just became a BMW owner

[wkilby]

I just bought a 87 325ic with lots of miles.What should I think about doing for initial maintenance? Change differential oil, trans oil, adjust valves, Etc. Also, I am 6ft.2in. and the legroom is a little tight. Can I remove the seat and move the seat mounts back several inches safely? I know the usuable room in the rear will be affected. It likes to run a little hot-never below the mid mark here in Va. in Dec. Had the fan clutch changed. Should I flush the cooling system? Thanks.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

First,

Change the timing belt/tensioner. This is the most important piece of maintenece you can perform on these cars. The timing belts are supposed to be changed every 60,000 miles, and it's not a question of "if" the timing belt will break, it's "when" it will break. When it breaks, it causes the valves to hit the pistons, thus wrecking your engine. I'd also change the water pump while in there.

Next, do a valve adjustment, change all filters, plugs, rotor, cap. Also do an oil change and use a good quality OEM filter such as Mahle or Mann. It's a bad idea to use off the shelf brands like Fram or Purolator. The construction of the filters simply isnt up to the standard sof the OEM filters. Also, check the oxygen sesnor. BMW reccommends it be replaced at the same time as the timing belt.

Lastly, check all vacuum hoses for leaks or cracks. I dont think you can move the seat rails back, Im not 100% on that but I believe that the threads for the mounitng bolts are in the frame itself, meaning you would have to tap new holes to move the rails back.

Running a little below the midway mark is normal. That's the same spot my 325is runs at when fully warmed up.

[wkilby]

Thanks. The temp is always mid-mark or higher, goes to 3/4 in the summer. I am willing to drill and use other mounting bolts if I can to move the seats. Will look into that later. Thanks so much. I'm sure I will be asking other questions. Appreciate the service.

[phaques]

Good question - I'm in the same position now (Dec. 03) I'm replacing all of the above, plus accessory belts, plugs, brake lines (replacing with stainless), flushing brakes system and replacing with dot 4 or perhaps ate superblue. Also checking pads and rotors. My car had no records to speak of, and if there is no record of a maintenance item being done, I'm assuming that my car, with 145K miles on it, has not had it done recently.

I'll repeat your question about flushing the coolant system, with a modification: on my saab, I installed a T fitting that allowed my to drain and back flush the cooling system with a hose connected to a house hose bib. I'd run the car until all the fluid coming out was perfectly clear. Any thoughts on installing a similar setup on the 328is?

And another question: How do you get the 'kin fan nut off of the water pump? I can't prevent the fan pulley from turning. I do remember hearing that the fan nut is reverse threaded - can you confirm this?

Jared, thanks for the help.
fax

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

The nut is reverse threaded, We sell a special tool to remove the nut as well as a counter holder which bolts onto the fan clutch, allowing you to hold it and bust the nut loose. Look at the very last entry under this link...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE30/POR_BE30_waterc_main.htm

[phaques]

Thanks - and on a somewhat related note, what direction should I rotate the crank when I am doing anything that requires it? If I'm standing in front looking at the engine, clockwise or anti-clockwise?
thanks.
fax

[wludavid]

Just thought I'd bounce this thread to the top once more. I'm doing similar initial routine maintenance on my new (to me) 1987 325e. Currently the plans are to:
-switch out the timing belt
-do a valve adjustment
-flush radiator
-replace fuel filter
-replace air filter (maybe with a K&N)
-change oil and related seals and washers (advice on what I need would be helpful!)

I'd also like to replace the tranny fluid (if there is such a thing on a 5-speed), brake fluid and power steering fluid. And maybe change the differential gear oil. I'm also thinking about using some kind of fuel additive to clean the injectors.

What do you all think? Am I missing something? All advice is welcome!

Thanks!
David

[jase007]

If I'm standing in front looking at the engine, clockwise or anti-clockwise

Always clockwise.

I'd also like to replace the tranny fluid (if there is such a thing on a 5-speed)

Yes, there is on all cars. I use Swepco products in / on my german cars and for the BMW I use redline products. Include the water wetter with your radiator flush and be sure to use OEM BMW or similar phosphate free antifreeze. I have used OEM BMW anti-freeze for 206,xxx miles and the temperature guage has never moved above the 1/3 to 1/2 mark. (except for the one time that thermostat failed).

And maybe change the differential gear oil.

If you are doing tranny fluid... this is due at the same time (unless auto tranny and then I don't know the interval).

I'm also thinking about using some kind of fuel additive to clean the injectors.

BG44K. I have used for years and I agree with my BMW mechanic friends that call it "tune-up in a can". Is an additional item to clean valve deposits and injectors, NOT a substitute for ANY / ALL of the maintenance already being discussed.

Jason

[wludavid]

Thanks Jason! I just ordered Redline MTL, Water Wetter, Differential Oil and Fuel System Cleaner (SI-2). I'm going to source the rest of my tune-up stuff from Pelican Parts, and get started soon.

[phaques]

Good list - I just went through the same thing on a car I bought with 146,000 miles on it.
Generally, if the maintenance records that came with the car don't reflect that a thing has been done, assume it has not been done and do it:

I would consider adding the following to your list (based on my 1988 325is, so some may not apply):
Renew spark plugs
Renew distributor cap and rotor, or at least inspect them
Check your coolant and other hoses, and replace cracked or brittle ones.
Check your flexible brake hoses, and consider replacing them - they need it, I almost guarantee it.
consider replacing the water pump
check operation of the coolant thermostat, and consider replacing it (put it in a pan of water, and heat it up - it should open around 75-80 deg. C)

You might check with BMW for a recommendation on the manual tranny fluid - I think some of them specify GL4 or GL5, and apparently you can't or shouldn't mix them up.
REplace your accessory drive belts

And get after Jared to publish his tech article on timing belt replacement, because it should be ready now that I know he has had some excellent editorial review done on it!!

