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Service-What to change?
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:18 am
by jon_d_h
Hi
I am going to do a decent service on my 325 and was wondering what the main things to change are. I have noticed a loss of performance recently and was wondering if a good service would sort it out. So far I am going to change the oil, oil filter and spark plugs. Anyone know anything else that I could change?
Cheers
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:54 am
by maggspower
Air filter, fuel filter, set the valve gaps. Check the rotor arm distributer cap, only renew these if they are obviously worn as they are £££. You could give the afm and icv a clean out with some carb cleaner.
Cam belt and tensioner are good for peace of mind unless you know when they where changed last, and if you are going to do that you may aswell do the waterpump as its only another three bolts.
hope that helps maggs

Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:32 am
by jon_d_h
Ok, cheers. I know that the cam belt was only changed a couple thousand miles ago so that wont need doing. Il get the main things ordered
Cheers
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:41 am
by jon_d_h
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:55 am
by maggspower
Thats the ones, good price too

Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 12:04 pm
by jon_d_h
Ok
Cheers, Il order 6 of them now. I have just orded the oil, oil filter and fuel filter from opie oils
Thanks
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 4:18 pm
by jon_d_h
Got some parts today, Was looking at doing the valve gap adjustment as I will be changing my spark plugs so could do it with them out. Is there any way I can tell if they need doing or is it worth doing them?
Also, where is the fuel filter located?
Cheers
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:10 pm
by RedThunder
http://e30world.com/fuel/BMW-E30-Fuel-Filter
Seems easy enough, not done it on mine yet though
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 5:13 pm
by beemerbird
I can confirm that it's easy peasy. Just need to make sure you put it in the right way round

Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2008 7:20 pm
by Bob_S
fuel filter is right by the nearside rear beam bush.
Always check/adjust clearances at a service, you'll regret not doing so. A good M20 should run silky smooth.
You'll want to renew your coolant too for the winter, make sure it's the right consistency for the colder weather
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 11:56 am
by jon_d_h
Just removed the spark plugs. They were NGK ZGR5A. I am fitting NGK BPR6ES's. Will this be ok? Its a 1989 325?
Cheers
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:03 pm
by Speedtouch
Yes.
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:54 pm
by jon_d_h
ok, cheers
Im, doing the valve adjustment now, when using the feeler guage, should it be tight to remove or, fairly easy or aslong as I can remove it, it will be ok?
Cheers
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 12:59 pm
by Bob_S
with a slight bit of resistance but not tight.
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:59 pm
by jon_d_h
Cant seem to find the fuel filter anywhere? Any ideas
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 3:06 pm
by Speedtouch
Probably under the nearside rear floorpan (aft of the wheel). It should have a black plastic cover hiding it.
Re: Service-What to change?
Posted: Tue Dec 23, 2008 4:42 pm
by jon_d_h
Ok, Il have a look tomorrow. I finished the valve clearances and the car wont idle very well now. When coming to a junction, it stalls when I put the clutch in sometimes. Could this have anything to do with the valve clearances being to tight or loose?
Cheers