Help needed with M20 2.5 engine servicing and parts

[ryan72]

As title really, I have just bought a 1989 325i SE which has been parked up since 2004! So first things first, im gunna give the engine a going over and service before I take it out for a drive..

Im pretty clued up on the ford zetec engine but the bmw engines are new too me!

So far I have ordered the following -
oil, fuel and air filters (will be draining the car of the old fuel, and putting in some fresh fuel too)
spark plugs and leads
rotor arm
oil - 10/40 semi synthetic

Is there anything I have missed out??
There is a standard oil cooler fitted to the car, is there anyway to drain this .. or does it only open when the oil is hot enough to open a thermostat?

If there is anything else people suggest that I change/check before firing her up on Sunday, let me know

Thanks in advance

[maggspower]

Hi Ryan, the main thing i can think of and probabably the most important is the cam belt, while you are there you should also change the water pump and tensioner as they are a pain to do if you have recently done the cam belt.

If it has been stood for so long I would run it for a while with some diesel engine oil in it, as it will go some of the way towards flushing it out, the oil cooler is thermostaticly controled yes. Have you taken the rocker cover off, it will give you some idea of its previous life.

I'll PM you in a minute about the exhaust.