09-18-2020, 02:37 PM | #133 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Another year goes by and it's time for another oil change. I only put ~4500 miles on the F31 in the last 11 months. I drive the '91 318is a fair amount.
As far as oil changes go, the F31 is pretty easy. I just drive it up on ramps, change the filter, drain the oil, and then fill it. No splash shields to remove. No engine covers to remove. Takes about 30 minutes. And yes, that's an old shower curtain I used to catch any oil splatter. It has served me well for ~20 years and cleanup is a snap. 50356809206_82a3e6dc40_o by mike.bevels, on Flickr 20200918_135550 by mike.bevels, on Flickr I put the roof rack and bike trays back on the car a few weeks ago. I've been taking my daughter biking on some local paths and my son scooters along. I haven't noticed any additional wind noise with the rack on the car. 50334447578_728195aa23_o by mike.bevels, on Flickr The F31 made an appearance in der Bayerische, my BMW CCA chapter's magazine (of which I'm the co-editor). Read the article here: https://www.nxtbook.com/mercury/derB...ndex.php#/p/28 July_Aug_20_dB_week_7 by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
0
|
11-03-2020, 08:27 PM | #134 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
We took the F31 on a weekend trip to West Virginia. Spectacular views. Spectacular driving roads. Here are a few shots of the F31 along the way.
DSC_0753 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0756 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0767 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0737 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0761 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0739 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0748 by mike.bevels, on Flickr 20201102_134955 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0764 by mike.bevels, on Flickr And one of the E30 from this past weekend for good measure: IMG_20201031_183122_763 by mike.bevels, on Flickr Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 11-04-2020 at 08:53 AM.. |
Appreciate
4
|
11-04-2020, 02:42 AM | #135 |
Great Teacher
1026
Rep 1,272
Posts
Drives: 06 e91 325ix
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: El Paso
|
Dsc0756 is great composition. Nicely done!
__________________
‘06 e91 manual 325ix BarriqueRot
over Terra (one of 1), Nav, Sport, L7 A few OEM+ mods: MTech front bumper, MSport wheel & handbrake, 4AD trim, full rear shades, more to come… |
Appreciate
0
|
11-04-2020, 06:17 AM | #136 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-28-2020, 02:14 PM | #137 |
New Member
9
Rep 13
Posts |
Mike, what's your everyday tire? I'll be returning to Falls Church in spring. I foresee a bunch of cycling trips out to Shenandoah once temps regularly get above 60°.
|
Appreciate
0
|
11-30-2020, 06:22 AM | #138 | |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Quote:
And to be honest, I haven't changed over to the 400ms with all-seasons yet and it's almost December. |
|
Appreciate
1
coreyaugustus9.00 |
12-31-2020, 12:35 PM | #139 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
I have a Virginia State Safety Inspection coming up so last weekend I figured I'd look everything over. Well, the rear brake pads were pretty low. The car says I still have 60,000 miles of life left. Yeah, right. The front pads still have plenty of meat on them, so I ordered a set of rear Akebono pads from FCP Euro.
The M Sport brakes make pad changes super fast and easy. The only tools you need are a hammer, punch, and flat head screw driver. I jacked the car up from the rear diff and put it on stands. I used some home-made wood blocks as to not destroy on factory jack points. Scrap wood for the win. 20201231_111150 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0706 by mike.bevels, on Flickr Wheels off once the car is properly supported. DSC_0705 by mike.bevels, on Flickr I had some help today. DSC_0708 by mike.bevels, on Flickr 60,000 miles left. Why would I replace these now? :-) DSC_0710 by mike.bevels, on Flickr Once the pins come out, the new pads simply slide into place (and then replace the retaining clip and pins). DSC_0712 by mike.bevels, on Flickr The rear rotors are still within spec so I didn't replace those. I did wire brush the corrosion off the wheel hub and apply more anti-seize where the wheel makes contact on the lib/hub area (no pictured). Everything felt great after a quick test drive and pad bedding. Other than that, I've been enjoying being a writer and co-editor for my BMW CCA's chapter magazine, der Bayerische. I've completed few small projects on the E30, but I won't bore the F30 forum with those details. Happy New Year everyone. Until next time. Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 01-01-2021 at 03:29 PM.. |
Appreciate
1
coreyaugustus9.00 |
01-17-2021, 08:10 AM | #141 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Thanks!
I took the F31 out for some photos this morning. DSC_0748 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0847 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0789 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0823 by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
3
|
01-20-2021, 02:32 PM | #142 |
Lieutenant
67
Rep 418
Posts |
Sometimes I regret now holding out for a white F31 but I got a great deal so I'll endure my silver wagon lol
Great looking car and awewome pictures, well done!
__________________
2011 M3 E90, Jet Black / Bamboo, DCT
359M wheels + Ohlins R&T + Karbonius plenum/airbox + Autobahn Exotics exhaust |
Appreciate
0
|
01-30-2021, 08:17 AM | #143 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-30-2021, 08:23 AM | #144 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
I picked up a new (to me) lens last weekend. A Nikon 35mm f/1.8G for my D5600. Loving the crispness this thing provides compared to the kit 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G I had been using (though they don't look as good when shown in the browser).
