New Owner Of 97 328is - BMW Forum

Gkamysz · 03-30-2005, 11:51 AM

I'm new here, I'm 27 years old and work in the hobby industry. I've wanted a BMW for a while and was looking for a E36 M3. I ran out of time so I just got a 97 328iS with 65k miles on the clock, silver with light grey leather.

The original spare Conti Sport Contact has never been used, but it was made in 97, I need to replace the front tires due to an aligment issue. Would it be a good idea to buy just one new tire to add to the set? I would just get all four, but the rears are in good shape. I want to do 17's this summer.

Do you normally run 15w40 diesel oil or can you find it for gas enignes? Admittedly I haven't looked into this much yet. Where is the cheapest place to get filters?

While I'm driving I'll get 3 dings at random times. my oil service is due, but I'm not sure this is what it's for. No warning lights, OBC OK. Thought it was from touching the clutch pedal, but I can't reproduce it.

How accurate is the OBC on calculating mileage? Mine is about 5% high.

Oh, and did this model year still have the plastic water pump?

I hope to put at least 200k miles on this one. My 96 Dodge Dakota lasted that long and I beat the crap out of it, but 16-17MPG is killing me.

catalyst. · 03-30-2005, 12:19 PM

I run 15w50 and get no valve tick, so i recommend it. (see your manual, the best oil for your area is obvious)

Filters on average are between 8-11 bucks, mann filters are oem and the best choice.

The dinging is the clock i beleive, if its not set then it will do that.

Im ALMOST positive you have the metal impeller water pump, but someone else more farmiliar with OBDII cars will kno for sure.

The OBC seems very accurate to me..

Gkamysz · 03-30-2005, 07:48 PM

STP at Autozone is a Mann filter, just picked one up 9.99USD plus tax is Ok. I'll be putting in 10w40 this time.

The light for the clock is out. I tried setting it and tones appear to have gone away. I'm seriously thinking about the blue LED conversion I saw on a DIY page, so maybe that will fix it.

Thanks!

cbouchez · 03-30-2005, 07:59 PM

you have a metal water pump so you are in good shape.

Welcome!

Wheelcop110 · 03-30-2005, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cbouchez@Mar 30 2005, 09:59 PM
you have a metal water pump so you are in good shape.

Welcome!

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I myself recently got a 97 328is, 67,000 miles, 5 speed. Silver with black interior. Great ride.

Gkamysz · 03-30-2005, 11:03 PM

I just changed the oil and reset the oil service indicator. Appearently STP uses more than one source for their filters, so it might be a Mann or something else. This one was a Mann. Take a peek in the box before you buy, if you are picky.

So far so good. I've only put 700 miles on the car. I'm going to Ohio this weekend so I'll find out if it has any issues. There is engine oil dripping from somewhere. It looks like it might be the hose to the Vanos unit.

At least I can stop worrying about the water pump.

The car had an Inspection 2 completed at 60k is there anything I need to check?

xsperf · 03-30-2005, 11:10 PM

one of the dings/pings may hbave been the temperature, if it is every time the temp reaches 37 degrees F it tells u that

spieluhr · 03-30-2005, 11:15 PM

your limiter might also be on when you get above a certain speed it will tell you (but wont stop you or slow you down, don't be afraid of the word "limit"). You can turn this off and or change the speed on the limit setting.

Gkamysz · 03-31-2005, 12:00 AM

Thanks for the input guys. The temp warning I'm familiar with as it sounded every time I pulled out of the garage until this week and the OBC display showed it. The speed limit is not set, and it would happen when I was stopped at a light usually.

I think I set the clock. I can't see it so I'm not sure. I haven't heard it since I did that.

I do have the owners manual. I'll check again when I get the chance.

aheath · 03-31-2005, 10:04 AM

So the '97 328is has a metal water pump, what about the '96?

Gkamysz · 03-31-2005, 10:36 AM

I heard the three tones again today. There are two times I hear it. When accelerating sharply from a stop around a turn, and just randomly. Had a valve on a tire die this morning when airing up. Lucky me, I have a shop a couple units away from the office which specializes in euro cars.

Greg

pwarren · 03-31-2005, 12:37 PM

My 96 had a plastic impeller, is the chime, your outside temp sensor saying is colder than a mofo out??? Your in Chicago??

Gkamysz · 03-31-2005, 12:41 PM

The chime is three short beeps. The temp warning is more of a soft ping, plus it dislpays the temp on the OBC.

It was 75 in Chicago yesterday. It's 42 now and will be 32 tonight. Typical Chicago weather.

aheath · 03-31-2005, 12:44 PM

Sorry I don't mean to hijack the topic.

I see someone says that the 97 has a metal water pump.

Does the 96 328is have a metal water pump as well? or plastic?

Thanks!

cbouchez · 03-31-2005, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aheath@Mar 31 2005, 10:44 AM
Sorry I don't mean to hijack the topic.

I see someone says that the 97 has a metal water pump.

Does the 96 328is have a metal water pump as well? or plastic?

Thanks!

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I believe you do. OBDII you are good to go.