320i oil / temperature help!!!

[Paul386]

I've just recently picked up my new car!!!

Is a '89 320, with 73k on the clock, factory fitted MTEC kit, seats, wheels, suspension, the lot!

Well happy with it! Will take some pictures at the weekend and post them up!

Onto business however.... I've had it for 3 days, so the spending must begin!!!

Firstly, am going to do an oil change this weekend... What oil do people recommend?

And secondly, the temperature gauge is not quite reaching midway... Ever! It always goes to just below it, but never risen any higher...

Is this a common problem? Was going to nip out and buy a sensor / thermostat this weekend and replace the both... Do they tend to go? Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Cheers,

Paul

[Dr Firefly]

My temp never quite reaches midway - I think that's normal. I'd be more worried if it was going above it. As long as when you start it it's on cold, and then gradually goes up to nearly at the middle, I think that's perfectly normal

[dobbie82]

yep almost half way sounds about right

If the thermostat and sensors are very mucky and look like they are ten years plus old then they arent expensive to replace, sensors about £16 and a thermostat was £25-30 if i remember correctly? (genuine bmw from dealer)

[Paul386]

Cool, cheers

What about oil? What does everyone use?

[dobbie82]

I can't remember what mix you need, but check here, the aptly named "oilman" had lots of cheap offers

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ic&t=58115

should say in your handbook what you need

or do as I do and buy 5 litres of Castrol for £13 at asda

[orangecurry]

Paul - you didn't buy the 318 lux cab then?

There's nothing wrong with Castrol; just get a good oil filter - what are the OE ones?

[Paul386]

Hello mate, nope... The Cab was a complete DOG! Was up for £2700, but I would have given him 1k TOPS for it!!!

Have bought the right car in the end though, isn't a cab which is a shame, but looks a real gem.

Will have some pics up over the weekend!

[320Touring]

oil is a subject of much debate on this forum....

I'd consult th handbook and see what grade BMW reccommend, then choose your favourite brand.

As for the coolant temp- anywhere between the 1st white line to just past middle is fine- the distance between cold and hot on the temp gauge is only a few degrees.

oil filter s peanuts from GSF for the proper one with non return valves. £about 5 iirc

[Brianmoooore]

Trouble with getting the oil spec from the handbook is that it was written 20 years ago, and oils have come a long way in that time. See oilmans recommendations.
Engine temperature is fine. Bring the car up to working temperature, turn the heater right off and let the car idle for ten minutes while keeping an eye on the temp gauge. The temperature shouldn't go up more than a little, and you should hear the viscous fan cut in occasionally.
Find out when the timing belt and tensioner were last changed, and if it was more than four years/40,000 miles ago, or you can't find out when, consider changing them ASAP.