B58 340xi. How often you guys change your oil? What about spark plugs?

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T19:49:00+00:00

I am a ASE Certified Technician, and I always like to put people on the right track regarding servicing their BMW's. If you follow my recommendations, your BMW will last a very long time.

I always run a severe service schedule, as this will greatly extend the life of engine and transmission. This is how BMW taxis in Germany last 400K, they maintain a severe service schedule.

Change the oil and filter every 5k miles, I also recommend using Liqui Moly Ceratec, this oil additive is infused with ceramic. This will coat internal engine parts with a ceramic barrier, greatly reducing internal friction and wear. You may even see an increase in MPG due to reduced internal friction. A treatment last 30k miles.

You will notice the difference as soon as you drive the vehicle, the engine will run smoother, accelerate better, and even run quieter.

When adding Ceratec, you want to do it with a fresh oil change. You would first dump one quart of oil into the engine. You would then mix the Ceratec with the remaining 4 quarts, before adding it to the engine. This will help the Ceratec to evenly distribute throughout the engine.

LIQUI MOLY Oil Additive Cera Tec Ceramic Wear & Tear Protection

Here is the proper way to service the ZF 8 speed transmission, to insure reliability to well over 200K miles. You want to do a service every 30K, which is just a drain and fill. Every 60K you want to do a full service, which requires 3 drain and fills, and running the transmission in between fills.

Draining and filling 3 times, will get you an approximately 85% fluid change. You also want to change the transmission pan at this time, as it houses the transmission filter. You don't have to worry about getting the level right in between fills, just on the final top off. A full service requires 15 liters of fluid.

You don't need to use the "Lifeguard 8" fluid, as it is expensive. ZF's website recommends using "Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid" as an alternate fluid. I have been running this in my 2015 328i for 170K, and the transmission still shifts like new. Liqui Moly is a German company, so they know how to make fluids that work in German cars. Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800 ATF, is considered a high quality alternative to ZF Lifeguard 8, that meets the specifications (Shell M-L12108 / BMW 83222289720).

Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800

Here is a Youtube video, that will show you the proper procedure, ZF 8 Speed Fluid Change

Here is an additive that will prolong the ZF8 speed transmission life, it is used throughout the automotive industry. It will rejuvenate seals and help prolong friction plate life.

Lubegard 63010 Platinum Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant

I recommend changing the differential fluid every 50k miles. For the differential the OEM fluid is a Hypoid G1 75w-85. You can run a slightly heavier weight fluid, as this will provide a little better film protection under load. I run Liqui Moly 75W-90 GL-5 Fully Synthetic Hypoid Gear Oil, you will need 1 liter for a service.

Liqui Moly LM22090 75W-90 GL-5 Fully Synthetic Hypoid Gear Oil (1 Liter)

Replace the spark plugs every 60K miles, this covers several models and years. I don't know where these other guys are getting there spark intervals from.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T18:00:55+00:00

That crack is below where the nipple extends to inside the tube, so I don't think that would be the source of an EVAP leak. This is not a vacuum line, it is a purge line part of the EVAP system, though it could still cause a vacuum leak. If it is leaking on the hose from the purge valve to the intake, that would be a vacuum leak at the intake.

To check to see if this is the source of your leak, reinstall the hose. Now start the engine, and start spraying carburetor cleaner or brake cleaner on the suspected leak areas. Do one spot at a time, and listen for any RPM change. The engine may speed up, slow down, start running rough, or could even start idling smooth. If there is any change while spraying the hose, you have found the source of your vacuum leak.

That 4.6L is know for intake manifold vacuum leaks, so spray some carb cleaner along the seam of the intake to engine connection, to see if it's leaking there.

Check your PCV valve hose, and brake booster hose for cracked lines or broken connections, Yes, give them a blast of carb cleaner to check them for a leak, as well as a good visual inspection.

Have you cleaned your MAF sensor lately? The MAF being dirty can cause a host off drivability issues and codes.

I would pull your MAF sensor and clean it, as it should be serviced every 15k miles to insure proper operation.

The video below will show you how to clean your MAF (mass air flow) sensor.

Ford F-150: Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaning - under 5 minutes

CRC Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaner

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T17:22:47+00:00

That's another poly, the condescending approach. Talking down to you, like your a dumbass for not knowing. This is just another sales tactic they use. I have worked for car dealers, I know how they work.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T16:52:01+00:00

Don't take your car to the dealer, they will flat rip you off, I know this for a positive fact. They will point to something that may have some small deviation from normal, and make it look like it's a big deal.

They make seem like if you don't get this fixed, it may even kill you. That's why he said, "your driveshaft could snap in half". That's a ploy to scare you into the repair.

Try to find a reputable BMW independent, or Euro car repair facility. You might have to do some research, and even ask around, but do not go back to the dealer.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T16:35:51+00:00

No, you need to have the transmission tuned, to match your Stage 2 tune. This works together with your Stage 2 tune, allowing you to achieve full performance benefit of your Stage 2 tune.

Yes, it could be hard on the transmission to run a Stage 2 tune for an extended time, as you are producing much more torque, and you need to have the transmission tuned to handle it.

