934 Washed after rains, no vacuum. Paolo
01-13-2013 97911 Checked tire pressure as beginning of season practice. Fronts were 27.0, reinflated to 31.0 (1.0 above spec). Rears were 30.5, brought up to 35.5 spec (0.5 above spec) Paolo
01-26-2013 98118 Washed, vacuum, cleaned interior. Waxed with 3M Performance Finish. Paolo
01-30-2013 98144 Evac and recharge A/C system. 1.68lbs capacity, recovered 0.70lbs, 0.98lbs effectively added. Checked due to a faint moaning noise whenever the motor was cold (only during the winter, and only until the car warmed up). It's been like this for the past 5 winters. No leaks found, and no more noise after the recharge. Chad recommended to not replace the compressor saying it was still healthy. Chad @ AA-Automotive in Concord
02-19-2013 99219 Heater Water Valve replaced because I didn't think it was opening or closing fully, making the system unable to reach full cold or full hot. Replacement proved to be correct - system now gets really hot or really cold, depending on how I set it. Old Water Heater Valve New Water Heater Valve Paolo
02-20-2013 99225 Oil change, Hengst filter, 4 quarts Redline 5w-30, 3 quarts M1 TDT 5w-40. Oil Change Paolo
02-20-2013 99230 Removed IKE EEPROM checksum error with BMW Scanner 1.4.0. - recalculate checksum function on IKE module. Paolo
02-25-2013 99656 Steering wheel was getting worn, so I took the opportunity to swap it with the black-stitch M3 wheel. Old Wheel New Wheel Paolo
03-03-2013 100000 Milestone reached. 100,000 and going strong! IMG_7737 Paolo
03-04-2013 100085 Car washed, no wax or polish. IMG_7245 Paolo
04-02-2013 100165 Replaced starter due to a sticking Bendix drive, which manifested itself as a screech/crunch after start. Over the past year I could avoid the screech by releasing the ignition faster but recently I noticed I could not avoid it. Replaced with Autozone remanufactured unit, lifetime warranty. IMG_0325 Paolo
04-06-2013 100250 Added G.A.S. radiator cap to reduce pressure and hopefully prolong other components. IMG_7469 Paolo
04-10-2013 100404 Replaced center trim due to a deep scratch. I caused the scratch during the Bluetooth retrofit last year. IMG_7492 Paolo
04-13-2013 100424 Inflated fronts to 31, rears to 36. Front was 31.5, rear was 35.5. Didn't lose much since last tire check. Paolo
04-13-2013 100424 Adjusted trunk latch pin for proper alignment of trunk and crooked latch pin. IMG_7507 Paolo
04-13-2013 100427 Chevron Techron 20-gallon treatment added to tank before fillup. 1/4 left in tank at fillup. IMG_7503 Paolo
04-16-2013 100579 Inspected AC clutch bearing due to a roughness (I thought) I felt on the last belt change. I may have been wrong because it was smooth as glass today when I took it apart. I tried every which way to get that "rough" feeling but I couldn't replicate the issue. Paolo
04-22-2013 100710 Car wash only. No vacuum, polish or wax. IMG_0056 Paolo
05-07-2013 100887 Inspected hard fuel lines at fuel filter for contact against each other - all good. This is caused by incorrect placement of the fuel filter. Moving it forward too much will cause the intersecting hard fuel lines to touch each other. Paolo
05-14-2013 100947 Pretension and fore/aft window adjustment on passenger window after making custom tool. IMG_7843 Paolo
05-16-2013 101044 Ignition coils changed as a preventive measure and because I experienced a miss last week at startup. On that occasion I restarted and the misfire went away but I'm not taking chances given how cheap the original Bosch coils are on Amazon. In the afternoon I washed and waxed plus vacuumed interior. Also changed two broken clips on the door moulding from when I adjusted the window the other day. IMG_7860 IMG_7888 Paolo
05-17-2013 101049 G2P engine cleaner (1 bottle) at fill-up. I had about 1/8 left in the tank when I put the cleaner in and filled up. Paolo