So, we added this R53 (100k miles) to the fleet for my 16-year old. I guess I'll be splitting my time between this and the R56 forum.

I am pleasantly surprised with this car. I'll have to see how I feel after I do all the planned maintenance this summer to get it in the shape I like it in.

 

Gotta keep those Gen1's running.

 

Roger that. I got a good deal on it.

My plan is to spend about $1200 more dollars to get it in shape. My plan is: 1) Oil change & filter (of course), brake fluid change, manual tranny fluid change, supercharger oil change, power steering fluid change, new Dinan air filter change, cabin filter change, and fuel filter change (this is just standard SOP for any used car, IMHO), 2) new water pump, 3) new bypass valve, 4) new coolant hoses, 5) new drive belt tensioner, idler, and belt, 6) new crankshaft position sensor, 7) new camshaft position sensor, and 8) new Becker exhaust (not liking the drone of the previous owner's straight pipe, plus I don't think that's a good mod for a supercharger). That's priced out & ready to pull the trigger. Brakes were just done, so really not necessary.
I suppose I'll check the motor mounts and bushings while I'm in there.
As far as creature comforts, the interior is super clean (leather, HK, etc.) I'm going to install the Bluetooth kit, and an aux jack. Two musts for a 16-year-old driver.
My goal is to be done by August 6th. Am I forgetting anything?

 

If the struts are original they are beyond toast as at 50k that is not too much left in the originals.

 

The crank pulley on the later gen1 cars is fairly common failure point.....maybe consider replacing it since you are doing the tensioner, idler, etc anyway. The stock pulley (harmonic balancer) comes apart as they age and it will leave you stranded. I’ve replaced the crank pulley on two cars I’ve owned now....used the ATI version the first time and the PRW “fluid filled” type on my current car. Both are excellent quality....the PRW is quite a bit cheaper, btw.

Also, check the strut mounts and control arm bushings. If they are original, they are likely toast (or cracked in the case of the strut mounts).

Happy wrenching!

 

Thanks for those additions!

 

 

I just went through the 100k service (minus supercharger service) - I also needed to have oil pan and oil housing gaskets and the left axle boot was ripped.