New to E30s' - BMW Forum

BretE30 · 06-02-2008, 08:53 PM

Hey folks,

Hey Folks,

Well I finally bought a 1984 325e. I always liked the lines on these cars and while it will primarily be used by my sons as a daily driver – I want to make sure I get off on the right foot. So I’m looking for advice or recommendations.

Currently have the Bentley BMW 3-Series E30 (1984 through 1990) are there any other “must have” suggestions for someone new to the Bimmer community?

FYI I currently own a 78’ MGB Roadster and a 78’ Porsche 928 (AKA a Shark!), so I consider myself pretty competent at turning my own wrenches.

Would also welcome any leisure reading material too.

Thanks,
Bret

pinnaclebass · 06-05-2008, 11:17 PM

get a tune up. keep up on timing belt.

darkhorse737 · 06-05-2008, 11:26 PM

how many miles on the '84?

BretE30 · 06-06-2008, 12:01 AM

The PO said they did a belt change recently. But I'll look through the receipts when I get home tomorrow afternoon.

Miles - over 244K. Highest miles on any care I've ever owned.

witeshark · 06-06-2008, 12:03 AM

Oh 78’ MGB Roadster and a 78’ Porsche 928, I see

BretE30 · 06-06-2008, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by witeshark

Oh 78’ MGB Roadster and a 78’ Porsche 928, I see

LOL! Yeah along with my 01' 4x4 F150 Supercrew and my new addition I got a little something for everyone.

As for the Model Year - all I can say is 1978 was a good year.

darkhorse737 · 06-06-2008, 10:01 AM

It's good that you have some history of the car that got passed on to you...

Personally, I would like to develop some history on my own for my own piece of mind. for you who does his own wrenching, i suppose we have similar minds ;-)

I would actually start from

basics)
1) check condition of plugs, cap & rotor, and air filter-clean or replace accdgly. Replace fuel filter.
2) change oil & filter, and flush or change other fluids.(even if they say it ws jst changed)- tranny fluid/filter especially.
3) check condition of brakes.
4) take note of all oil leaks

*while you do all that.... inspect the oil & filters for metal particles; take record of the compression from each cylinder, and take note of the color of plugs.

BretE30 · 06-08-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks for the advice.

I've ordered a bunch all the stuff to perform a complete tune-up. I told my sons that I plan on standing back & putting my hands in my pockets while I supervise their servicing of the vehicle.

That in mind. I know in the Porsche community it can be a touchy subject but at risk of opening a can of worms. Any oil recommendations?

witeshark · 06-08-2008, 01:53 PM

Not that I really know, but I'd think Mobil 1 is good.

BretE30 · 06-08-2008, 02:07 PM

Yeah the common debate in the P-Car world (928's anyway) is between Mobel One and Castrol Syntec usually in 5w-50 form.

Personally I don't think there is that much of a difference with regular oil changes. But I'm a bit concerned because of the high miliage (244K) on this engine and I have no way of knowing how well it was maintained before the last owner. Records only go back about 5 years or so.

karlos · 06-14-2008, 01:27 PM

hi folks i am currently in the process of restoring a 316 for my daughter but every time i fire it up the revs wont drop from 2500 has anybody got any ideas what is causing this ? Any help would be greatly appreciated

BretE30 · 06-14-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlos

hi folks i am currently in the process of restoring a 316 for my daughter but every time i fire it up the revs wont drop from 2500 has anybody got any ideas what is causing this ? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Hey Karlos,

Sorry I can't be much help - I'm still kind of new to Bimmers. Try posting a new tread and hopefully someone will chime in.

Good luck,
Bret