How long will she go? - 186,000 +

[RH318is]

As I recently passed the 185k mark last week I started to wonder how long my bone stock '91 318is will go. Looking for about 3 more years as a daily driver. A little history-

• Got the car with about 107k on it Dec./99
  At about 118k, the head cracked, so replaced with a rebuilt head & timing chain, guides, etc. were redone, trans & diff fluid were replaced.
  This was in the spring of 2000

Besides the fuel pump and thermostat going out, it's run great since, but I'm thinking about fixing some other smaller things. The alternator belt seems a little cockeyed and makes that whirling sound which I hate. It's starting to fray the edge of the belt as well, so I think I'll get them fixed, straigthened out. Also thought about having the trans & diff fuild changed (is changing the diff fuild really necessary or just a waste of money?). So I guess my question is, is there any other simple maintanence, lubbing the driveshaft, u-joints, etc. that can/should be done? And how long should she last??

Thanks.

[Jand3rson]

There used to be a guy on one of the forums, I THINK it was E3S back in the day, who had over 400k on his car.

[nando]

my friends poorly maintained, beat-to-shit and wrecked 318is has well over 200k. I think the only thing he's done to the car are replace the spark plugs, air filter and waterpump (he got it with over 190k).

[e30sd]

There used to be a guy on one of the forums, I THINK it was E3S back in the day, who had over 400k on his car.

carl something or another, his eta had 426k, on the stock clutch if i'm not mistaken...

[bimmerphile]

there's no reason your engine should need a rebuild in less than 250k miles if you take care of it.


My old car had something like 240k when I sold it, and ran just fine (clutch went out, though).

[rs4pro3]

My 88 325is right now has at least 300k on it running strong. I've done nothing to it but suspension and a driveshaft center support bearing.

[///M42 sport]

232K in mine! I change the oil every 2500 and redlined the diff and tranny. STILL Rock Solid. Off course I take care of problems when they arrive.

[DSchultz325e]

i am at 186,637 currently. honestly, my car feels like it runs better than my gf's m50 325is with 96k on the clock. as long as you perform scheduled lubrication and maintenance, adjust the valves, etc, it should run for a long long time. the 6 cylinder engines are bulletproof.

[RH318is]

Ok, thanks for the encouragement. Looks like 3 more years won't be too much of a problem. 5 would be great :)

[BMW BMXER]

My eta is over 300k

[BahnE30]

my eta has 375,xxx

[James Crivellone]

I'm at 216K miles on my ETA now, runs fine

[///M42 sport]

yeah, change the diff and tranny fluid. When your replacing any parts, you might as well upgrade.

[Mot]

193k on my i and counting.

[EtaSport]

im about 380 or so on my car. 275 on the 528e, 220 on the 95 318ti (m44 or whatever) and the roadster has 78. Yea, these cars can last a long time.