Water Hoses

[Dom]

I have a 1991 525i, pushing 180,000. Still in good shape, always garaged, engine sound and I'v always maintained it.
Last week I blew out the high pressure hydraulic line to the steering. No big deal. $300 to a shop mechanic.
Now I'm thinking maybe I should swap out the cooling hoses. They've never been changes that I can recall.
Should I bother? nothing is leaking, I'm planning trips though .
Also I'd like to do them myself. I'm a little lazy but good in the garage.
Is swapping the hoses out a big thing.
Any advice would be appreciated. --- Dom

[632 Regal]

Hi Dom,

Standard periodic maintenance includes all belts, hoses, waterpump, thermostat, antifreeze, brake fluid etc. I refer to it as preventative maintenance but it is standard with BMWs. Let me see if I can find the schedules...

BMW Inspection I & II

Your Inspection & Maintenance Plan:

-Oil Filter Kit (Mahle, or Mann)
-Fuel Filter (Mahle)
-ACC Cabin Filter (Microfilter), Some cars require 2
-Air Filter (Mann, Mahle, BOSCH)
-Spark Plugs (BOSCH, NTK.....)
-Brake Fluid (ATE super Blue / super Gold)
-Bentley BMW Service Manual

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BMW Inspection I


The BMW Inspection 1 Service is the smaller of the two inspection services recommended by BMW. It includes basically all of the items that assures safety and full functionality of your vehicle. Other makes and models can also utilize this maintenance program to ensure a pleasant drive and ownership (But make sure you mechanic says it is OK first). Inspection 1 could cost in the range of $200+ to $300+ depending on who you go to and also if you have any repairs. (Repair cost are not included in the inspection cost) So be prepared to spend more!. If your mechanical skills are high, just DO-It-Yourself! The items that are generally checked are listed below. If you are performing the inspection yourself, We carry most of the BMW parts you need to complete the inspection and replacement of BMW parts. Click here for the parts and don't forget to purchase the BMW service/oil change reset tool.

Undercarriage

Change engine oil and Oil Filter, check engine at is at normal operation temperature. Check transmission for leaks. Check rear axle for leaks. Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks. Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks. Check power steering system for leaks. Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads. Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel center hubs. Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc. Check front control arm bushing for wear. Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning. Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary. Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required.

Engine Compartment

Read out diagnostic system with BMW scanners. Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary. Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required. Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary. Check air conditioner for operation. Reset Service Indicator.

Body/Electrical Equipment

Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required. Perform batter load test. Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination. Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch. Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions. Check condition and function of safety belts. Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches. Check central locking/double lock. Replace microfilter or Acc. Cabin Filter. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger. Check rear view mirrors Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection

Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

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BMW Inspection II


The Inspection 2 Service is the larger of the two Inspection Services and basically includes all of the items performed on the Inspection I Service along with some extras like differential oil change; fuel filter and air filter replacements; Replacement of spark plugs. Inspection 2 generally runs around $500+ to $800+. Below are the items that are normally performed. If you are performing the inspection yourself, We carry most of the BMW parts you need to complete the inspection and replacement of BMW parts. Click here for the parts and don't forget to purchase the BMW service/oil change reset tool.

Undercarriage

Change engine oil and Oil Filter, check engine at is at normal operation temperature. Check transmission for leaks. Check rear axle for leaks. Visually check fuel tank, lines, and connections for leaks. Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks. Check power steering system for leaks. Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads. Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel center hubs. Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage, and joint disc. Check front control arm bushing for wear. Check brake and clutch system connectors and lines for leaks, damage, and incorrect positioning. Check for free movement of the parking brake cables. Adjust parking brake if necessary. Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surfaces (left/right)), tread wear and pattern; In case of uneven tread wear readjust wheel alignment if required. Check thickness of parking brake linings. Half-shafts; check for leaks at flexible boots. Inspect entire body according to terms of rust prevention limited warranty.

Engine Compartment

Read out diagnostic system with BMW scanners. Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level; add coolant if necessary. Check level of brake and clutch fluid in reservoir; add fluid if required. Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if necessary. Check air conditioner for operation. Reset Service Indicator. Replace spark plugs. Replace intake air cleaner element (Air Filter).

Body/Electrical Equipment

Check battery electrolyte level and add distilled water if required. Perform batter load test. Check lighting system, i.e. headlights, foglights, parking, backup, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment lights. Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination. Check all warning/indicator lights, check control. Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer/flasher switch. Check wiper and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions. Check condition and function of safety belts. Oil hood, trunk/tailgate, and door hinges. Grease hood, trunk/tailgate and door latches. Check operation of all latches. Check central locking/double lock. Replace microfilter or Acc Cabin Filter. Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger. Check rear view mirrors Visually examine the SRS airbag units for torn cover, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations, or accessories.

Final Inspection

Road test with check of brakes, suspension, steering, clutch/manual transmission or automatic transmission

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These are the recommended interval for models years from 1986 through 1998 models, more frequent inspections are essential if driven in extreme conditions:

• 5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 10,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 15,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 20,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
• 25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 30,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 40,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
• 45,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 50,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 60,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
• 65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 70,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 75,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 80,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
• 85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 90,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)

For 1999 and later models, the recommended service/inspection intervals are as follows:

• 5,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 10,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 15,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 20,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 25,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 30,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
• 35,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 40,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 45,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 50,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 55,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 60,000 miles - BMW Inspection II (I/2)
• 65,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 70,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 75,000 miles - Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
• 80,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 85,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 90,000 miles - BMW Inspection I (I/1)
• 95,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)
• 100,000 miles - intermediate oil service (O/F)

Oil and Safety Service (O/S)
Inspection I Service (I/1)
Inspection II Service (I/2)
Intermediate oil service (O/F)

[Dom]

Thanks Regal
I'm gearing up for a roadtrip, and I'm more concerned if I should go ahead and replace some of the water hoses, I don't have any leaks right now.
I figured, 175,000 miles I've gotten my moneys worth out of the existing hoses and maybe replace them at home instead of on the road.
Thanks again --- Dom

[632 Regal]

Dom,

It's an investment to do it all at once which is why I go in phases. If I was you I would check the hoses closely for soft spots and also hard 'crunchy' spots where the hoses connect. Secondary inspection would be the hoses most difficult to get to, those were most likely never replaced and a good contender. You can get everything off ebay for cheap but keep good watch on feedback and where the hoses are made. 10 - 15 years ago we all went with original branded OEM stuff but the aftermarket has complied with tons of good replacemts at a fraction of the cost.

Also take note of your belts, cracking on the inside is normal and everyome will suggest replacing them. I have gone 100K plus on cracked serpentine belts but would suggest replacing them since they are cheap (Ebay as I mentioned). Again while there feel the idler and tensioner pullys for smooth bearing function, better to spend 10 bux now than 100+ at an emergency stop you get towed to.

While your in there try to flush the old coolant as good as possible and replace with cool blue (BMW or Volvo coolant) with distilled water.

Other than that it's basic sense, anything looking or feeling real old replace now. Questionable items purchase and keep in a box in the trunk. (plus tools) If you got it you wont need it.