M42 Refresh Plan - Help

[2ndName]

Hello all,

Needing some advice to layout my action item for my new to me 92 318ic. No real maintenance records but the car runs fine. There's a slight oil leak so that will have to be prioritize. In regards to preventative maintenance please provide what you would recommend that I do to get car in tip/top shape.

Current action item:
Oil leak - Diagnose and repair
Oil drain - refill with 10w40
Timing Chain Tensioner using M44 (part no. 11 31 1 743 187)

The car is practically stock, no mods. I hear that I should refresh bushings, any particular brand/link? It's a 5 speed if that makes a difference.

Thank you team.

[Dj Buttchug]

step 1: search the forum for tips. theres tons here
step 2: mess under intake
step 3: use 20w50
step 4: inspect your timing gears/guides and chain and replace as needed

[Gerta]

^ I'd add to that list to drop the lower oil pan and check those bolts in the pan. If you are going to check and potentially replace the timing gears/guides this should be done as well.

[2ndName]

Thank you both. Will add both to the list. Fun fun fun.

[Gerta]

Hit up www.m42club.com too ... lotsa good info there.

[Threehz]

Why 20w50 oil?

As for brands, it may seem obvious, but watch out for the cheap stuff. I always Google brand names that I don't know, and it's usually easy to find out if they are legit or crap.

I usually use Pelican Parts for my parts needs and I have never had a problem with any of their brands (they carry OEM and off-brand for almost all parts), good prices as well.

[bmwman91]

Where are you seeing the oil leak / dripping from? There are 3 notorious spots: at the oil filter housing, where the 2 rubber profile gaskets meet neat the timing chain tensioner, and the gasket at the rear crank cover.

[2ndName]

Found the leak, 2 leaks to be exact. One came from the Power Steering Res. The other was due to the valve cover gasket.