DSC_0823 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0756 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0717 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0726 by mike.bevels, on Flickr Last edited by Mike.F31.MSport; 01-30-2021 at 03:17 PM.. |
Appreciate
1
coreyaugustus9.00 |
03-01-2021, 04:22 AM | #145 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
I gave the F31 a thorough cleaning last week. This includes under the hood. While I was there, I noticed a fair amount of oil/gunk all over the front of the engine (behind the drive belts, on the front timing cover, etc). This wasn't there when I changed the oil last time.
I traced the leak to the source - it appears to be the oil filter housing and/or oil cooler. There is no seepage around the oil filter cap. My car does have the aluminum (non-plastic) oil filter housing already. I have one year left on my 7-year extended warranty (which I purchased at the dealership when I took delivery of the car). At 42K miles, I'm well under the extended warranty mileage limit. So I called the warranty company and this, among many other types of oil leaks, is covered. I'm dropping the car off at the dealer today. I've been promised a loaner and I may request something with a manual transmission, so we'll see what I get. I did look up how how to replace the oil filter housing gasket myself. The only hiccup is one bolt doesn't clear the intake manifold, which needs to be loosened. Doesn't look particularly hard and the gasket is around $30 at FCP Euro. But I have the warranty, so I'm going to use it. :-) |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2021, 07:54 AM | #146 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
I was pleasantly surprised with my service experience at the dealership this time around. The previous couple times were crap (while the car was still under the 4-year free maintenance plan). All paperwork was done on my phone - they texted me links for loaner car agreements, billing, etc.
The tech working on the car sent me a text with a link to a web page that had a video of my car and the tech describing what they found in the multi-point inspect, in addition to photos of areas that needed to be addressed. They confirmed the oil filter housing gasket was leaking, but also found the front control arm bushings were bad. All of that was covered under the extended warranty. I just paid the deductible and for a much needed alignment. Here are some photos from the tech. A blown, leaking bushing: 1EA21E99445DB32ECFA08357B8E71BDA3589A53C by mike.bevels, on Flickr Oil leaking from the oil filter housing: A6F385EF893A95723D848C34755FA99B7BDF34DD by mike.bevels, on Flickr B3F41751F1B6FDF2CCD58B3277F180EFD37AACBF by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
0
|
03-04-2021, 05:04 PM | #147 |
Private
17
Rep 61
Posts |
Sounds like a great dealership experience! Which dealer did you take it to? I'm in Washington, DC with a very similar spec F31 which is still under CPO warranty. I haven't had to take it in for anything yet but would love to know which dealers you've been happy with in the area. Outside of warranty work or anything I didn't want to tackle myself I've used a couple of indy shops in Bethesda with good results. If you ever take your wagon to Katie's Cars & Coffee when it starts up again I'd love to see it!
__________________
'11 128i M-Sport - 6 Speed - Slicktop
'17 330i xDrive M-Sport Wagon '91 Nissan Figaro |
Appreciate
0
|
03-05-2021, 05:01 AM | #148 | |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-23-2021, 01:55 PM | #149 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Just posting some photos from this morning. Check out my Instagram for more photos (https://www.instagram.com/mike.bevels/).
DSC_0025 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0037 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0052 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0109 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0098 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0078 by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2021, 05:00 AM | #150 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
I'm going to break the updates into a few posts. Bear with me.
I met up with a friend for some photos. I liked how some of these turned out: DSC_0858 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0883 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0917 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0058 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0073 by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2021, 05:06 AM | #151 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Road trip to the beach!
DSC_0063 by mike.bevels, on Flickr It rained a bit while we were there: DSC_0138 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0154 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0122 by mike.bevels, on Flickr We saw some sights: DSC_0075 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0100 by mike.bevels, on Flickr I took lots of photos: DSC_0068 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0060 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr My car went on a boat (again): DSC_0056 (2) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0306 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0290 by mike.bevels, on Flickr Sand dunes: DSC_0207 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0215 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0194 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0184 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0175 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0170 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0166 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr We packed up and went home: DSC_0081 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0077 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0095 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0102 (1) by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
0
|
07-01-2021, 05:10 AM | #152 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
I had an incident with some flying debris on the highway a couple months ago (minor, but I wanted it repaired regardless). I took it to a shop that fixed the damage along with the hundred of rock chips. The bumper looks brand new now - they did a fantastic job.
DSC_0146 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0162 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0171 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0188 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0145 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0153 by mike.bevels, on Flickr DSC_0157-3 by mike.bevels, on Flickr I post a fair amount on Instagram - check out my feed here: https://www.instagram.com/mike.bevels/ |
Appreciate
2
F30_320D_UK201.50 Onizukachan1026.00 |
10-11-2021, 05:47 AM | #154 |
Private First Class
105
Rep 159
Posts
Drives: '15 328i (M) Wagon, '91 318is
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: VA, USA
|
Brake pads and fluid
My front brake pads were getting low and I was due for fresh brake fluid. I scored a set of Akebonos on RockAuto for less than $70 (these match my rear pads that I previously replaced). I had considered a track day with the F31 in early October so I flushed the system with RBF600, but I never made it to the track. I used the "dry" method with a Motive Power Bleeder, which works great as their is no cleanup. The brakes feel great. The new pads have a similar feel to OE pads, but without all of the dust. The kids helped. :-) 20210821_140741 by mike.bevels, on Flickr 20210821_130332 by mike.bevels, on Flickr 20210821_131152 by mike.bevels, on Flickr 20210821_134058 by mike.bevels, on Flickr 20210821_130324 by mike.bevels, on Flickr |
Appreciate
1
Onizukachan1026.00 |
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|