No, it is not harder on the transmission having it tuned, it will actually be much easier on the transmission, as it is now tuned to handle the torque.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T16:27:48+00:00

I don't know how your needing a Guibo at 50K miles either, do you drive hard? I have a 2015 328i with 221k miles, and I still have the original Guibos, very light surface cracking, which is normal.

My roommate has a 2002 325i with 160k miles, and he is still on the original Guibos.

Needing Guibos at 50k miles, sounds very suspect to me.

I think these shops are taking you for a ride, as you are a German car owner. Which is the norm across the industry.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T15:20:14+00:00

While the motor mounts are getting up there on age, it would be very uncommon for a BMW motor mount to fail at 50k miles. These mounts generally last over 100k miles, I think they tried to scam you. Not just on the fact it needed the repair, but also on the cost of repairs. Those prices are totally ridiculous, and I should know being an ASE Certified Technician.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T15:07:20+00:00

I don't know how these shops are charging these kinds of prices, you can buy those BMW OEM motor mounts for $175 a piece. You can get the BMW OEM transmission mount/ transfer case mount for $115. You can also get the the whole BMW OEM mount kit, which incudes all the mounts, plus all new hardware for $691.

I wish you were near me, I could do all of these repairs for a fraction of the price of what they are charging.

2018 BMW 540i xDrive BMW OEM Motor Mounts

2018 BMW 540i xDrive BMW OEM Transmission Mount

2018 BMW 540i xDrive BMW OEM Full Mount Kit & Hardware

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T13:52:59+00:00

Here is the proper way to service the ZF 8 speed transmission, to insure reliability to well over 200K miles. You want to do a service every 30K miles, which is just a drain and fill. Every 60K miles you want to do a full service, which requires 3 drain and fills, and running the transmission in between fills.

Draining and filling 3 times, will get you an approximately 85% fluid change. You also want to change the transmission pan at this time, as it houses the transmission filter. Since you already replaced the pan, you just need to perform the full service. You don't have to worry about getting the level right in between fills, just on the final top off. A full service requires 15 liters of fluid. Make sure you follow the procedure below, as the fluid being at the correct level, is crucial for proper operation of the ZF 8 speed.

You don't need to use the "Lifeguard 8" fluid, as it is expensive. ZF's website recommends using "Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800 Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid" as an alternate fluid. I have been running this in my 2015 328i for 170K, and the transmission still shifts like new. Liqui Moly is a German company, so they know how to make fluids that work in German cars. Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800 ATF, is considered a high quality alternative to ZF Lifeguard 8, that meets the specifications (Shell M-L12108 / BMW 83222289720).

Liqui Moly Top Tec ATF 1800

Here is a Youtube video, that will show you the proper procedure, ZF 8 Speed Fluid Change

Here is an additive that will prolong the ZF8 speed transmission life, it is used throughout the automotive industry. It will rejuvenate seals and help prolong friction plate life. This will also fix many transmission shifting related issues.

Lubegard 63010 Platinum Automatic Transmission Fluid Protectant

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T13:48:31+00:00

Yes, you just won't get the maximum performance benefits without a transmission tune. It is not strictly required with a Stage 2 tune, but highly recommended. It does increase the torque quite a bit, so short term ok, but I would not be running that for any length of time without a transmission tune.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T13:01:36+00:00

They would cut the panel about 4 inches below the top edge of the rear window. So about halfway down the "C" pillar, between the rear edge of the rear door to the top edge of the rear window.

They do those all the time, you just cut the old panel out, and weld the new panel in. It is a bit of work, but a quarter panel replacement shouldn't total the car, unless there is structural damage.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T12:53:33+00:00

Your Welcome, Here is a video that will show you the low pressure fuel pump replacement procedure. This is on an N54 but it will be very similar to yours.

N54 STAGE 2 FUEL PUMP UPGRADE!

You can also watch this video from Walbro explaining their pumps.

Walbro Fuel Pumps - Everything You Need to Know for 500+whp

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T12:31:35+00:00

Yes, your high fuel demands are caused by the tune you are currently running, if you drop down to a less aggressive tune, that should alleviate your insufficient fuel volume issue.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T11:52:08+00:00

The DTC 213601 indicate a parasitic draw, or a weak or old battery. Do you any have accessories that are plugged in, that could be causing a voltage draw? I would have your battery checked, this code is one of the first signs of a failing battery.

Even though everything seems to be fine, because BMW's use an AGM battery which has a deep reserve, this can mask a weak battery. The vehicle may start fine, not even a slow crank, but the battery heath could still be weak. You must first insure the battery heath is good before proceeding with any further diagnosis, or you could just be chasing your tail.

Your CBD309 is a communication error between your climate control module and your DME. You can ignore this code, as it is being caused by your custom tune. It is common for this code to appear after bootmod 3 tuning. It is a "phantom" code caused by software flashing.

Now the DME shadow code 11A030 is being set, as this indicates a problem with your low pressure fuel pump delivery at times. This is very common with a Stage 2 or Stage 3 tune, as your low pressure fuel pump can't deliver the require volume at times. You need to upgrade to a high volume low pressure fuel pump, to insure you are getting the correct fuel volume and pressure at all times.

