Service items...

[Cyruz]

Hi all just picked up my first e30 1987' (2.5 whoo we).
It's a bit of a dog but for Ԛ£500 can't complain and I'll be spending the next few weeks treating the rust . The engine doesn't sound amazingly healthy mainly due to the fact that it's been sat up idle for a year. I've got a list of stuff that I'm going to change, can people add things that I should also check/replace when working on the engine.

- e30zone chip (I know it's not important but that money was burning a hole in my pocket)
- Oil 5w-40 fully syntheic and bmw oem filter
- NGK BPR6ES spark plugs
- BMW Coolant & Distilled water
- Timing Belt & Tensioner
- Water pump
- Gearbox oil 75w-90
- LSD oil (what kind of oil is needed?)
- Dizzy cap
- Rotor arm

I was also wondering where to pick up the bmw parts (dizzy,rotor arm,filter) should I go to my nearest bmw dealer and get them to order in the parts or is there a cheaper place to order online?

Thanks in advance...

[Simon]

I would also change...

Thermostat and seal
Blue temp sensor
Brown temp sensor
Viscous
Air filter
Both aux belts

Get belts and filters from dealers, get the rest from here or here.

[Cyruz]

Thank you, you are a star Should be road ready sometime next week.

[Brianmoooore]

I would also change...

Thermostat and seal
Blue temp sensor
Brown temp sensor
Viscous
Air filter
Both aux belts

Get belts and filters from dealers, get the rest from here or here.

Wouldn't bother with the brown temp sensor - it only works the gauge, and I've never known one fail.
Also the viscous coupling only really needs changing if it's obviously wonky or proves to be dud. (Overheating when parked with the engine idling for a while).
Don't know what the spec of the LSD oil is, but it has to be the right stuff.
All the rest sounds about right.
Check you have the recalol radiator cap fitted (with a yellow disc on the bottom).

[Simon]

I would also change...

Thermostat and seal
Blue temp sensor
Brown temp sensor
Viscous
Air filter
Both aux belts

Get belts and filters from dealers, get the rest from here or here.

Wouldn't bother with the brown temp sensor - it only works the gauge, and I've never known one fail.
Also the viscous coupling only really needs changing if it's obviously wonky or proves to be dud. (Overheating when parked with the engine idling for a while).
Don't know what the spec of the LSD oil is, but it has to be the right stuff.
All the rest sounds about right.
Check you have the recalol radiator cap fitted (with a yellow disc on the bottom).

I've always changed it, seeing as it has to come out, and only costs about Ԛ£6 I see it as silly not too.

Again, viscous is one of those things that has to come off, and if it fails when you least need it too, it's a pain.

It's all about peace of mind, and all my opinion of course!

Plus the car has been sat a while, and doesn't sound like it's been to cared for.

[Cyruz]

I agree with Simon, if it's coming off and it's not stupidly expensive then may as well replace it. Will make a list and then grab all the parts and try and get the jobs done over the weekend. If something goes tits up you lot will be the first to know.

[Brianmoooore]

It's your money, but you have to stop somewhere, and this is only the engine.

[Simon]

Brian, it's just me, I'm an enthusiast, and like to mint my E30's up, I always do the same routine whenever I buy an E30.

If I'm replacing a front shock, I fit new top mounts, if I have to remove the prop, I'll replace the guibo and doughnut, it's the way I do things, I like peace of mind that it's done, especially parts that if they fail, they could cause bigger and more expensive problems. I've had 2 viscous's fail suddenly on me, once when I was on my way down to Cornwall, and had to find somewhere that sold one, and I had to fit it.

[Cyruz]

Ok I had to stop somewhere because spending so much on a Ԛ£500 car isn't the smartest idea. I've got a list of items and where to get them from just double checking before I go and buy everything at once.

BMW OEM Parts:
Oil 10w-40 semi-synthetic and bmw oem filter
BMW Coolant & Distilled water
Timing Belt & Tensioner
LSD oil
Air filter
2x Aux belts

Aftermarket:
NGK BPR6ES spark plugs
Gearbox oil 75w-90
Water pump
Dizzy cap
Rotor arm
Thermostat and seal
Blue temp sensor
Viscous
Sump plug + washer

The older sump plug is slightly knackered and I don't want it to lock like my old one and have to get a new sump. Thanks for your help will get some photo's of the car online 2nite.

[WerkdE30]

my only oppinion on this is unless your rich (which u dont seem to be buyin $1000 car)

IF IT AINT BROKE DONT FIX IT.

but thats just me at least check your air filter and viscous coupling and so on first if they are in perfect condition why waste money when you say your motor sounds like it needs a freshen up. id put it on a hoist and go over everything you probly need a set of tyres if its been sittin for that long id worry bout the little things later.

things i would be doin first...

Check then replace as needed:

-Brakes, pads discs linings fluid
-Tyres
-Suspy
-P/S system (racks often go)
-Exhaust, hangers rust

Bassically the stuff that keeps u on the road and not around a tree

for the LSD i would use LSX 90 from Castrol

[Cyruz]

Thanks man but I drive my cars hard and want new parts because as I said ealier it hasn't been that well looked after and I don't want to do serious damage.

-Brakes, pads discs linings fluid - All brakes uprated a week before i bought it (drilled and grooved)
-Tyres were new on a week before I bought it
-Suspension is on my list of things to do - plus a bearing has gone in it somewhere
-No P/S Old school workout
-Exhaust is blowing but I'll get it welded back up when it's on the road.

Baring in mind this car hasn't been serviced in over a year stuff like the air filter will need renewing. What about fuel filter, never done one before is it arkward to do?

Thanks

[Gwynleym10]

Fuel filter is a definate to do;

have the engine running

Pull the fuse that controls the fuel pump (11 I think) a wait for the engine to stall.

Locate fuel filter (cylindrical thing by chassis rail underneath fuse box)

take hose off, and replace.

You may need a rag to soak up excess fuel.... put it on the fire after!

Forget the fan clutch, when it fails fit an electric fan, I think it more realiable.

[Cyruz]

I was planning on converting the fans to electric as well so I don't have to have them running from the engine. Thanks for the help everyone that has contributed, I've got a shit load of work to do this weekend

[Brianmoooore]

I was planning on converting the fans to electric as well so I don't have to have them running from the engine. Thanks for the help everyone that has contributed, I've got a shit load of work to do this weekend

Electric fan still runs from the engine - just by a very inefficient route

[Cyruz]

Thanks for all the advice, spent all day stripping it out and removing wiring that isn't needed. Just gotta cash a cheque before I can order some parts.