tune up and possibly upgrade? time

[pmac2007iq00]

OK so I have had my car a little over 3 years now and shes well over due for a tune up. When I bought her she got a new clutch, exhaust, plugs, wires, cap rotor, things like that. Now it's time for some bigger things to replace. Here's what I need so far.

Brakes- all around. Fronts are eating my rotors...
Power steering hose- leaking slowly
Valve adjust- very loud and rough, esp in cold
Center support bearing- never got around to it before
Timing chain and tensioner- don't know when last replaced
Gas cap- broken clip
Tune up basics- plugs wires oil filters...

That's what I need so far. What else am I missing or should replace while I'm in there? And maybe some ways or things to add a little omph too. She slow starter. Not looking for turbo or supercharger, just something to let it run better. What you all have for ideas? And who else is due for a tune up?

[Russellc]

Are you saying there has been no maintenance done since you acquired the car? Quite a feat for an e34. Even so, how many miles have you driven it since the purchase? Also, how many tolal miles as this is a factor for what might be needed. Good luck.

[pmac2007iq00]

I've been doing like oil changes and all the basics, but nothing big, and it's time to get to that. Bought at 366000 and currently at 386600.

[David325e]

The throttle cable on my '89 525 (255k) was loose enough that the throttle body was only opening about 4/5 of the way. This caused slower than should be acceleration and no kick-down when flooring. If you have any play between when you press the pedal and when the throttle starts I would tighten the cable.

[pmac2007iq00]

Good call on that. There's a small hesitation there, I'll check that out. Thanks man.
What other things should I check out people?

[David325e]

Yea do that then. It really woke up things, as much as an M20 can. You have the Bentley right? If you're going big tune-up then I would consider replacing ignition wires and distributor, check the output of the fuel pump, fuel filter is on the light right? Check the driveshaft to make sure all the bearings/bushings are as they should be.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

Plug wires really don't need to be changed that often.

[David325e]

Plug wires really don't need to be changed that often.

But at 386?

[pmac2007iq00]

While I have the driveshaft off to do the support bearing may as well do the guibo. The cap and rotor were replaced bout 10k ago when I did the head gasket.

[MJFX328]

LOL. Fuel filter. Belts. OE oil filter. Maybe clean the throttle intake

[slocar]

But at 386?
Read. He changed it at 366k.

Honestly, you don't even need new plugs, much less wires and all the other regular tune-up items considering it's only been 20k since the last time.

Chain and tensioner don't need to be replaced. Adjust the valves (just don't expect it to be any smoother ... it's a m30; it's always gonna be rough), change the center bearing (and guibo while you're at it), and call it a day.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

What she said.

[pmac2007iq00]

Though only 20k ago, does the fact that it was all done over 2 years ago and has gone cross country twice since effect any of that?

[Stir Fry A Lot]

Plugs maybe but the wires really don't do much outside of carrying a current. If anything it doesn't look like you've changed your cap and rotor yet. That's one of the first things I replace anythime I buy a car.

[sfgearhead]

If you don't know when they've been done I like to replace anything rubber on a car that old (any of ours for that matter). Fuel hoses and filter, coolant hoses, belts and brake hoses. They all get hard/brittle and deteriorate, and are the most likely cause of a simple failure that will strand you. Not expensive to do yourself, just time consuming. And not fun or sexy.