About to get a stroked 85’ 325e and was wondering what you guys think should be the first engine maintenance jobs I should do. I'm not gonna have too much money left over after buying the car but enough for necessary things like a timing belt replacement. Would love any advice y’all have to offer! Thanks
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After the timing belt and water pump. And since you're low on cash, check the fuel lines and brake lines and hoses for cracks, replace as necessary. Check the suspension parts (bushings etc). Check the brake pads and rotors. Of course, inspect the tires for both tread depth and age. I like to change all the fluids in a car new to me so I have a fresh start and know their good and what was used. With these 30+ year old cars, its always something. Oh, and get a Bentley manual.2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual
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Originally posted by tomstin View PostAfter the timing belt and water pump. And since you're low on cash, check the fuel lines and brake lines and hoses for cracks, replace as necessary. Check the suspension parts (bushings etc). Check the brake pads and rotors. Of course, inspect the tires for both tread depth and age. I like to change all the fluids in a car new to me so I have a fresh start and know their good and what was used. With these 30+ year old cars, its always something. Oh, and get a Bentley manual.
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The Bentley Manual is just the go-to shop manual for pretty much anything and everything related to working E30s. Haynes also publish one, but I don't think it's as well regarded as the Bentley. Saying that, the Bentley isn't perfect.
In a nutshell, it'll probably have answers for 90% of your how-to maintenance questions. Hell, it even tells you how to pull apart/rebuild your transmission...
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I would also recommend that you download the wiring diagrams from here: http://wedophones.com/Manuals/BMW/
Very helpful at times.2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual
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I recommend you purchase a replacement clutch fan right away. I would perform a full fluid change on the engine, power steering, transmission, differential, cooling system and brake system. I usually replace the o2 sensor, AFM, and inspect the distributor cap and rotor. Definitely fuel lines as they can crack and leak fuel.Owner - Bavarian Restoration
BMW and European Electronics Repair and Restoration
www.BavRest.com
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Originally posted by ThomasE30 View Post
Is there any reason why lots of people recommend the Bentley manual btw? And do you think there’s a online one somewhere ?
It's incomplete.
Check this How-Tos first https://classicbimmerbits.com/e30-how-to/
And youtube.
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Originally posted by Vincenze View PostThe book isn't the best source of information. It's online.
It's incomplete.
Check this How-Tos first https://classicbimmerbits.com/e30-how-to/
And youtube.
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Originally posted by Gregs///M View PostI recommend you purchase a replacement clutch fan right away. I would perform a full fluid change on the engine, power steering, transmission, differential, cooling system and brake system. I usually replace the o2 sensor, AFM, and inspect the distributor cap and rotor. Definitely fuel lines as they can crack and leak fuel.
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Originally posted by tomstin View PostI would also recommend that you download the wiring diagrams from here: http://wedophones.com/Manuals/BMW/
Very helpful at times.
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Originally posted by ThomasE30 View Post
Yeah fluid changes and feul lines and hoses were some of my first choices because they're cheap and easy. I'll check out the clutch fan while i'm at it. Are these prone to breaking / needing replacing after a while or is it just a good preventative?Owner - Bavarian Restoration
BMW and European Electronics Repair and Restoration
www.BavRest.com
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Originally posted by Gregs///M View Post
I would never trust a 30 year old fan clutch or even a 10 year old one. Whats the worse than can happen? Car overheats and cracks the engine head or block or both. Never go cheap or short on cooling system parts.
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