djempirE55

I just picked up a beautiful 2003 e55 with 85K. Driving this fabulous car is just as rewarding as it is to work on them. I'll be doing some preventative maintenance over the long winter months here in Canada.

• On the agenda: Small oil leak coming from the valve covers.
• Lower front control arms have small play.
• Rear shocks are a bit wet. Should I replace them with the expensive OEM's??? Options?
• Is there anything else I should be changing out as part of preemptive service?

Exotic-metal55

1) valve cover service is normal on these cars, so good place to start with gaskets and tube of sealer.

2) Ball joints also wear on these cars pretty quick.

3) Get your favorite brand aftermarket if you can or even coil over kits are an option if air bags are worn.

Trans service may be needed and check trans mount and motor mounts.

Check idler pulleys, as those also fail a lot from the factory.

Check list can be endless but above are a few ideas.

djempirE55

Awesome and thanks for the reply.
Owning an e39 M5, I'm no stranger to wrenching and having a lift in my garage does help! The bags are still good but the rear struts are a bit tired. Not sure if I should wait or replace them now.
Any suggestions on where to purchase parts, I usually use FCP.com for my bimmer.

novae500

autohausaz, fcp, mboemparts, ebay for arnott struts,

I just went through an overhaul myself.

rear main seal
valve cover gaskets
motor mounts
tranny filter/fluid
tranny conductor plate
tranny oil pump
brake flush
sbc pump and accumulator
coilovers being installed
new lca/toe links front
engine oil change
rear diff oil change
pack/retighten wheel bearing

broke now.....

djempirE55

Thanks for the tips. You have some awesome power to the wheels with some simple bolt ons. I love your HRE's. Can you post some additional shots of your car with those wheels.

StarvingArtist

Check out the common maintenance and parts sticky.

layzie12g

Add plugs and a trans service to your list. There is a little air filter for the airmatic under the front most tray on the driver side under the corner of the bumper. Its easy to get to and probably cost 20 bucks.

djempirE55

Tranny fluid change is on the list. I found the airmatic filter under the front bumper but oddly didn't find any service information or time interval to change it out. I'm convinced that a dirty filter will contribute to a premature failed pump. Definitely on my list to replace.