1987 325 Recently Purchased for $600

[Ramolap]

First off my uncle purchased this Black 1987 325 for $600. The body is in fairly straight shape with no major dings. The paint can be revived easily with some good detailing. I will post pictures shortly but that's not the important part.

My uncle, not being too bright, bought the car without even popping the hood. I was able to get the hood opened by using pliers on the cable.

Now the problems

1. The gauge cluster is lit up like a Christmas tree, and so is the center information display on the headliner

2. There is a violent vibration when accelerating, from the driveline

3. You have to tap the left headlight to turn it on.

4. Tachometer Light is out (When headlights are on) Speedometer Lights only

5. HVAC Lights are all out




I plan change all the fluids brake, oil+filter, tranny, clutch, coolant, etc. inspect and replace the brake pads and do all the basic maintainence at school.

How do turn off the diagnostic lights? How easy is it to come by parts for this vehicle? My location is close to San Francisco in the Bay Area. Does anyone know any reputable shops in this area?

[JoeMadoo]

That dosent sound bad at all, there are pretty simple ways in fixing those bugs without much time or money. Parts are pretty easy to find, but they are on the expensive side.

[Starmavin]

Originally Posted by Ramolap

1. The gauge cluster is lit up like a Christmas tree, and so is the center information display on the headliner

List what is lit up.

Originally Posted by Ramolap

2. There is a violent vibration when accelerating, from the driveline

Guibo (flex disk) and/or center suport bearing.

Originally Posted by Ramolap

3. You have to tap the left headlight to turn it on.

Bad bulb or drity contact.

Originally Posted by Ramolap

4. Tachometer Light is out (When headlights are on) Speedometer Lights only

Most likely a bulb, you'll have to pull the inst cluster to change it.

Originally Posted by Ramolap

5. HVAC Lights are all out

Most likely bulbs.

[DIRTE30]

Had the same vibration problems from my drivetrain... wish I could say it was something easy like the guibo or the center support bearing. It wasn't! It was the rear u-joint! As in the one in the supposed "unserviceable" shaft. Well, to make a long story short it go "serviced" and I don't mean $600 for a new shaft! I'd check into the things that had been listed first, but check for any binding or slop in the joints while you have the shaft out. If you find any, don't bother putting the shaft back in untill you replace them. I did a full write up on the proceedure on Bimmerboard.com before I joined here. I'd be glad to post it here for you!