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damondaysh View Drop Down
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Joined: 30-September-2005
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Points: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: 325i Touring, new owner - advice required
    Posted: 30-September-2005 at 14:29

Hi guys

I've just bought a 1989 325i Touring, but I am not familiar with the ins and outs of this particular car.  What are the general problems and faults that occur with BMW's, and 325i's?

I also require some parts if someone can point me in the right direction.  I require 14" BBS Wheel Center Caps, rear window water jet direction thing, and probably more.

Have a few faults I have noticed.  The lights do not change direction (up / down), should they?  One of the front headlights pivots freely, is there a catch or something that may be missing or broken?

There is a slight tapping from engine, which may be either the rockers or an exhaust leak.  I literally bought the car today, so I will need to check this over the weekend.  Oil change will help, but I would appreciate the forum experts views!

Thanks, Damon.
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Fushion Julz View Drop Down
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Points: 400 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30-September-2005 at 14:49
Centre caps...Try Ebay or C3Bmw
Water jet...Main dealer, it won't be expensive..

If you are referring to the levelling adjustment for the lights, it won't work...It works on a fluid system from which the fluid will have long since gone...I wouldn't bother fixing it, if I were you.
The swivelling headlight is either one of the adjusters has popped out of its' clip or the clip itself is broken...
Replacement headlight if it is....Ebay is a good bet or have a look in the for sale section of the e30zone (http://www.e30zone.co.uk)

Tapping from the cams is fairly common on M20 engines...
remove the oil filler cap with the engine running and with a torch see if there is a stream of oil coming from the spray bar over the cam...If it is a drop or two or non at all, that will be the problem...Clean the spray bar holes and it will last for a good long while without getting worse...
Check for air leaks around the inlet manifold, though...Worth adjusting the valve clearances while you're at it...

Other problems?
Biggest issue will be overheating...Don't let the engine overheat or you could easily end up with a cracked (and scrap) head. The viscous fan couplings do fail leading to overheating in traffic...
Simple to replace...ask on the zone as I'm sure someone can help you with a replacement if it needs one...
Rear subframe bushes can also wear leading to clonking noises and vagueness in the feel from the rear end...
Other than that, they are pretty reliable and have few foibles...
1987 E30 M3
1996 E36 328i SE 4dr (Manual)
1992 E34 525iX Touring...SOLD
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Nick DE View Drop Down
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Points: 103 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 06:01

After overheating and resultant cylinder head cracks, the next major problem is failure of the driver.

If you are not used to a small, powerful, rear wheel drive car, be very careful in the wet. If you are used to it, just make sure the engine is thoroughly warmed up before using the heavy foot (otherwise the cylinder head will crack).
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damondaysh View Drop Down
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Points: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 06:27
I also have a '65 Mustang, 4.8 V8, with about 400+bhp...
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Fushion Julz View Drop Down
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Points: 400 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 09:59
Originally posted by damondaysh damondaysh wrote:

I also have a '65 Mustang, 4.8 V8, with about 400+bhp...


Which is a small, powerful, modern car...
1987 E30 M3
1996 E36 328i SE 4dr (Manual)
1992 E34 525iX Touring...SOLD
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Nick DE View Drop Down
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Points: 103 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 11:12

In that case your 325 Touring will not be a problem !!

Just treat it well and it should just keep on running.
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damondaysh View Drop Down
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Points: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 16:59
The Mustang is about the same size as the 3 series touring... give or take.
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damondaysh View Drop Down
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Points: 9 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 17:01

Originally posted by Fushion Julz Fushion Julz wrote:



remove the oil filler cap with the engine running and with a torch see if there is a stream of oil coming from the spray bar over the cam...If it is a drop or two or non at all, that will be the problem...Clean the spray bar holes and it will last for a good long while without getting worse...

Could you go into further detail on that?  ^^

I opened the oil filler, and couldn't really see much, except the rockers moving up and down.  This is my first BMW, so I have no other car to compare to.
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Grahame_Vincent View Drop Down
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Points: 535 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01-October-2005 at 19:51

Hi Daymon

Hope you enjoy the Touring and get answers to your questions....

Cheers

Grahame
2004 E46 325Ci Sport Coupe, Silver Grey with Black Leather and M Sports Pack II.
Used to own:-
1995 E38 730i V8, Black, 18" Fox RS3's, Custom Tint Glass, with Silver Leather
1985 E30 316 Black
http://www.villagephotos.com/pubgallery.asp?id_=1066854
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Fushion Julz View Drop Down
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Points: 400 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02-October-2005 at 19:51
Originally posted by damondaysh damondaysh wrote:

Originally posted by Fushion Julz Fushion Julz wrote:



remove the oil filler cap with the engine running and with a torch see if there is a stream of oil coming from the spray bar over the cam...If it is a drop or two or non at all, that will be the problem...Clean the spray bar holes and it will last for a good long while without getting worse...

Could you go into further detail on that?  ^^

I opened the oil filler, and couldn't really see much, except the rockers moving up and down.  This is my first BMW, so I have no other car to compare to.



Sure
Look at this exploded diag



Item 3 is the spray bar
1987 E30 M3
1996 E36 328i SE 4dr (Manual)
1992 E34 525iX Touring...SOLD
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