Got a free BMW...

[csap]

By the way, I'd like to say hi to everyone on here, I'm new.

I just signed the papers for a 1992 325i. Didn't pay a dime for it. It was abandoned at my work. I know it was probably that cheap because it had no title and the key was MIA. But a title should be coming in a few days.

It's been sitting for quite a bit (the last inspection sticker was supposed to be renewed in 2004.) so I know it needs a bit of work. I'm a mechanic so I'm up for the challenge. It has anywhere from 25000 to 45000 miles, but I can't find out until I figure other problems out. My boss, upon losing the key, decided to rip the steering column apart to get it running. So even now I have the key, and can't figure out how to put everything back together so I can jump it and see if it runs okay. From what I hear, in October it was started and it runs fine.

I know it needs a fuel pump, and brakes, and possibly a clutch. Is there anything else I should check? I've never worked on foreign cars or even owned one, so it's all new to me.

EDIT: I was also wondering where the heck this fuel pump is? I was told I needed to drop the fuel tank. I was also told I could go through the trunk or back seat.

[coolpizzadude]

If you lift up the rear seat the fuel pump is right there under a cover. Here is a tutorial (http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/E36-Fuel-Pump/E36-Fuel-Pump.htm). About starting it without the key. It should be possible but i don't know off the top of my head. I'll wait for a more experienced guy to jump in on that one.

[flyfishvt]

yup the fuel pump is under the passenger side rear seat. don't confuse it with the unit that's under the drivers side rear seat.

To start it you can take the red ignition switch off the housing and use a screw driver to turn the switch. As long as the steering column is unlocked you'll be fine. If the steering column is still locked and you cant find a way to use the key to unlock it you can drill out the underside of the ignition housing. There is a small flat spot about 1/2" x1". Inside that is a spring that allows the column lock to stay in place. Drill it out and let the spring fall out.

There are way too many things to cover in your case when you start asking about things to look at. The obvious ones are the clutch and suspension, plugs, fuel filter etc. There are thousands of threads on the cooling system on these cars. That should be one of your first items to address once you get it running. Use the search key. Its very rare that a topic hasn't been covered at least a few times on here. Spend a few minutes and search through old posts before you ask a question here. Look through the topics at the top of the forum for lots of good info and DIY fixes.

good luck

[BradR127]

Like the one coolpizzadude linked to, Pelican Parts has a ton of great DIY write-ups for our cars. They also have good deals on parts, excellent customer service, and fast shipping. Also check out the stickied threads at the top of the E36 subforum, as there are a lot of threads with DIY write-ups, tips and tricks, etc.

[scooper]

buy a bentley manual, that would greatly help.

[Bianca98]

You may want to ask yourself what you really want to do with this car. When you start doing things like this, even if you only pay for parts, It can start to add up. 300-500 for a clutch, couple hundred to redo brakes, 100 bucks to swap stale fluids. insurance, tax/title. The real costs of this "free" car will come in soon. And realistically, a 92 325i in mediocre shape sells for anywhere from 1000-2500. If your thought was to fix and sell for profit, im not sure thats possible. if you wanted a fun DD, well have at it. Post some pics as well.

[sunbrn]

Shouldn't need a clutch if it only has 45K miles. Shouldn't need brakes either with such low miles. Maybe just get the rotors turned to clear off the rust.

[NJohc]

Heres a Bentley manual download. Pelican's DIYS cover what it might not.
http://www.mediafire.com/?gldgnyynz4y
It would sure make for a fun autox car if you're not going to daily drive it. Im sure it needs bushings and the cooling system redone. Typical BMW stuff. Turner Motorsports has a pretty good brake kit that they sell. Everything they give you is a slight upgrade from stock. They sure surprised the hell out of my instructor when I told him they were pretty much stock. Such little miles is crazy though! Great find as long as it cleans up nice! If you were looking into autox NJ BMW CCA does them not too far from woodbridge I think.

[csap]

I'm sorry to bump this thread...but I had another question. I did a search and couldn't find anything.

The car ran in October. I remember my boss telling me. I also know because for some reason they lit the air filter housing on fire. I honestly dont think that even if the car sat for 6 years, the fuel pump would be bad. Seized, maybe, but not bad.

I was wondering, did these cars have a shut off to the fuel pump when the alarm was enabled, on models with the alarm? I dont know if that was a well known safety feature on cars in 1992 but I just wanted to check. I'd rather doubt my bosses word than spend $200 on a fuel pump that I didn't need.

EDIT: In response to Bianca98's question, I plan on using it as a daily driver. I drive at least 110miles each day, and my little hand-me-down Saturn is on one of it's last legs.

[flyfishvt]

A 92 e36 does not have anything that disables any of the things that make it start. Even if it has a BMW alarm that alarm is only for keyless entry and a siren if someone tries to break in to it. It does NOT disable anything. Ive set off my alarm a few times by accident and you just climb in and turn the key or start the car to turn it off.

[csap]

Okay, thanks. I figured asking would be a good idea. I dont really know much about BMWs other than I have one right now.

Oh, and thanks to NJohc for the service manual! It will come in handy. Much appreciated =]

[Ermir]

Post some pictures of it!