Poll: Are you for or against preventative maintenance?

Originally Posted by WDE46

He's probably right though. What about the other bushings that are definitely shot? Is it the original water pump?

Wherever he goes you could go with him.

I vote for Preventive Maintenance...If you wait till it breaks, you could potentially end up having more things broken because of it...I'm not going to blindly replace items, but as I see subtle changes in things, then I look into it and change parts accordingly. Common fail items change at recommended intervals...as for oil changes....I pray that no-one who owns one of these great cars is doing the 15k mile interval changes...these cars also have control arm bushing failures which cause feathering in your tires. I bought some tougher ones hopping they would last longer...they lasted about 55K...time to replace again though....stock ones only lasted about 30k...

Good luck with your decision making, whether it be DIY, or don't do anything....

Originally Posted by RayPooley

Wherever he goes you could go with him.

Not really. In the thread he links I very much disagree with Mango on his "do it all" strategy. I do agree with him in the stance that all E46's bought used need a good bit of work done to them. Unless you found a fanatic's car, you'll be replacing quite a few things to get it back to acceptable performance. I also agreed with him on the concept of PM. What parts should be subject to PM we certainly disagree on.

Originally Posted by NukeMiller

I vote for Preventive Maintenance...If you wait till it breaks, you could potentially end up having more things broken because of it...I'm not going to blindly replace items, but as I see subtle changes in things, then I look into it and change parts accordingly. Common fail items change at recommended intervals...as for oil changes....I pray that no-one who owns one of these great cars is doing the 15k mile interval changes...these cars also have control arm bushing failures which cause feathering in your tires. I bought some tougher ones hopping they would last longer...they lasted about 55K...time to replace again though....stock ones only lasted about 30k...

Good luck with your decision making, whether it be DIY, or don't do anything....

I'm guessing not doing anything requires a bit more luck.

I guess it all depends on how "fanatical" you are.

Originally Posted by E46Mango

I'm guessing not doing anything requires a bit more luck.

That's really an understatement of major proportions. Folks who don't perform any PM should really be driving Hondas so we don't have to listen to them whine and complain when they break down.

Originally Posted by hacksawmark

That's really an understatement of major proportions. Folks who don't perform any PM should really be driving Hondas so we don't have to listen to them whine and complain when they break down.

Really tired of these type of people...They then have the audacity to make a ridiculous statement like, these cars suck...If you can't afford to take care of a brand new one (when you can't afford the car itself), you wont be able to afford it when the car becomes affordable...the parts don't have a depreciation value! So yeah, I agree....go buy a Honda!

Originally Posted by E46Mango

I'm guessing not doing anything requires a bit more luck.

Well, some of these guys who think they can be DIY, need just as much luck even if the intention is good...LOL

How can anyone who changes their oil vote against preventative maintenance? 'Tis a silly poll!

See the brush? I have had that SAME brush for 27 years. Its had 12 new heads and 5 new handles. I change them regularly just in case they wear out or break. Its never failed me yet. You can't buy brushes like that these days.

Originally Posted by wildirish317

How can anyone who changes their oil vote against preventative maintenance? 'Tis a silly poll!

Exactly. that's exactly my sentiment as well. it makes no sense. it's personal for these people

Originally Posted by RayPooley

See the brush? I have had that SAME brush for 27 years. Its had 12 new heads and 5 new handles. I change them regularly just in case they wear out or break. Its never failed me yet. You can't buy brushes like that these days.

Is it purdy? See my paint humor? haha.

On the topic of PM, this statement kind of breaks down where people fall

Originally Posted by NukeMiller

If you can't afford to take care of a brand new one (when you can't afford the car itself), you wont be able to afford it when the car becomes affordable.

So how far do people extend themselves? this thread is a good example.

Originally Posted by RayPooley

See the brush? I have had that SAME brush for 27 years. Its had 12 new heads and 5 new handles. I change them regularly just in case they wear out or break. Its never failed me yet. You can't buy brushes like that these days.

You seriously think that's a valid analogy?

How can you be completely against preventative maintenance? I guess you don't replace your belts, you just wait for them to break. Do you wait for your water pump to break and overheat your car? I mean that could only cost you a head gasket. You must also want to wait around for your ET to blow up. That'll be fun. How about your fuel pump? $150 to not be stranded is a pretty good buy in my opinion.

People here are dumb.

Originally Posted by WDE46

You seriously think that's a valid analogy?

How can you be completely against preventative maintenance? I guess you don't replace your belts, you just wait for them to break. Do you wait for your water pump to break and overheat your car? I mean that could only cost you a head gasket. You must also want to wait around for your ET to blow up. That'll be fun. How about your fuel pump? $150 to not be stranded is a pretty good buy in my opinion.

Or how about replace tires? or don't replace them.. wait for a blowout

Mangolingus.

Originally Posted by kpeng

Mangolingus.

I think Griffin does that. Probably good all the way around...

Don't encourage the troll. He's already in hot water over w/ the mod in SoCal chat for posting random childish crap

abstinance is the only safe form of E46 ownership
just ask mine that's been parked in the garage for weeks on end.

So how far do people extend themselves? this thread is a good example.[/QUOTE]

That is the point of all of this...BMW is not a cheap car, and neither is maintaining it...Synthetic oil, 91 Octane, lower profile tires, etc...these are just basic maintenance items that are easily going to cost you a few hundred a year more than a normal car would....