1987 325is problems and questions - United Bimmer Community

**bimmer87is** · 06-14-2009, 06:32 PM

The car runs and drives great now real mechanical problems it leaks oil from the timing cover or front of the valve cover but now operational problems.

What I am having trouble with is the passenger door lock, window motor (no big deal), sunroof (opens fine but I have to push up on it to close), speedometer doesnt work (but the rest of the gauges do), I think thats really it I got the car for $800 so its not so bad. The speedometer and door lock are my biggest concern.

Big Evil · 06-14-2009, 08:51 PM

Track the leak, a bad valve gasket is easy and hopefully that's all it is. Also the rotor is bolted to the end of the cam shaft under the distributor, there's a seal down in there too. Don't leave it leaking, find it and fix it. Passenger door lock can be operated manually from inside the car or outside with the key (door closed). Sunroof will start working again easily if you take it out and clean and re-lube the tracks. Speedo may be the result of dead batteries in the S.I. board in the dash. Take it out (gauge cluster) and under the bottom end there is a board with a couple of rechargeable batteries soldered to it. Take em out and solder in new batteries, put it back together and it SHOULD start working. Otherwise you may have a bad wire from the vehicle speed sensor, get a chilton or bently manual for specifics. To remove the steering wheel, loosen and remove the nut, then turn the key to release the lock and the wheel will come right off. 800 bucks is a good deal, if there's a pull it yourself salvage yard nearby you'll save huge bank on parts. I just replaced the AC evaporator in my 5 and got a new evap for 20 bucks vs the 325 everyone else wanted. Also those places are a good way to see how something is put together so you can practice tearing apart junk BEFORE you tear apart your own ride ;-).

**bimmer87is** · 06-14-2009, 09:15 PM

I feel what youre saying on the door lock, but that wont work either. with the key or pulling on the lock knob itself. I probably wouldnt need to remove the steering wheel to get that gauge out. I have about 5 years experience working on cars so I should be allright I just wanted to check for any pointers or problems to look forward to. I guess I will be taking out my sunroof and headliner as well. I was looking for an exscuse to get a new one. I heard that about the speedo but wanted to confirm it. I have gotten good feedback from this site so far thanks for the help

Big Evil · 06-14-2009, 09:42 PM

If the lock won't work manually or with the key I'm wondering if there's a physical jam up somewhere inside the door, may be related to the window problem. You CAN get the dash out without removing the steering wheel but you WILL scratch it. The steering wheel on these things is so easy to remove, save yourself the fuss (you don't even need a wheel puller). Good luck, keep us posted

**karimMsalama** · 01-28-2010, 03:12 AM

I feel what youre saying on the door lock, but that wont work either. with the key or pulling on the lock knob itself.