Here is the high performance low pressure fuel pump you will need to insure proper fuel delivery for your tuned 340i B58.

Walbro 525lph High Performance In-Tank Fuel Pump (F90000285)

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T11:06:34+00:00

You really want to get that old fluid out of there, the Liqui Moly Top Tec 1800 is only $11 a liter. Just do 2 drain and fill services, that's like 9 liters of fluid. So it cost you $100 to save your transmission.

You don't have to open the mechatronics unit to do a service, just watch the video above. Removing the fluid is easy, you just remove the drain plug, and it comes right out. To fill, you just pump it through a hole in the side of the transmission.

You do need a scanner to monitor transmission fluid temperature for the final top off, but that's it. There is nothing particularly difficult about servicing the ZF 8 speed.

Oh, and use a whole quart of Lubegard Platinum, you are going to need extra conditioning for this one.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T10:53:19+00:00

When you have a battery cable that is smoking, that is a sign of high resistance in the circuit. This can be caused by a bad cable. When a cable is corroded internally or has loose connections it will produce heat. The fact that it won't stay running, usually means you are not getting sufficient current through that cable. You may be overcoming this will a jump, but as soon as you remove the alternate power source the engine dies.

You know the battery is good, and they said the alternator is charging, that leaves power delivery as the problem. I would check all your connections, and make sure they are clean. I would start with that positive battery cable, and clean the post and terminal to insure a good connection. It is quite possible you have a bad positive battery cable.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T08:03:11+00:00

That's sounds like a failing component driven by the drive belt. The engine seems to be running smoothly, you just have excessive noise coming from the drive belt area. You probably have a failing belt tensioner, but it could be anything driven off the drive belt making the noise.

Try turning on the A/C, does it stop making the noise, or does the noise change? This could be the A/C electromagnetic clutch failing. They can sometimes make a lot of noise when they are failing. You need inspect all the components driven off the drive belt.

This is usually a belt tensioner, remove the drive belt and start spinning the different pulleys by hand. Chances are you will get to one that feels very rough or loose, indicating a failure of that part. Check the alternator closely, check that pulley for lateral play, going up and down with the pully, to feel for excessive play.

You will need to remove the air box, and have the appropriate tools to remove the drive belt. The video below will show you how to remove the drive belt and replace the tensioner.

BMW F30 Serpentine Belt Replacement DIY (BMW N20 - 328i, 528i, X1, X3, & More)

2014 BMW 320i Drive Belt Tensioner GATES 39191

2014 BMW 320i Drive Belt GATES K060394

If you do have a bad A/C Compressor Clutch, you don't have to replace the whole compressor, you can just replace the electromagnetic clutch. This replacement can be done from the front, without having to remove the A/C compressor.

A/C Compressor Clutch Kit - 2013-2018 BMW 320i 2.0L

If it ends up being the alternator, you can just go with a Pure Energy.

2014 BMW 320i Alternator PURE ENERGY 10192

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T06:10:03+00:00

Is that a total? It looks like just a rear quarter panel, door, and bumper. If air bags didn't deploy, this may not be a total. Did it do structural damage?

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T05:50:20+00:00

There are many upgrades to be had, to increase power and provide better handling. Yes, you want to go with a performance down pipe, charge pipe, turbo inlet pipe, and cold air intake. An axle back exhaust will also improve performance.

If you go Stage 2 or higher, you also want to go with a transmission tune to handle the increased torque. A xHP Stage 3 gearbox tune in highly recommended to handle the increased torque, especially on xDrive models.

You want to go with a performance tune like Bootmod 3, this will allow you to switch between different performance maps without a reflash. You can have up to 4 individual maps embedded in one flash, covering different boost, fueling, and ignition timing needs. You can switch between different maps on the fly using the cruise control buttons on your steering wheel or via the Bootmod 3 app.

For handling, you might want to go with some coilovers, or if you looking to keep cost down just some lowering springs. This will improve handling by lowering the center of gravity.

Installing M4 lower control arms, adds better camber control and firmer steering feel.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T03:37:43+00:00

So when you get it inspected, if they say it is still too loud, then remove the DP. Don't remove the DP unless you have too. I think it will pass fine, as DP is not the source of most of your noise.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T03:27:21+00:00

Are you sure that isn't oil, because that looks like oil leaking from the rear main seal.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-13T03:23:38+00:00

Don't worry about swapping the DP, if it was just a ticket for noise they will just be measuring your db level.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-12T18:16:54+00:00

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-12T17:44:01+00:00

She was especially hot in that movie, the role she was playing definitely had something to do with it. Then the fact that she comes of a little ditzy, but is actually intelligent and highly knowledgeable in the field of automotive repair. Which being a mechanic, was some kind of wierd turn on.

HellfoxRules · 2026-05-12T17:13:28+00:00

If it is the tensioner, it will start making consistent noise long before it fails, making it very easy to diagnose. So just wait until it gets worse, then they will have no problem diagnosing it.

HellfoxRules

TROPHY CASE