Back on the road...advice on DIY maintenance?

[Route36VT]

So after a 2-year hiatus, I've finally got the old '85 325i dusted off and inspected. It's time to start on the long road to getting the thing into the kind of condition it deserves to be in, and I'll feel like a total chump if I don't do at least some of the work myself.

Now, I've always done my own oil changes, and I know more or less what I'm looking at when I pop the hood, but beyond that I've laid nary a wrench on this car, and I'm looking to change that. I've got a short list of things I want to accomplish this year before weather forces me to put it back up.

Here's my list, some of these are almost not even worth mentioning, and some might be way over my head. Would you say these are all relatively novice-friendly jobs on an e30?:
Replace v belts
Replace air filter
Pads and rotors all around
Valve adjustment (and replace that friggin' valve cover gasket)
New spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, coil
Replace radiator hoses (probably not necessary, but good practice)
Change all fluids

Basically my first goal is to be fairly comfortable doing my regularly-scheduled inspection I and II, and pretty much be able to run through the lubrication/maintenance section of the Bentley with little to no frustration. I'm looking for a somewhat challenging and educational experience to bring my car and I closer together.

Is there anything on this list that I should leave to the professionals until I get a little more grease under my nails, so to speak? Anyone with some mechanical chops have any pointers?

[5Toes]

Easy easy easy,

Brakes I have only done once with help, but everything else on your list should take 2.5 hours tops

[lambo]

Sounds like a good plan.

Add these to the list since you are flushing the coolant already:

- Water Pump
- Timing Belt

[Route36VT]

Timing belt was done not too long ago, but I need the practice anyway so timing belt and water pump. Check.

2.5 hrs, eh? I was going to give myself 2.5 days, so if I can get it all wrapped up in a day that would be killer. More time to find the short that keeps blowing my fuse #21 and get some work done on the trim/interior.

Thanks

[quikveedb2]

Congrats on taking on your own maintenance, good choice, it's the best way to keep owning an e30 affordable. If you don't have a repair manual, get one now or download the one available somewhere on here, it'll take a lot of guesswork out of repairs & troubleshooting and give you an idea of what you'll need as far as tools are concerned.