Noobie with some basic questions...

#1

Hello, my name is Kevin and I live near Cincinnati (starting to sound like AA, I know this is addicting) I just purchased a 1989 325is, super clean and almost too nice to turn into spec but too bad. I have a few questions so bear with me.

First, I want to do the basic maintenance stuff and I was wondering should I get new ignition components (plugs, wires, dizzy, rotor, coil)?

Second, I don’t want to ask any "secret formulas" but what oil, gear lube, tranny fluid, are you guys using?

Third (and I think last for now), do you guys have any tips or suggestions to get the car running tip top before starting on spec parts like suspension and brakes?

Thanks in advance and hope to meet some of you soon.

Kevin

#2

kmsnsx wrote:

[quote]Hello, my name is Kevin and I live near Cincinnati (starting to sound like AA, I know this is addicting) I just purchased a 1989 325is, super clean and almost too nice to turn into spec but too bad. I have a few questions so bear with me.

First, I want to do the basic maintenance stuff and I was wondering should I get new ignition components (plugs, wires, dizzy, rotor, coil)?

Second, I don’t want to ask any "secret formulas" but what oil, gear lube, tranny fluid, are you guys using?

Third (and I think last for now), do you guys have any tips or suggestions to get the car running tip top before starting on spec parts like suspension and brakes?

Thanks in advance and hope to meet some of you soon.

Kevin[/quote]
Hey Kevin,

a new cap and rotor never hurts
for plugs use W8LCR Bosch
check for air leaks
replace the O2 sensor
make sure the timing belt was recently replaced(you see the receipt) or plan on doing is ASAP
adjust the valves
If you haven’t already, buy the Bentley manual for the car. The best $$ you can spend on it.

#3

The distrib cap should have a date in it, if older than 4 years replace. The timing belt is the first thing though, unless you have proof (as nasa reg said!)that it has been changed say in the last 30k, better do it and the water pump. It is about a 3 hour job and will involve draining the coolant which needs to be done anyway. I use Castrol Syntec, changed every 2 weekends with factory BMW filters. If you are just doing schools you will not need to change it that often. I use redline products in the gearbox and diff. Take a good look at your radiator while it is out for the belt/pump change, it should be dated also anything over 6 years and you will break off one of the hose nipples, probably at a track furthest from you home…

Al