Making my 5 close to new

[sp0rky]

Ok, my car hasnt had a tune up in a while....
Im thinking of fixing this car up to make it run real nice - almost like new (or the closest i can get) since i got it for so cheap, it wont be a big deal.

Now - i know the valves need to be adjusted because thats all you hear when its running, other than my extremely loud muffler (but thats another story)

question - If i get my valves adjusted, other than being good for the engine and curing the sound, will i notice any difference in the way engine runs? smoother? quieter? anything?

Also - when i go over bumps, i hear a rattle coming from the rear under the car - its not my muffler and its not my driveshaft - could the shocks be causing this loud rattle and how likely is it that they are the reason (its nothing in the trunk and its loud outside of the car too).

I have some steering play and the infamous wobble at 55mph and gone at 60mph, will new thrust arms and bushings cure both of these symptoms? or only the wobble? What kinds of things can i do to take the play out of the steering?

Lastly i would like a new muffler, i cant handle the noise that this one creates anymore- it gives me a headache, do i have to buy original BMW parts? is there a muffler around $100 or so that will bolt on and be as quiet as stock?

Under the hood , the plug wires are also old, one has a cut and has been repaired with electrical tape by somebody - should these be replaced? basically i want the car to feel as new as it can again. Any suggestions that you can think of to add to my list - or anything to say about what i have come up with so far?

the car has 124k mi and the interior / exterior is excellent, no major oil leaks, engine runs smooth - just slow (lol) transmission appears to be ok , except for the hard shift from 1 to 2.

Thanks a lot, guys !

[///M Power]

being a young gun as i am, i like my loud muffler....

The rattling sounds like metal on metal ? like anti-roll bars or sumtin rubbign loose or sumtin...i have the problem but have yet to locate the problem..

for the steering, have ur mechanic check ur front wheel ball bearings and control arms.

[sp0rky]

im young too, but this muffler is to the point that it gives you a headache. lol

yeah - its a metal to metal sound - ive posted it here before, nobody could figure it out - ppl look at it in person and are confused too...

One other question while on the topic - what is "ok" compression for these engines (m20) i think my readings are really low

[mankiks323i]

well first on your spark plug wires yes i would replace them and your plugs while your doing that. the noise in the back check your shocks and shock mounts make sure all bushings look ok under suspension no cracks or huge gaps. Check this company out www.bavauto.com they have a lot of things for our cars and they are good to work with i have bought a number of things from them. your muffler i am not sure but exhaust stuff are not cheap even for a muffler around 300 dollars for a muffler around 150 to 200 for plugs and wires on your car check that web site out they have all kinds of stuff including exhaust .

[Silver4evr]

With that many miles on your car and a not a tune up in a while:
1) replace everything that can be replaced under the hood
2) look in your manual or take it to the dealer or mechanic and get all the maintenance done that is required or you haven't done
3) Have the dealer do a full inspection and get everything done that they say is bad or needs attention.

Getting it done cheap?

Sinc you are a senior member of this forum, it seems you haven't read many posts because a question like this is kinda of a noobie question. Maybe you should consider buying a Civic or Accord? Your BMW is a machine like any other machine and needs regular attention to last a long time, not just the statment "it runs well" as the barometer of its condition.

Good luck.