Newby Question

[JD1]

After owning 5 different Porsches I've finally taken the plunge and bought a 1992 BMW 325i convertible. Nice car, more gently sprung than any of the Porsches I've owned but still handles nicely. The car does not have an owners manual. I've ordered a Haynes maintenace manual.

Can anyone tell me if this is considered an E36 model? Also, does the engine have a timing belt, and if so, what is the mileage at which I should change it? I want to go over the car and bring the car up to date on preventive maintenance.

Thanks.

[mmclaren]

its an e36

[wax]

first off... . Yah thats an e36... nice choice . btw wut kind of porsches have u own/owned?

[funtoos]

please correct me if i am wrong... but wasn't the 92 325i CONVERTIBLE and e30 body style?

[funtoos]

btw, to the forums!!!

[JD1]

Originally posted by funtoos@Jan 13 2005, 09:57 PM
please correct me if i am wrong... but wasn't the 92 325i CONVERTIBLE and e30 body style?

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I suppose that's my question, whether its an E30 type or E36. I've seen 1992 325's listed in both categories at other websites and wondered how to tell which one I have, if indeed there are both types for that year. The registration paperwork provides no clue.

As for Porsches I've owned several 914s, a 924, a 944 and a 911 Targa. Presently I still have the 944. Corners like its on rails. I do pretty much all the maintenance myself except for some really techy jobs. This is my first BMW. Its the wife's car. She loves it. Anybody know if its got a timing belt or chain?

[325iS]

Originally posted by funtoos@Jan 13 2005, 09:57 PM
please correct me if i am wrong... but wasn't the 92 325i CONVERTIBLE and e30 body style?

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Yes, '92 325 convertibles are considered an E30 body style.

[Delmarco]

Originally posted by 325iS+Jan 14 2005, 08:45 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(325iS @ Jan 14 2005, 08:45 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-funtoos@Jan 13 2005, 09:57 PM
please correct me if i am wrong... but wasn't the 92 325i CONVERTIBLE and e30 body style?

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Yes, '92 325 convertibles are considered an E30 body style.

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It's most likly an E30 body...just like a 1999 328i convertable was not an E46 body but and e36 body.

Yeas all cars got timing belts that should be replaced around the first 100,000 miles (90,000 to be safe). You probably got over 100,000 miles on it and no service papers to tell you if it was ever done right? well take in in to a mech and get a full service diagnosis. Which should be done anyway by everyone who buys a used car with more than 50,000 miles and at least 3-5 years old.

[325iS]

Originally posted by Delmarco@Jan 14 2005, 08:50 AM
Yeas all cars got timing belts that should be replaced around the first 100,000 miles . . .

I'm not sure of you just worded your post wrong, but I just wanted to clarify that not all cars have timing belts; however, his is an M20 engine so it does have a belt.

I would agree in going ahead and replacing it since you probably have no idea when (if at all) it has been changed. I'm not sure if the M20 is a "non-interference" motor, but even if it is, you wouldn't want to be stranded due to an old broken belt.

[victorgallas]

Originally posted by 325iS+Jan 14 2005, 10:04 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(325iS @ Jan 14 2005, 10:04 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Delmarco@Jan 14 2005, 08:50 AM
Yeas all cars got timing belts that should be replaced around the first 100,000 miles . . .

I'm not sure of you just worded your post wrong, but I just wanted to clarify that not all cars have timing belts; however, his is an M20 engine so it does have a belt.

I would agree in going ahead and replacing it since you probably have no idea when (if at all) it has been changed. I'm not sure if the M20 is a "non-interference" motor, but even if it is, you wouldn't want to be stranded due to an old broken belt.

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It this is an m20 engine, then it does have a rubber timing belt, and should be replaced every 50k, technically is around 70, but do it on the 50k just in case.
Also once youre in there, replace the timing tensioner, water pump, thermostat. pretty much everything that is on the way take it out to ensure no failing on the future, also you will have to take the distributor out so if its never been replaced, goo time to do it, you know it gets old, burned cracks.. etc. also replace the top seal camshaft, this will prevent oil leaking behing the distributor. Th ebest thing to do is to look for the procedure on service manual, like bentley best one out there, or the internet, such as www.bmwe34.net look under maintenence.

But in case you have an m50 engine, it uses a metal timing chain that goes inside the engine case. I do recommend to change the timing chain tensioner as it normally fails around 90k according to word on the net, is not that expensive so replaced it anyway.
Accroding to BMW service manual, and even bentley, the timing chian must not need replacement. just make sure youre using good oil and that is up in the full line. Also if you hear a tapping noise on the cold starup, and i mean cold, close to freezing, you might hear a tapping noise that goes away after 2 , 5 sec, this is the hydraulic lifters that this engine uses and they do a little noise till oil pressure builds in and pressurizes it, and this is an anying noise, considered normal. Ive had this issue, look on a question i posted, it has a video with the noise. and after looking on the net, post responses and BMW service manuals, it all indicated normal noise from cold morning coming form the hydraulic lifters.

BEst thing you should look on ebay to buy is the BMW cd set. It has Parts catalog and service manual catalog, look under BMW etk.

To own a BMW and be able to service you need 3 basic things,
A Bentley Service Manual, AKA the bible,
BMW ETK Parts cc.
and a set of craftman wrenches and tools. ( Hey I started with a walmart screw driver set and a craftman wrench toolbox, and now i have a 4 drawer Snapon toolbox weightin around 100 pounds with all the stuff on it..
Yes BMW are a legal drug, and im loving it.

Have fun..