275k What to do?

[mitchlevy7]

hey
im new to e30s and i just picked one up for 800 and the engine has 275k on it.
I'm not sure about the service history but I do believe it was taken care of at a dealership its whole life.
The car seems to be running pretty good. Starts up every time and no wierd noises or anything
I was wondering the first steps I should take in maitnence.
I need this thing to be reliable and run well.

few questions:
what would make it idle a tiny bit below 1000 rpms? All the vacuum hoses look tight. Ive heard people have idling issues with a bad thermostat sensor?
Also, the temperature heats up when its sitting and gets a little cold when im on the highway?
is that normal? or should i replace the thermostat and maybe the water pump?

thanks for any help!

[CW325]

first things i did where a new timing belt, water pump, hoses and eventually a new thermostat

[Blackangusinc]

If you don't have record of a timing belt replacement in the last 60k or if it is getting close to 60k, you should replace the timing belt ASAP! While you're in there, be sure to take care of the water pump and idler pulley.

[acolella76]

i say it's time to boost it

[Farwest92]

What year and what model?
More info is needed and post some pics in Members Rides if you want some serious feedback.
I suggest a timing belt first and then check the batteries on the SI board in the cluster if you want reliable temp readings, replace all the things.
Google is your friend.

[E30_fiend]

I'd say do a full tune up. Plugs, cap, rotor, o2 sensor, timing belt, waterpump, accessory belts and maybe a new fan clutch. That could be your cooling issue. And honestly, the full tune up may cost a lot but a majority of it won't need to be done again til at least 60k miles.

Good luck.


Taylor

[redsubdivisions]

M20's are best to do all the maintenance at once as E30_fiend listed. After that, they're pretty happy little motors. I have over 200K on mine and I was lucky enough to get it for a great price and the PO had the timing belt and water pump done literally 3 weeks before I bought it.

[Jaxx_]

if you continue to have issues with temperatures when sitting you would want to check your fan clutch and shroud.

[mitchlevy7]

thanks alot guys. i think im gonna do a big parts order and have a maintnence weekend soon.

[mitchlevy7]

hahha. i never did that^
i picked this up instead. the whole swap, including a 5 speed swap, an engine hoist, and a bunch of tools was about 2k.