Got some maintence in this weekend.

[Lambobimmer]

It has been about a year since I bought my car and I have only put about 4,700 miles on her. BMW changed the oil under the service warranty last March so it is about time to change it. I switched to Motul Excess 5W40 this time to see how it will work. I also bought a few WIX Filter Oil Analysis kits so I will post the results when I get them back. The instructions said to take the sample within 30 minutes of turning the car off, which I did not do so I hope that this doesn't skew my results.

I have almost 42k on my car so I also decided to change the diff fluid. Not sure why BMW decided not to put in a drain plug but it is a pain to get the old fluid out. I used a oil extractor and I was able to pull out almost all of the diff fluid. I also switched to Motul for the diff and used their 75w90

I switched out the PCV with the RB PCV. This was pretty easy to do and I figured that it would help to prevent deposits on the intake valves. I guess that time will tell if this works at all.

Also, raised my KWV3's on the rear a few mm's. It was a little too low for my liking.

Ready from Spring and Summer.

[jparnes1]

Never heard of WIX. I've used Blackstone Labs for oil analysis. How does there system work? More details about location / DIY for PVC?

[Lambobimmer]

http://www.amazon.com/Wix-24077-Oil-.../dp/B000CSEUQ0

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=850517

http://www.rbturbo.com/rbpcv

[nicknaz]

nice work.

Any thoughts on the gear oil switch for the diff (ie. whats the advantage)? Seems like sometimes the factory fill has some proprietary additives that are key?

[Hujan]

Bump.

Any DIY instructions for an oil change on the E89 Z4? Also, what is the best place to source the filter and oil?

[tranquility]

Subscribed. I'm thinking of getting my tranny and diff fluids analyzed as well. Would like to know how the diff analysis turned out for OP.

[Lambobimmer]

Originally Posted by Hujan

Bump.

Any DIY instructions for an oil change on the E89 Z4? Also, what is the best place to source the filter and oil?

There is not much to it. You need a special oil filter wrench but otherwise pretty straight forward.

Lift Car
Remove Oil Plug and drain oil
Remove Oil filter with special wrench
Clean area where oil filter is located.
Install oil Plug
I pour oil in the oil filter housing before I install the oil filter
Add oil
Reinstall oil filter cover

I have been using Motul 8100 X-cess 5W-40 but it has gone up 20% since I last bought it. It is very good oil though. I purchased it on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also purchased my oil filter kits on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Lambobimmer]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Subscribed. I'm thinking of getting my tranny and diff fluids analyzed as well. Would like to know how the diff analysis turned out for OP.

I didn't have my tranny oil or diff fluid analyzed. I had my motor oil analyzed. I don't think that it is worth it so get any analysis done on your tranny or diff fluid unless you are tracking your car often.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Lambobimmer

I didn't have my tranny oil or diff fluid analyzed. I had my motor oil analyzed. I don't think that it is worth it so get any analysis done on your tranny or diff fluid unless you are tracking your car often.

I am considering analyzing the tranny and diff fluids because you know how BMW is saying that they're 'lifetime'. I have no idea otherwise if/when to change. So you decided to change diff 42K miles...how did the fluid look like? How about your tranny?