Easy projects
 

Ok guys I'v been driving my dad's old 1991 bmw 325i for awhile and only now have I been allowed to work on it. All things considered I don't think it's been cared for to much considering the condition of the spark plugs when I pulled them out last weekend (gap was .6 in.... wow) and replaced the fuel filter.

So I'd like to get a list of some low cost/easy projects I can do myself to take care of it. This car has lasted to 218k miles I'd like to get it up to 300k someday like some of you out there.

make sure that cam belt was replaced within the last 60k miles. change the spark plugs to bosch platinum +4's. dispite what you may hear, they are fine for the M20 engine.

if you get the timing belt changed make sure they do a valve adjustment as well.

just another thought, when you replace the plugs, disconnect the negative batt terminal to blank out the computer memory. it will run rough at first, but the computer will readjust. it will be faster then waiting for it to do it from an existing program.

other than that, do you want to do performance upgrades, or do you just want stock, long term drivability?

Well I don't have the technical skills to replace the engine but sure I'd love to boost it's performance. I'm basically set for tools except for things like blow torches (that's the only thing my friend doesnt have).

I'll post some pics of what I'm starting from when it stops raining.

welcome.

sounds like a sweet project.

so from what i understand you dad is giving it to you? Or are u just working on it?


If you are intrested in better handling i would get some new suspension. Im sure at 200+k the stock suspension isnt performing how it was 100k before.



I dont know to much about the M20 engine, but maybe you can do headers, new muffler.

For right now I'm basically only taking care of it. But when I go to college there is a good chance I'll get it. Either way I'm the one driving it now so I'll be able to enjoy the ride and get some experience working on bmw's.

Here's a link to some recent pics of it. It's on the side of the street because we have some construction going on out back and my tires dont like nails. http://picasaweb.google.com/exilionprime/TheBMW

The main asthetic things that bother me is the oxidation in the hood and the missing trim. I'll have to try a buffer later but hand buffing didnt help any with the hood.

Looks like a cool project car. Before buffing the hood try using some detail clay on it (available at most parts stores) You'll be amazed what clay can do without doing damage. NOTE: follow the directions & don't rush it.

Cool thanks that might save me like $400 :wiggle

^^^ clay is awesome. it really does wonders.

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/p...ght=clay+magic

the hood is a bit dull, but the rest of the car looks great. one cosmetic thing i would fix is your hub roundels on the rims. bav auto sells aluminum roundels with adhesive that goes over those faded ones. did it in both of my E30's, and it lasts w/o fading.

is that a cloth interior? looks really good. its like the coupe sister to my E30!

yea man nice car.

I third the clay idea..did wonders on my hood.

I need to try that....

nice sig.

Yeah once I get my hands on some clay I'll show ya guys how it worked out.

Back on topic of easy projects - you might start by reading the DIY stuff in the forums on E36 stuff. Dudesky has posted a ton of super info and DIYs (plus other members too) Learn basic maintenance items & learn the quirks - waterpumps, radiators, etc.. "Mullet-babe" has a ton of good stuff from brakes to interior stuff, struts and more. And if that's not enough - get yourself a Bentley or Haynes manual (Bentley preferred) Also if you want to know where a particular part is or what to look for try REALOem.com - this should get you aimed in the right direction...:thumbup

^^^He's got an E30 tho, although a number of things will be very similar. Which, speaking of . . if we ever get this site organized, there really should be an E30 section in the Knowledge Base.

It's a similar vehicle with an older wrapper. As long as he understands the basics of maintaining and what to look for re: quirks, etc, - it should be enough to get him started in the right direction (not just throwing parts at it based on others' guess' - especially when it's not their wallets that are paying for the trouble shooting) There are inherent quirks of an E30 but there are a handful of E30 owners here that offer tons of good info - so he can feel pretty confident not to get mis-lead with UB'ers