[snipagang]

A couple stupid questions (first time ever needing to do this on a vehicle).

1. My windshield wipers need to be replaced. Do we just go with oem BMW wipers? Is this good?

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...uine-bmw-part/

2. I dont have a low coolant light, but visually it looks like the coolant is ready to be topped off a bit. What coolant do you need to use on an 2017 F30 N20 320ix?

Is there a process to adding coolant, or can I just open the cap and put it in?

3. I have 47K miles on the car and it is tuned stg 1. When do I replace the spark plugs? Is it recommended to get some aftermarket plugs in for better performance. Engine runs fine, maybe slightly rougher than when it was younger but nothing to really complain about too much.

[Billfitz]

1.Overpriced. Shop around.
2. Is it below the line on the overflow container? Special coolant isn't required, Prestone will do.
3. 50 to 60k is the usual. Claims for better performance by off brands are usually bogus. Stay with NGK.

If you do plugs doing the wipers at the same time might get you up to the free shipping threshold. I don't recall where I got mine last but I do remember that I tossed them into another part order to get free shipping, which almost made the wipers free.

[sspade]

1. OEM are great, its what Ive been using and have no reason to switch. I get mine on eBay (like the rest of my replacement filters, etc).

3. Replace plugs every 50k with NGK 97506. You could change a bit earlier but probably not necessary based on my experience with two different flash tuned N20.

[snipagang]

Originally Posted by sspade

1. OEM are great, its what Ive been using and have no reason to switch. I get mine on eBay (like the rest of my replacement filters, etc).

3. Replace plugs every 50k with NGK 97506. You could change a bit earlier but probably not necessary based on my experience with two different flash tuned N20.

Thanks everyone for the reply. Considering I am almost at 50K I guess its time anyways.

[WallySlash]

Do yourself a favor and visit FCP Euro. If you are able there are a lot of DIY maintenance items on your car. Also, FCP Euro posts a lot of DIY videos on YouTube.

[snipagang]

Originally Posted by WallySlash

Do yourself a favor and visit FCP Euro. If you are able there are a lot of DIY maintenance items on your car. Also, FCP Euro posts a lot of DIY videos on YouTube.

I bought NGK plugs and a windshield wiper replacement from FCP. Was cheaper than other sites.

[snipagang]

Originally Posted by WallySlash

Do yourself a favor and visit FCP Euro. If you are able there are a lot of DIY maintenance items on your car. Also, FCP Euro posts a lot of DIY videos on YouTube.

Also one more question.... if I do an oil change service, do I need to replace an oil filter for N20 as well? I am a bit unsure of this part.

[WallySlash]

Originally Posted by snipagang

Also one more question.... if I do an oil change service, do I need to replace an oil filter for N20 as well? I am a bit unsure of this part.

Yes oil and filter. Check out the oil change kits for your engine and watch one of the DIY videos.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by snipagang

Also one more question.... if I do an oil change service, do I need to replace an oil filter for N20 as well? I am a bit unsure of this part.

I only drive about 4k miles in a normal year, 2k since Covid, which only justifies one oil change a year in spring. I change the filter in spring and fall, it's cheap insurance and only takes five minutes. Only buy OEM Mann HU 816X or Mahle OX 387D.

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by snipagang

2. I dont have a low coolant light, but visually it looks like the coolant is ready to be topped off a bit. What coolant do you need to use on an 2017 F30 N20 320ix?

BMW does have a standard spec for coolant and publishes a list of approved aftermarket brands that are compliant. I use Zerex G48 since it's on the list and was in stock at my local auto parts store for cheap.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...48?q=G48&pos=0

[sspade]

Here's the oil filter you need. Ive literally used about 20 of these now...

Don't pay more than $10-11 each (including tax and shipping).



https://www.ebay.com/itm/35093264938...EAAOSw0F9bm5Ql

[snipagang]

Originally Posted by capt_slow

BMW does have a standard spec for coolant and publishes a list of approved aftermarket brands that are compliant. I use Zerex G48 since it's on the list and was in stock at my local auto parts store for cheap.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...48?q=G48&pos=0

Can I just top it off if the coolant is running low?

[Billfitz]

I don't know if you can, but you may.

[Desertnate]

Originally Posted by WallySlash

Do yourself a favor and visit FCP Euro. If you are able there are a lot of DIY maintenance items on your car. Also, FCP Euro posts a lot of DIY videos on YouTube.

This is what I'd recommend.

Last time I replaced the wipers, even with shipping costs was lower than I probably would have spent buying blades at a parts store and far less than the dealer parts department.

[sspade]

The last time I bought OEM wipers, cost less than $22 including shipping and tax on eBay.

[AspektUSA]

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...-a3-3397118929

I've got these and they work beautifully, amazon will also have them if you want Prime shipping.

[capt_slow]

Originally Posted by snipagang

Can I just top it off if the coolant is running low?

Yes, as long as the expansion tank was not allowed to go down to empty. Doing so introduces air into the system, which you would need to bleed out. Since you have a N20 engine with the electric pump, you can bleed the system easily with this procedure.