Just bought 86 325E - BMW Forum

damquick1 · 12-11-2008, 08:21 AM

So I bought this 86 325E, couldn't refuse the $400.00 price. The car is in fairly great shape, clean body, sunroof (nees to be adjusted but does not leak) no rot, interior complete but need some freshening, four new tires, new clutch, new battery, tie rod ends and ball joints. Runs good but I keep getting idiot lights on the overhead display showing coolant, oil and liscense plate lamp. Problem is the light is working & I just changed the oil & filter and did a motor flush, and the coolant seems to be full. I want to pull the t-stat, and then flush the cooling system, is there a way to flush the sealed cooling system? I can't seem to find a radiator petcock, I assume there is one? Has anyone done a flush on their E30 325 that can help me out here?
Is there a reset for the overhead other than pushing the "Check" light?

Also need to pick up a few pieces of trim, both interior and exterior, seems like most can be found on E-Bay, but I'm searching for the exterior drip rail trim for a 325E coupe, any ideas?

As soon as I get caught up I'll post some pics.

Thanks in advance for your help,
DQ

89bmuh · 12-11-2008, 10:50 AM

what is showing up on the overlight sensors?

89bmuh · 12-11-2008, 10:52 AM

Like the oil change light it wont reset until you either buy the tool or get it done at a shop. i know a friend that coild do it himself though.

damquick1 · 12-11-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89bmuh

what is showing up on the overlight sensors?

oil, coolant, and liscense light

89bmuh · 12-11-2008, 07:37 PM

hmm....the oil you have to get reset from the plug on the engine at a shop that has one or buy a reset switch from bavarian autosports. the other to im not sure about though the sensors must be bad.

damquick1 · 12-12-2008, 05:29 AM

I think I'm going to replace the coolant temp sensor on the t-stat housing, I'll jump it first to see if it is faulty and then OHM it out, I read in another forum that is probably the issue as the temp gauge moves very very slow then jumps up to 1/3. Also noticed that the tach is sticking at 2K rpm's, I guess I'll be pulling the cluster to replace the NICAD batteries that are behind it. Has anyone else done this? It looks pretty easy but I want to make sure I don't screw it up.

solanog · 12-12-2008, 04:40 PM

It may be that the sensors are not working, or something as simple as like they might be unplugged or dirty contacts. This lights (near the rearview mirror) would only light if levels are not O.K. or bulbs need to be replaced or are burnt. They have nothing to do with mileage, there is an oil light on the dash but that needs to be reset and there is a way to do that with just a simple wire, look for how to reset the SIL.