New E90 (2008) owner

Just wanted to say hello really. I've got a nice 2008 BMW E90, it's my first BMW....I have to say I'm really enjoying it. I just had some questions for you experienced owners, mainly about maintenance. The car still has a bit of warranty on it and it's been in to BMW Beverly Hills already to have a bearing replaced (that was whirring on the back wheel). I know they take care of services etc, but I wanted to know:

- How often do you check oil levels etc?
- What brand/ type of oil do you use?
- I've been putting premium gas in it, as recommended on the cap. Is this strictly needed?
- Is there any other general maintenance you do on a regular basis that I should do?

Thanks. Oh, and I put matte black grill and lips on it. But I'm pretty sure that's the only mod I'll do. I read on here it's enough to make it look different 'to the other BMWs outside the coffe shop'.....!

Thanks, and love the forum, looks like a cool place to be. Glad I'm not a teenaged owner, though!

JJ
BMW 328i, E90. 2008.

Hello and welcome.

1. The car will let you know if the oil level gets low. You can check it whenever you like, but it's not necessary.
2. I only use the BMW oil, but there are others that can work. You're looking for something that meets the European specifications. See http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=405938.
3. No, premium fuel is not strictly needed. Most people here, though, go ahead and pay for the premium. If you do the calculations yourself, you'll probably find that it only amounts to an extra $200 a year if you drive quite a bit.
4. Keep the car clean. Clean out the bug screens in the engine bay regularly. Go in for service when your car tells you to. Later, there's plenty you can do yourself changing wiper blades, oil, and filters.

I like the black matte grilles, btw. 'Looks great.

Originally Posted by journojm

- How often do you check oil levels etc?
- What brand/ type of oil do you use?
- I've been putting premium gas in it, as recommended on the cap. Is this strictly needed?
- Is there any other general maintenance you do on a regular basis that I should do?

It's checked by the computer every time you start it, and while it's running. YMMV, but I'd check it once a week.

This has been discussed ad naseum. Search is your friend. Search on the BMWUSA site. Read the manual.

Not strictly - it will run on regular. It will develop less HP and have lower mileage.

Check tire pressure once a month at least. Read DIY and stickies.

[QUOTE=journojm;6717069]Just wanted to say hello really. I've got a nice 2008 BMW E90, it's my first BMW....I have to say I'm really enjoying it. I just had some questions for you experienced owners, mainly about maintenance. The car still has a bit of warranty on it and it's been in to BMW Beverly Hills already to have a bearing replaced (that was whirring on the back wheel). I know they take care of services etc, but I wanted to know:

- How often do you check oil levels etc?
- What brand/ type of oil do you use?
- I've been putting premium gas in it, as recommended on the cap. Is this strictly needed?
- Is there any other general maintenance you do on a regular basis that I should do?

Thanks. Oh, and I put matte black grill and lips on it. But I'm pretty sure that's the only mod I'll do. I read on here it's enough to make it look different 'to the other BMWs outside the coffe shop'.....!

Thanks, and love the forum, looks like a cool place to be. Glad I'm not a teenaged owner, though!

JJ
BMW 328i, E90. 2008.

Welcome, fellow E90 owner!
1. I check my oil every several thousand miles through the stalk per the "electronic" oil dip. It didn't move in 5,000 miles
2. Use oil per your owner's manual instructions!
3. I've been using 89 octane without problems. Check your owner's manual.
4. Follow your owner's manual and onboard dash instructions!
Cool grill mod!
Welcome to the forum!

Thanks for the advice guys. I became a bit obsessed with the black matte front and sprayed my plate holder flat black...dreading the tags arriving and I'll have to put the plate on!
Anything else I should know about the E90, as a new owner?
Thanks, JM

where did you get the matte black grille mod and how much was it? was it difficult to install?

I got it from eBay ($60-70). It was rather difficult to install because the bolts under the hood need a special adapter on your drill....I got that adapter from pep boys but still couldn't manage a couple of the tricker screws (I am a complete novice). I took it to a local garage and a guy did it in ten minutes for a $20 tip. They look awesome and completely make my car stand out from the 1m black BMW 3 series in Los Angeles.
Good luck!

I like the black grill also, I've been thinking of going black myself.

thanks, I'm in Jackson, MS not quite as many black BMW 3 series but still nice to stand out haha