Help Needed With E30 325i - Oil Change.

[bimmer325]

OK, I'm going to look silly but I've just bought a 1987 BMW E30 325i and the engine is nothing like my last car, I have 2 very basic questions.

The control panel is coming up that cooland and engine oil both need checking.

1. The coolant light came up yesterday, I added water (to the bit marked "E" on the picture of the engine) and the light is still coming up, does anyone have any ideas? The engne is not overheating, it is going to half way which is normal as far as I'm aware.

2. It says it needs engine oil, which bit do I put it in, I am assuming the oil goes in the bit marked A on the picture attached, (G being the dipstick).

I have attached a picture of my engine Click for engine picture

I know this is seriously basic stuff, but thanks a lot for any help, is there a book or somewhere I can get the user manual from, I have only just got the car and can't even do basics on it as it's so different from my old car.

[M-technik-3]

STOP Right Now!!!

A: Power steering resovoir which uses ATF fluid not PS fluid.

B: Windshield washer fluid

C:Head light washer resovoir which uses Windshield washer fluid.

D: Engine Oil filler

E: Coolant over flow tank

F: ? you drive on wrong side of road and have no idea what that is

G: Oil dipstick

Know not to attack you but Please for the longevity of your engine please get out the service manual and review it soon.

[roaddigitydogg]

Power steering resovoir which uses ATF fluid not PS fluid.

can someone else verify this? thats crazy

[M-technik-3]

Yaeh both your owners manual and Bentley.

Bentley service manual Page 2-11 column 1 section 4.
The power steering fluid is Dexron or Dexron II ATF. The system is permantly filled and does not have a drain. Routinely adding ATF is not required unless the system is leaking

It also says on the cap.

Why would I tell you the wrong info? Unless you want to purchase a rack, use the right fluid or you will be buying a new rack like I have to due to previous owner.

[alanh]

not its it uses atf fluid same on newer bmws as well, labeled on them though.
mtecnik knows his shin-izzle. isn't "f" the brake fluid resivoir cuase hes driving on the other side... (maybe not its a small pic)

[bimmer325]

Thank you M-technik-3, you are a star!

Can I just check then, petrol does in D right?

I have no idea where to get a manual from, I might have a look on the internet.

Cheers for all your help everyone, it's very much appreciated.

[jtorres]

wait, the power steeriing uses atf, as in Automatic transmission fluid? WHAT THE HECK!!!....i have a friend, who might need to drain his ps fluid reservoire, how might he go about that....i know, i mean, he knows, it doesn't drain, but still, any bright suggestions?...

[Bimmin'88]

1. The coolant light came up yesterday, I added water (to the bit marked "E" on the picture of the engine) and the light is still coming up, does anyone have any ideas? The engne is not overheating, it is going to half way which is normal as far as I'm aware.

2. It says it needs engine oil, which bit do I put it in, I am assuming the oil goes in the bit marked A on the picture attached, (G being the dipstick).


If the lights by the rear view mirror are still on hold down the "check" button and they should turn off if your levals are back to normal.

ATF= Automatic Transmission Fluid.

M-technik-3 laid it all out for you.

[bimmer325]

Originally posted by Bimmin'88@Oct 10 2004, 03:15 PM
hold down the "check" button and they should turn off if your levals are back to normal.

Thanks man, that's great, I've just filled the coolant right up to the line, if it's still not working I'll take it to the mecanic as there may be a leak.

...and I've just worked out how to get rid of the annoying service light on the dashboard at Draper Tools who do a bmw reset key...

[bimmer325]

Originally posted by jtorres@Oct 10 2004, 02:59 PM
i have a friend, who might need to drain his ps fluid reservoire, how might he go about that

Maybe download the Haynes Service Manual and have a look?

[M-technik-3]

[quote=bimmer325,Oct 10 2004, 09:43 AM]

Originally Posted by Bimmin'88,Oct 10 2004, 03:15 PM

Thanks man, that's great, I've just filled the coolant right up to the line, if it's still not working I'll take it to the mecanic as there may be a leak.

[snapback]208634[/snapback]

Ok if you coolant light is coming on there is a float in the expansion tank. Remove it clean it and the electrical contact and put it back in place try that before taking to mechanic. It should not take you more than 10 minutes.