New 325IX Owner...here's a list of things I'll be doing..

[z122643]

TIMING BELT! don't even question it!

I have the same leak from the axle passageway for the passenger side axle. I wouldn't worry to much about it. It is from the differential.

I would also do all fluids. (and replace all fill and drain plugs especially the front diff plugs. )

[fronton]

When referring to ball joints, do you mean the control arms' ball joints? Since you are replacing the control arm bushings, just do the arms themselves as well.

Don't bother which wheel bearings unless they are already going bad.

Like every M20, if you don't know for certain that the timing belt was replaced in the last 7 years or 50k miles, this this before you drive it much further. You should do the water pump and tstat while you are in there.

[Sean]

I've done a fair bit of searching, and know a little - but closing on a house in October means my time is fairly limited.

Anyway, I'm a new owner of a 1991 325ix. I traded my 1990 735i for it. I cannot wait to enjoy it in the snow!

It does have it's share of issues though, some I'd like to discuss:

1. It seems to be leaking oil - not sure if it's from the Tcase - looks like the headgasket has the infamous "oil seepage" issue.
2. Shocks blown, will be fixing that soon
3. It has an auto...someday...I will swap...
4. Ball joints totally gone.

Anyway, with those items in mind - I have the car on stands right now - but won't be doing all the work this very second. Right now, I'm doing:

- Oil change
- Checking all fluids levels (front/rear diffs and transfer case)
- Attempting to determine where my oil leak is coming from
- Trying to find my coolant leak source
- Cleaning the engine bay - it's filthy and I need to take off some grime to try to find the source for all the leaks...?
- Ensuring the axle spline has it's proper grease (is it the graphic based grease I should use?)

In October, or November (if the snow stays away...haha) - I'll do the following:

- Bilstein HDs
- H&R Sports (anyone know where I can find any used?)
- New front ball joints (inner & outer), tie rods and control arm bushings

However, while I am removing axles from the strut assembly, should I be doing anything else?

SOME QUESTIONS FOR YOU GURUS:
1. Should I be concerned about leaks where the driveshaft goes thru the oil pan? I didn't find anything concrete on this.
2. The boots on my axles are already new - should I take them out and inspect anything while I'm in there?
3. Should I consider wheel bearings, or not bother?
4. What else should I do when I have the front end apart like that?


I'm open to suggestions and any informative threads you can point my way!!

Thanks,
Sean