Advice on servicing - 325i touring.

[Wid77]

Hi,

I have a 1988 BMW 325i Touring (standard spec) with 129k on the clock. After a few problems trying to book in with a local garage (he forgot to write it in his diary!) i have decided that i want to do the service myself. This is the first time i have done this on this car. I have made a list of items to change but one thing i need is a new brake master cylinder cap as i noticed the old one is broken. Does anyone know where i would get a replacement one? Would i need to go to a BMW dealer for this?

Most of the parts seem to be quite reasonable but i was quoted Ԛ£110 for ignition leads by Parkers, which seems a bit over the top to me. I usually change the leads when servicing the car but are they a long life item, or just made of gold?

Also, is it worth changing the rotor arm as a service item?

Thanks for your help.

[oze30]

Have a look at this:

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... ervice.htm

As for the replacing stuff.. erm.. no idea!

[Brianmoooore]

I've NEVER changed ignition leads on an E30. As long as the manifold heat shields are OK, and you don't try lifting the engine out by the leads, they will last forever. Inspect the rotor arm and cap, and replace if they are burnt away or tracking, but again, these are quality parts, and there are plenty of E30s around with the original parts still OK.
Do you mean brake fluid cap or clutch fluid cap?
I've never seen a broken brake cap, but rarely seen an intact clutch one.
Available for pennies from the dealer, but you may be able to find a better quality one on another make in a scrappy.
I've used much better ones from the clutch resevoirs of ancient Austin Metros, but these are a bit thin on the ground these days.

[Wid77]

Thanks for the advice on servicing and ignition leads. After 6 months of ownership I am beginning to realise just how well put together these cars are. I picked up a replacement fuel filter today and it looks like a thermos flask! I thought fuel filters were meant to be little plastic things with cardboard inside.

You are right, it is the clutch reservoir cap that is broken. I will make my first (and hopefully last!) foray to the BMW main dealer tomorrow. You never know, i may be owning one of themshiny new 3 series cars in 17 years time!

Thanks again