first timer

[Allen Beckner]

Have just purchased my first BMW. The car is very nice it is a 96' 328i with less than 70,000 miles. What are somethings I must know about this year and model to keep it as nice as it is? The first owner only drove the car 4,700 miles a year according to the car fax I recieved upon the purchase.

[witeshark]

First thing I'd check is wether the water pump has been replaced and

[darkhorse737]

to the werkz!

what i suggest you do:

develop a car history of your own.
1) replace all fluids, and filters ( that gives u an insight to the engines condition)
2) inspect belts and other rubber parts for wear, and replace if necessary
3) check brake pads
4) check for telltale signs of leaks.
5) check tire treads for uneven wear...

other than that... u need not even worry about changing plugs & 02 sensors until you reach the 100,000 mile mark.

[Allen Beckner]

Thanks! The car just got a oil change and both the front and rear brakes replaced. Is there any particular oil I should use for nexted change and also what about coolant?

Can I use fuel additive to clean injectors and if so what brand?

[darkhorse737]

Oil: some like synthetic oil and stretch it's life to oil changes every 5,000. I stick with the regular petrol based oils and reliously change at 3000miles. It becomes a matter of personal preference really.

Injector cleaner: there's several available. Can't really say which one is better than the other. In my case, I load up at a Chevron station every once in awhile. Their gas already contains "techron" which cleans your injectors as you drive.

[94BMW325i]

Welcome! I would also check your tierods, suspension bushings, rear shock mounts, and balljoints too as they can become worn at all different ranges of mileage.