Tips BMW E36

[Raidillon]

Hi everyone,

I am so glad i was introduced to this forum as there are so many valuable threads on here and the members in general are always courteous.

Having recently purchased a BMW 328i E36, I would be quite grateful if the knowledgeable members on this forum could provide me with some tips to ensure the car stays in a good condition.

Are there any workshops that you guys would endorse for maintenance and repairs?

Right now the car is in good mechanical condition however i do need to replace the gear knob and brake lights on the car.

Any insights or tips are greatly appreciated.

Have a great weekend

 

[madness_inc]

I would strongly suggest you refresh the cooling system (radiator, thermostat etc) and suspension bushes all round if this hasn't already been done.

 

[Nikhil]

Welcome bud,

A few questions before you get sent on a rampage of part replacements.

Is your car cast iron or aluminum block?
What's your mileage?
Where are you located?

 

[Raidillon]

Welcome bud,

A few questions before you get sent on a rampage of part replacements.

Is your car cast iron or aluminum block?
What's your mileage?
Where are you located?

Howzit Nikhil thanks for replying

I am a total noob so i don't know whether the car is cast iron or aluminium :dunno: 

Mileage is 348k on the original engine

I am based on the east rand

---

I would strongly suggest you refresh the cooling system (radiator, thermostat etc) and suspension bushes all round if this hasn't already been done.

Thanks i really appreciate your input - most people i have asked have said the same thing

 

[Peter@AEW]

Cast iron

 

[Raidillon]

Cast iron

Thanks much appreciated this forum is the best

 

[Nikhil]

Given that it's high mileage and you not sure about the history I would do the following

1)Cooling system overhaul as a priority (Radiator, water pipes, coolant tank and cap, waterpump and thermostat) this is the core reason why so many E36s are non runners.

2) Brake fluid + Gearbox and diff oil change along with power steering fluid flush

3) At the above mileage your clutch slave is most likely leaking so good idea to get it replaced when doing point number 2 ( very cheap part)

4) Suspension- Control arms, rear trailing arm bushes, tie rod ends are definitely shot if they've never been replaced. This will dramatically change the feel of the car

5) Shocks and shock mounts if they are original.

6)Major service, belts, Vanos seals

In terms of who to take your car to a few options below

-Ross Duncan auto
-Budler motorsport
-SavSpeed
-TuneTech

All of the above workshops are really great, specialise in BMW and deliver good work.

 

[Raidillon]

Given that it's high mileage and you not sure about the history  I would do the following

1)Cooling system overhaul as a priority (Radiator, water pipes, coolant tank and cap, waterpump and thermostat) this is the core reason why so many E36s are non runners.

2) Brake fluid + Gearbox and diff oil change along with power steering fluid flush

3) At the above mileage your clutch slave is most likely leaking so good idea to get it replaced when doing point number 2 ( very cheap part)

4) Suspension- Control arms, rear trailing arm bushes, tie rod ends are definitely shot if they've never been replaced. This will dramatically change the feel of the car

5) Shocks and shock mounts if they are original.

6)Major service, belts, Vanos seals

In terms of who to take your car to a few options below

-Ross Duncan auto
-Budler motorsport
-SavSpeed
-TuneTech

All of the above workshops are really great, specialise in BMW and deliver good work.

Thank you for taking the time to go into detail and guide me in the right direction.

The blueprint above will serve me well, are you also a proud owner of an E36?

 

[Nikhil]

Given that it's high mileage and you not sure about the history  I would do the following

1)Cooling system overhaul as a priority (Radiator, water pipes, coolant tank and cap, waterpump and thermostat) this is the core reason why so many E36s are non runners.

2) Brake fluid + Gearbox and diff oil change along with power steering fluid flush

3) At the above mileage your clutch slave is most likely leaking so good idea to get it replaced when doing point number 2 ( very cheap part)

4) Suspension- Control arms, rear trailing arm bushes, tie rod ends are definitely shot if they've never been replaced. This will dramatically change the feel of the car

5) Shocks and shock mounts if they are original.

6)Major service, belts, Vanos seals

In terms of who to take your car to a few options below

-Ross Duncan auto
-Budler motorsport
-SavSpeed
-TuneTech

All of the above workshops are really great, specialise in BMW and deliver good work.

Thank you for taking the time to go into detail and guide me in the right direction.

The blueprint above will serve me well, are you also a proud owner of an E36?

No problem bud, glad I could help ?

Yep been in a project state for a few years lol