'87 325i easy questions!

[booper]

hey all- i just purchased an 87 325i- which i love- no owners manuel with the car....everything mechanically seems is great shape..but just need some help on a few annoying things inside...1- how to switch the obc to miles fm kilometers? cant get the date or time set either..im sure its easy but i cant figure it out..2-also, the car had a new battery installed- when i enter the radio code..it beeps when im done, but the radio doesnt activate..any ideas on what im doing wrong? i tried having it on for an hour and entering code then but it didnt work either..and 3- the green and red service indicator lights that are supposed to come on when the car starts dont- is that a fuse or what do i need to replace? thanks for any help!

[ettsn]

1. Buy a manual from your dealer. They're like $10 or so, and well worth it.

2. There is a button that swaps from metric to imperial, unless your car has a European OBC. I forget the exact method for setting the date and time (I sold my E30 in 1993!), but I'll take a look at a friend's for you this week (if no one responds with specifics or you don't get a manual).

3. It sounds like the code you have is incorrect. The dealer can pull the correct code for you. You might have to prove ownership of the car however (registration or insurance card is usually plenty).

4. Be thankful your SI lights don't light up! The batteries on the board go bad in short order and aren't usually worth it to bother replacing. All E30s have bad SI boards by now, unless they've been rebuilt. Ignore it and just change your own oil regularly.

-Paul

[booper]

ok-i read through all the posts on here and did figure out how to set the clock and i did find an owners manual on ebay- and now maybe im having a blonde moment- but are there power locks on this car? i know i can hit the drivers door lock to lock all doors- but unless im missing it i cant find a power lock master switch? again before anyone laughs remember its my first beemer....

[jase007]

i know i can hit the drivers door lock to lock all doors- but unless im missing it i cant find a power lock master switch?

That is the power lock system. There is a curcuit breaket on the center panel to the right of the gear shift / auto shift lever that is a re-set for fingers and such getting cought in closing windows. If you are looking for a key fob remote lock system there are a few from aftermarket companies. Here is one from BMPD E30s were to early for factory systems (I think. 99% sure)

Jason

[ettsn]

Factory keyless (alarm) systems were indeed available on the E30. The Stellar systems are anything but, however. Either get a factory kit, or simply have a competent local car stereo shop install one of the better brands (VSE, DEI, Clifford, Ungo, etc) of basic car alarms to include doorlock operation. On your car, it might require a door solenoid or some such, but the better aftermarket parts are superior for less money compared to the Stellar brand.

-Paul

[booper]

slowly makin' progress radio works now- had incorrect codes..obc works now- but: i have a fog light out- ive gotten the replacement bulb- but when i took the light out- it looks a little hard to replace..is this something i should do myself? its not the easy 'screw in' type bulb...any suggestions?