90K Prevent Maint

[BigDaddySmooth]

Guys,
I am the original owner of a 96 Ti and it has almost 90K on it. I do oil changes every 5K and I have had Inspection I and II done one time each. Other than tires, battery and driver side window, everything else is still OE. Instead of doing the inspection cycle, I'm thinking of getting new brakes and rotors, battery, alternator, plugs, fuel filter and control arm/ball joints done. A shop quoted me $830 w/o parts (I figure I can get the parts cheaper than the shop will charge). All told, I figure the complete job will be $1500-1750. Is this money well spent or am I wasting $$ on parts that haven't broke yet (such as alternator and control arms)? Also, I figure I'll hold off for one more year on the water pump/thermostat as my Honda CRX Si lasted until 130K before it went.

Thanks.

[PeteN95]

I've heard it suggested that the radiators in E36s should be replaced at 90K? I just bought a ti with just over 90k and am curious too.

[angel318ti]

Maybe a bit overkill replacing them before they give you any problems. if you get a new alternator there will be a core charge and the store will get a good alternator. I would hold off until it gives you a warning that is about to go.

[stormos]

i bet u could do the job for far cheaper yourself. I however use a garage because 1) bmw's seem to be non-owner friendly. 2) i can't be assed. 3) i can afford to

[aceyx]

Brakes / rotors: check wear
Battery: have load test performed
Alternator: check output (~14v)
Plugs: sure (I suggest wires too)
Fuel filter: of course
Ball joints: inspect

Water pump: does it have metal blades? if you don't know, change it (though, arguably the plastic ones would have gone by now).

There are some plastic parts around the radiator that are known to fail after a while, t-fittings and elbows. I'll have to look those up.