New to BMW, e36 Power loss

[Windsma]

Sometimes at WOT it is very sluggish. Half throttle will have more power.

I bought the car a few weeks ago and am working out little bugs. (suspension, electronics etc..)
I have yet to give it a tune up bc i was waiting on a few other parts.
I now have new gaskets for the Oil filter and valve cover and am ready to tackle it.

Where should I start to get the most out of this engine?

Im a decent mechanic and think w/ 200k miles on it, its time for a good TB cleaning.
Recent cars were Chevy's and Mitsubishi 3000gt



94 318is coupe m42 200k miles 5spd.

[DesktopDave]

I'd start with the throttle body sensor, there's a copy of the e36 Bentley in the Reference section for tests.  Test the usual culprits...AFM or O2 sensors.  Vacuum leaks are also pretty common on these cars.

[Windsma]

I have the Bentley already. Ill have to look thru it better.

picked up some AutoLite Platinum spark plugs. Ive heard Bosh Plats. are bad. how are the autolites?

[Windsma]

The TB boot has been wrapped w/ electrical tape, and the hose connecting to the valve cover is loose.

I need to replace the boot and hose.

Replacing the plugs i found the old ones were Bosh Plats. 4 electrode.

[DesktopDave]

I think the Bosch platinum +4 are the factory recommendation.  I use NGKs mostly, but the Bosch plugs aren't that bad either.

Definitely fix all the hoses.  I'd check them all very closely, a leak will really keep the engine from running as smoothly as it should.

[Danny707]

ONLY use NGKs

[Windsma]

I only use NGK's in my racecar.  http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w144/windsma/777417-1.jpg
I love them.

but i got cheap today bc my ass still hurt from my sunroof repair cost.