Good luck

[wludavid]

Ok, I think the main goal of the first project is going to be to replace the timing belt. But since I'll already be taking a lot of things out of the engine compartment, I'll do a few other things while I'm there:[list=1][*]flush coolant system[*]replace water pump[*]replace spark plugs[*]replace radiator mounts[*]replace fuel filter[/list=1]
Here is the list of things I've ordered/ will order:

• belt replacement kit
• OEM oil filter
• oil drain plug
• drain plug washer
• fuel filter
• Bosch Spark Plug (6)
• Water Pump
• upper and lower radiator mounts (2 each)
• Redline MTL
• Redline Water Wetter
• Redline Differential Oil
• Redline Fuel System Cleaner (SI-2)
• BMW Coolant
• Synthetic Motor Oil
• GUNK Engine Degreaser

I get the feeling this is going to be an all-weekend project, so I don't want to add too much more to this. I've already decided to put off the MTL fluid, brake fluid, diff oil changes for another time. But if anyone can suggest something that should be done, and can easily be done while I've got the radiator, water pump, and timing belt out, I might do that too.

-David

[wludavid]

Oh yeah, phaques, I didn't mean to ignore your list. I do plan on inspecting the the distributor cap and rotor, as well as all hoses. I did a preliminary check on hoses yesterday and the ones I could get to seemed okay. And the thermostat idea seemed like a good one, so I'll try that too.

Regarding brake hoses, I looked into steel brake lines, but apparently they're not DOT-approved. Is there a brake line improvement that is DOT-approved, or is this just one of those DOT rules that can be bent?

[phaques]

I *think* pelican sells a dot approved stainless brake line, but you could double check. I put them on my car regardless.

Don't forget to order your accessory drive belts - you'll have these off anyway, and they are cheap parts that probably need replacing.

Do you have the Bentley manual? If not, or if you have not done a timing belt replacement before, be sure to get the proper procedure and DO NOT WING IT!

Check out this thread for the consequences of an improperly done timing belt job...
Installed new timing belt

If you want, email me and I may be able to help - I just did the timing belt on my car.

[wludavid]

Can you provide some details on replacing accessory drive belts? I'm not even exactly sure what they do.

D

[phaques]

Sure...one caveat, all my comments relate to my '88 325is, so some things may be different.

My car has three drive belts, one for power steering, one for alternator, one for air conditioning compressor. All are driven off one crankshaft mounted pulley, which you'll be taking off to do your timing belt. Each goes to the appropriate pulley on its respective drive motor or compressor, and, on my car at least, each drive motor has the same type of belt tensioning mechanism - a special hex nut with teeth on it that fits agains a toothed adjusting arm, and another nut on the opposite end of the bolt with the special hex nut that serves to tighten down the whole tensioning mechanism.

When you jack your car up and take off the large plastic trim piece on the underside of your car, you'll be looking right at all three of these belts, and their setup is pretty self -explanatory.

If you want, I'll take a couple of quick pictures and post them here - that would be very easy. I still have the trim off the car.

[jase007]

Do you have the Bentley manual? If not, or if you have not done a timing belt replacement before, be sure to get the proper procedure and DO NOT WING IT!

David (am assuming WLU is Washington and Lee):

GET THE BENTLEY before you do anything with the timing belt. Get your favorite coffee/ soda / water (or any other non-alcoholic drink) and read the pertinent section of the manual. If it doesn't make sense and you can't visualize the procedure re-read it.

You'll find many cross-references to other sections of the manual for you to proceed with the timing belt, tensionner , water pump replacement ... read these too!.

My $0.02 worth, from experience, having done this several times.

Jason

[wludavid]

I've got the Bentley manual on order, so I should get it early next week. I'm having the engine cleaned this weekend so I have a clean area to work in when I do this work (hopefully) next weekend.

Yep, WLU is Washington and Lee University. Lots of BMWs there - mostly new ones that the rich Daddies bought for their daughters. ;-)

[phaques]

I second Jason's advice. I read the manual, and one or two other DIY articles on the timing belt, before I touched anything.

Another $0.02 worth of advice (soon, you'll be rich): if you have a digital camera, or polaroid, take A LOT of pictures while you take things apart.

Also, there is I think a better way of checking the alignment of the crank pulley than the bentley method, which recommends partially re-installing the lower cam belt cover. When you're ready, shoot me an email. I think my email link works, but if not use hayres@adelphia.net.

[wludavid]

Well, $300 worth of parts later, I'm finally set to start (and hopefully finish) work this weekend. phaques, you said you had a improved method of checking the crank pulley alignment?

Jason, if you're not doing anything on Saturday, wanna come offer helpful advice while I'm working? I'm doing it at the auto shop on Fort Belvoir. It's a pretty nice facility.

[jase007]

Hay David:

I might be able to get away. I am helping a friend (I have a trailer) pick up a '76 2002 he just got. Not sure how long it will take. The car is in Falls Church.

Is the auto shop a DIY garage? Cool if it is. I once thought of starting a business like that but the thoughts of liabilty and suit-happy customers turned me away.

Just re-read your post. you say "on" Ft. Belvoir. Can a civi get "on base" to go to the shop?

Jason