Ok, So I'm new to the game... - United Bimmer Community

**jessicias** · 04-19-2006, 04:20 AM

I just bought a 1992 325i.

This is my first BMW (but hopefully not my last!!) are there any little tricks of the trade, quriks about this model that I should know about?
~Jess

**Spieluhr** · 04-19-2006, 05:01 AM

congrats on buying the car. first off, next time just check in with a forum like this before you buy a car, that way you can have the car inspected and find out what common problems there are, that your mechanic can look for.

as far as your particular model goes, I would inspect the cooling system top to bottom, Check out the suspension components (bushings, shocks, etc.), check all fluids.

did the car come with any repair/maintenance logs?

**Dudesky** · 04-19-2006, 05:49 AM

Welcome

Yep, like Spieluhr said, cooling system and suspension, you probably have a good amount of mileage on that '92. I have the same year, with 147k. If you have no service history or records, a new water pump is an absolute must. Then have the rest of the cooling system tested, flush and refill with new coolant. Summer is around the corner, and you'll want to do some preventative maintenance now

**c1apton** · 04-19-2006, 06:00 AM

Welcome. You should do a complete maintenance on it (providing you don't have records) just to give you a level perspective on the maintenance schedule and also to check for any possible future issues or problems. AKA "Peace of mind"

**POS_BMW** · 04-19-2006, 08:11 AM

Welcome,

you should also check the fuel lines, make sure on a cold start its not leaking fuel (from the bottom of the car), if it is its a very easy fix on just repairing on one of the fuel lines, I know BMW dealerships sell a kit, but you could probaby do it yourself.

Also check the steering system, such as Tierods, Control arms, ball sockets. The way you check it is lift up the total front end of the car then have someone hold the steering wheel straight then shake the wheel left to right, then up and down, there should be "SLIGHT" movement, but if there is anything more than slight, you need to have it inspected by an alighment specialist.
I have a 93 325i and I had to replace my control arm due to a faulty lower ball joint.

Welcome!

**scrichy84** · 04-19-2006, 10:08 AM

There is also a great post that actually hooked me onto the forum.

http://www.unitedbimmer.com/forums/t...ghlight=faults

It's great info on the common problems of the e36's.

nick_318is · 04-19-2006, 12:08 PM

Welcome to the site, yea as these guys have said you probably want to get it checked out. People here are pretty knowledgable and helpfull so if you have any issues hopefully someone here can help you out.

**EuroStyle** · 04-19-2006, 12:52 PM

Welcome to the forums

non-vanos FTW!

-Matt

**komodo** · 04-19-2006, 03:02 PM

Welcome to UB!

Storamin · 04-19-2006, 03:10 PM

A neat thing you might not know --

Leave your windows down and lock the door with the key and keep the key in the locked position. The windows will start to come up.

**Dudesky** · 04-19-2006, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

A neat thing you might not know --

Leave your windows down and lock the door with the key and keep the key in the locked position. The windows will start to come up.

I just ran all the way out to the car to try it, and it doesn't work

I was all excited 'coz I've had this car for over a year now, and didn't know that. Is it only for certain years, or is mine broken, or what??

witeshark · 04-19-2006, 05:31 PM

Welcome to UB.C

Nice car!

**Rooz** · 04-19-2006, 05:33 PM

Welcome to the gang

**///M Power** · 04-19-2006, 05:46 PM

One thing you should do immediately is replace the water pump. The factory pump has a plastic impellor blade in it that tends to fail. Take it to your mechanic and get one put in with a metal impellor blade. If that water pump fails you could be looking at an overheated motor.

**komodo** · 04-19-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dudesky

I just ran all the way out to the car to try it, and it doesn't work

I was all excited 'coz I've had this car for over a year now, and didn't know that. Is it only for certain years, or is mine broken, or what??

I'm not sure what years it's on... but I know it works with my 97 328i and my 95 M3... in addition to my friend's 2003 e46 325i.

You put the key in the door, turn it to the lock position, and hold it for about 3-5 seconds. First the back windows (on a 4 door) roll up completely, then the front windows roll up, then the sunroof closes... all with you standing outside the car.