Newbie -- Just purchased a 88 325ix

[nwz0]

Just purchased a 88 325ix and i want to get this thing in good shape and find any issues that it might have, i was told it needs a rear axle so im looking for one (im going to have a mechanic look at it tomorrow so he can verify that and look for more issues).

Also smells like gas when i first start it, need to give it gas to start it. Any idea what could be causing the gas smell??

Thats pertty much what i noticed the rest looks and sounds good, the idle is smooth and apart from the clunk in the rear (axle?) it seems to run good, drove it home last night. Im planing on giving it a tune up, and changing the timing belt. What else should i take care of?

As far as pervious mantince i havent a clue, i purchased it from the Preious owners mother (hes 19), so im still trying to get more info.

Just in case i need a rear Axle im looking for one. If you have one youd like to sell i might buy it. would Also like to find a driver seat, mine is black but pertty tore up, so it would be nice if i could get a good deal on one. Also but not a priority plastic bumpers.

Most importantly a rear axle.

If you have any pf these parts feel free to pm me or send me a txt (209)765-7119

thanks


BTW hello everybody.

[nwz0]

BTW thats my ix, it Still needs a good wash.

[supernaughtIX]

a clunk in the rear end could be a few things, like sway bar bushings or endlinks, subframe bushings, shocks, shock mounts, etc.
Axles should be easy to come by if that really is the issue, you can use most ABS rear axles from a RWD e30.

A gas smell could be a leak between the pump and the filter, filter and fuel rail, for fuel rail to tank. When you first turn the key to run, some cars will start the pump priming, at that point you might be able to sniff/look around the filter(infront of driver's side rear wheel) and around the fuel rail. The feed and return hoses in the engine bay connect to hardlines under the brake booster. Check there too. Do you notice the gas smell when the car is running or after you shut it off?

And IXes look good dirty. Needs more high and more rubber.

[nwz0]

After driving it a day, i noticed the gas smell is gone, it was at start up. Would you let me know how i can maintain the transfer case?? The check light on the Vdo is on, whats the vdo?? Sorry for all the questions still a newb, and i did atempt to use seach and google to no avail. Thanks.

[nwz0]

Just got back from meeting with the previous owner and i picked up a folder with the manual and from what i can tell it has a dinan chip in it( the car), and the folder also had a few maintince records. So thats pertty cool.

[supernaughtIX]

After driving it a day, i noticed the gas smell is gone, it was at start up. Would you let me know how i can maintain the transfer case?? The check light on the Vdo is on, whats the vdo?? Sorry for all the questions still a newb, and i did atempt to use seach and google to no avail. Thanks.

If the car has been sitting a while, it could get a little fumey on startup, but it should clear after a bit. Sometimes just bad gas that wont burn getting released.

It's important to check the function of the transfer case by performing the "jack test". Basically jacking up the back of the car on a decent rolling shop jack on a level smooth surface and trying to drive the car in fwd and rev. There should be little to no difference in wheel speed between the rear wheels in the air and the front wheels moving the car back and forth. Go to youtube and search for "325ix jack test". There is no other easy way to tell if its good. Maintenance would be drain and refill with new oil.

Check out e30tech.com IX section or bimmerforums e30 section has a good sticky on IX content.

The check light will come on to draw your attention to the check panel above the mirror. if one of the lights is on(oil level, coolant, rear lights, etc) look into the cause.

Remember, get onto e30tech.com for IX stuff, its all there. And get a Bentley manual on paper or find the PDF. Its mostly there.

Good luck.

[nwz0]

Passsed the jack test :) will check e30tech out thanks for the help man.

[nomansland92]

clean it up and post some pics ;)

[LuckyHenriksen]

I have a bunch of axles, $25 each