Author Topic: Just bought my first m42! Now I have to drive 1500mi what should I do before I start (Read 2831 times)

VegasKyle · « **on:** September 09, 2010, 02:23:37 PM »

So after a year of looking (well a few months then getting frustrated and giving up until a month or two ago) I own a 1991 318is!

My girlfriend and I were planing to drive from Vegas to Washington and I figured it would be a good time to look at a few cars. Yesterday I bought a one owner 318is with 180k, and records for the first 16 years from the dealership($1500+ for a profile gasket in '97 ouch!) The car isn't perfect most notably some body damage on the trunk lid and RR around the tail lights. That kind of stuff can all be addressed in due time. What I need to do now is get the car ready to drive back. I have about 2 weeks and access to basic tools. Here is what is on the list so far, let me know if I am missing something. I'd like to order all the parts at once.

Oil change, lower pan gasket, check for bolts
Timing chain tensioner
Trans fluid
Diff fluid
Flush radiator and new coolant???

Let me know what else I should inspect / replace / repair before the drive back.

I'll get some pictures up soon. I'm looking forward to becoming an active member of this forum.

YetiX · « **Reply #1 on:** September 09, 2010, 02:34:29 PM »

I'd check the engine, transmission and differential mounts as well as the control arm bushings to see if any of those need replacing. You may need a mechanics help with the diff and control arm bushings. Worn control arm bushings will make your drive suck.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2010, 02:51:05 PM »

I'd just check the coolant. It's a PITA to bleed correctly...if you get it wrong the car will overheat. I'd check the usual stuff...fluids, tires, brakes...take it out for a spin and listed for bad noises.

I'd also pass on the chain tensioner. I know it's a minority opinion here, but I'm convinced that a new tensioner on an old chain will accelerate any existing wear & tear.

Welcome to the club! They're awesome little cars...if always a bit needy.

VegasKyle · « **Reply #3 on:** September 09, 2010, 03:47:20 PM »

Here is a couple of pictures.

First the good

Now the bad

locknload · « **Reply #4 on:** September 09, 2010, 10:16:51 PM »

Check the for sale forum. I'll bet someone is trying to sell most of what you need even now. +1 on what DDave says, skip the tensioner unless you know for sure it has problems. I also would recommend synthetics for diff, trans and engine. Make sure the diff lube is formulated for LSD.

romeomike · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2010, 08:27:05 PM »

Welcome aboard. I think you're heading in the right direction as far as pre-trip maintenance goes. You could find the tail light for sure in a salvage yard. The rest looks like it would be fairly easy work for a body shop.

Have a safe trip and adios for now,

RM

VegasKyle · « **Reply #6 on:** September 14, 2010, 10:31:11 PM »

Quote from: romeomike;96437

Welcome aboard. I think you're heading in the right direction as far as pre-trip maintenance goes. You could find the tail light for sure in a salvage yard. The rest looks like it would be fairly easy work for a body shop.

Have a safe trip and adios for now,

RM

Is there anywhere in Vegas that has a good selection of E30's?

I pulled the pan today, luckily no bolts. Changed the oil, trans fluid, new plugs, and the only 14mm socket I could find was too long and I couldn't get a wrench in without hitting the tire well. So the diff fluid is going to have to wait.

I'm going to do the coolant tomorrow.

While I was under the car I got a look at the suspension, trans mounts, guibo and such. Everything looked OK so that stuff can go down the list of things to do.