[quote="Smeeagain"]
I hear folk referring to "high mileage" vehicles, but how high is high? Today My 2004 E53 3.0d Auto Sport hit 250,000 miles (or 400,000km)......
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I thought I'd add some context to this post. Leaving aside general consumables (windscreen wiper blades, bulbs, brake pads etc), here is an overview, not necessarily comprehensive, but covers the main points of things I've paid out for on the car.
Im posting this for others to know observe learn etc and a s statement of fact not for debate - it is what is is.
I bought the car at 72k and at the time of writing this is is now siting at 251k miles, so I have put on circa 180k miles.
Maintenance - all services done as required. Green lights go out every 5k so 25k between oil and filter change. I discovered only recently that my local garage (not a BMW dealer) does a quick engine flush too before replacing the oil. Never been a fan of that but clearly it isn't causing a problemFuel filter and pollen filter every 3rd service as I recall. I use Castrol Magnatec (can't remember spec - 5w30 perhaps). The garage also does a quick once over when doing a service and when changing summer/winter wheels and pick up on things like cv boots and so on so everything gets done as soon as possible
MOT - seven years of straight passes - probably due to the work mentioned above.
Oil breather was changed to the vortex type as soon as I got the car.
Battery - the car s 13 years old. The first battery passed away at 6 years which is what I would expect. Replaced with Bosch Silver S5 with 5 year warranty. Although it was end of life the starter was playing up and killing the battery - i had the dreaded 2004 dodgy starter model so replaced that. Second battery replaced under warranty - alternator died at the same time. Starter, battery and alternator all fine since. I use a CTEK 8 stage conditioner from time to time just to keep it in good order although all the motorway driving I do seems to keep ti topped up
Electrics - always let the dash lights go out before starting. get in, switch on ignition and then put on seatbelt in that order - by the time you've put your belts on the lights have gone out.
Tyres - i have 17 inch winter tyres and wheels, and 19 inch summer tyres and wheels. Change them over approx every six months. Although I live in Hampshire I drive off road on holiday in the Scottish island and encounter deep snow in the winter when driving in Scotland, Yorkshire and Wales. Get alignment checked at each swap over along with balancing. Spec for tyre pressure is 32psi - I run at 34psi as there cars are big and heavy and roll a little in corners roundabouts etc , enough to wear the shoulder of the tyre slightly even f the suspicion is in good nick. The higher pressure stops this.
Brake discs - original OEM set lasted just over 100k miles. Next set lasted another 100k miles. Next set (paid) warped very quickly. Got them skimmed and problem resolved then it came back. they have been skimmed 3 times now and seem to be fine
Suspension - front arm control arm bushes, upper and lower, done twice as I recall. Don't recall anything on rear, although i had to get all alignment adjusters cut off the rear and replaced for alignment. I had to replace front offside shock absorber due to a slight leak
Glow plugs - 3 needed replacing at 180k miles. Made sense financially to do all six at the same time. Controller replaced too at same time
Viscous fan coupling done at 100k and will need done again as I can hear the wear in the bearings.
Aircon pressure sensor switch replaced. System has been regassed twice in my seven year ownership.
Gearbox - possibly the most contentious issue. I have had the lurch for the 7 years Ive owned the car. it comes and goes. BMW say the box is sealed for life which they regard as 60k miles. So when i bought the car at 72k miles I had a decision to make - do the oil change and encounter the potential problems that brings or soldier on. I decided to soldier on. I have set aside a chunk of money to have the gearbox rebuilt (either by Birch motors or Jason chip tune). So as I say I soldiered on. I am now at 251k miles and the oil has still not been changed (I believe there is a filer in there too?). I have also not done diff oil, transfer box etc. My car, my choice, my decision.
That's about it - there are other incidentals like coding the doors to lock at 12mph, audible alarm beep etc all done with BMW 1.4.0 scanner
Hope that helps
Smee
