DIY: Maintenance

[Zel]

Hey guys, with help from this forum, I changed my oil last night. It went about as smooth as could be expected for the first time on this car and working on ramps. Whenever I buy a used car, one of the first things I do is change the oil. I feel better knowing that its been done. The filter I removed was not an OEM filter and was stamped "Made in South Korea" and had the date "2-19-11" also stamped on it, so I'm assuming the oil has been changed sometime since 2-19-11. That being said, the oil seemed extremely dark and loaded with carbon. Wondering if this is normal for these cars? If it is a sign of the wrong weight having been used? Or did someone only change the filter and not the oil?

Also, regarding other maintenance, I have 2 cabin filters on order and am weighing options for air filter replacements. The iDrive is saying that our brake fluid flush service is overdue. Is this as simple as bleeding the brakes and adding new fluid until the new fluid comes out of each bleeder? Also, is all Dot 4 brake fluid good enough or should I buy that from the dealer? I did a search here and found very little info about flushing the brake fluid.

One other thing, I noticed this plactic piece hanging down under the car. It was in the center of the car, at about the rear of the engine and it was riveted to the bottom of the undercarriage liner. It had been mostly broken off but there was one small part left just hanging there by 1 rivet. I removed it completely because I didnt like the look of it hanging down. Any idea what this was, what its function was and if its necessary? Should I replace it?

Thanks guys. I love this forum and am addicted to reading it! I learn something new every time!

[ktlocklear]

A lot of us use ATE Super Blue brake fluid. Flushing the brake fluid is the same as other cars.....pretty simple and straight forward.
That broken piece sounds like the center lift pad that is used to jack up the front of the car with a floor jack. If so, replacements are avail.

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by ktlocklear

A lot of us use ATE Super Blue brake fluid. Flushing the brake fluid is the same as other cars.....pretty simple and straight forward.

I like ATE Type 200 Amber Brake Fluid
The same specs as Super Blue, but does not stain everything...

[ktlocklear]

What get's stained besides maybe the resivor?
I plan to use the amber at my next flush to make it easier to see when all of the blue is out at each caliper....then flip flop between colors with each flush

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by ktlocklear

What get's stained besides maybe the resivor?

I'm just messy, so the blue stuff gets on the garage floor and my hands

[Zel]

Thanks for the replies. Is 1L enough to do 1 full flush on the system? As I understand it, you cannot safely store brake fluid, once the can seal has been broken. It will absorb moisture from the air.

[Zel]

I ordered up a liter. Couldnt locate any locally.

[ktlocklear]

Originally Posted by Zel

I ordered up a liter. Couldnt locate any locally.

1 liter is enough to do a flush and fill. I had some left over when I did mine

[Zel]

Thanks Kt. That will be the last overdue maintenance item my beast needs. Assuming it hasnt been done and not reset. My oil change notification said it was 2700 overdue. When I removed the aftermarket oil filter, it had "Made in South Korea 2-17-2011" stamped on it. I'm fairly sure someone changed the oil since February and didnt know how to reset the notification. I guess its possible they did the same with the brake fluid. I'll have to look and see how dirty it is.

[vraa]

I thought the notification didn't have to be reset, BMW used some sort of viscosity or resistance sensor to determine oil wear?