New member, new car...and of course a couple of questions!

[mike5]

Hello everyone,

I've actually been on these forums for a few weeks, but I've been in the classifieds. I finally found a car (through CL though) and picked it up yesterday. It's a 98 AW with Dove Gray. The car is basically stock with 83K. The mileage is not bad, but as I found out today it does need some maintenance work and redoing of the leather on the drivers seat. So it is going to a be a little longer before I can really enjoy the car. Once it is all done I'll have some pictures.

I do have a couple of questions I hope to get some advice on:


The steering wheel squeals when turning. Do I lube it or clean it or what?
The clutch pedal seems to have some lateral play (left to right movement). Although the clutch feels fine, the pedal mechanism must be out of whack. Is this a common issue? Any ideas?
The shifter also feels really sloppy. Is this to be expected as well? Would a short shifter tighten it up?
I'm missing a wheel well liner, a brake duct, and one of the undercarriage (center) plastic covers. Where can I source this stuff? Is there a diagram somewhere I can refer to to see what exactly I'm missing?
Finally, can anyone recommend a good BMW mechanic in the Pasadena, Glendale, or Burbank area?


I must say these forums are very informative and I hope to learn a whole bunch. Thank you!

Mike



Previous car: 2004 R32 (375HP on 91 octane)

[fm0606v]

Most of that stuff are things you can do yourself. Parts, I like to go to Autobahn in El Cajon, CA (SD county) you can party in Tj while you're at it?

[mys138]

There is a write-up on the steering wheel noises by Patrokloss (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/member.php?u=7858) here: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961

A short shifter may help a little, but this would be best:
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BE36/POR_BE36_Tshift_pg1.htm#item2
Pelican Parts has all the stuff you need and a complete write-up. I did it a couple months ago, and am completely happy with the results. No play.

All that undercarriage stuff falls off pretty often on these cars. PelicanParts.com should have everything under exterior trim, or get it done at a shop. I had a bunch of mine replaced for $250 when I bought my car.

[easymoney]

Check the "M" shop in Eagle Rock. It's almost on the corner of Colorado and Eagle Rock behind Shell. And if you're there check out ETY Auto Parts it's located on the other corner next to the Internet bistro. "M" shop get parts from him too. His prices are very competetive.

[bizlur]

you can get the underpanels from bavauto.com . You should be able to do all that yourself with no problem.

[jayhudson]

Welcome.

The clutch pedal problem you describe is common. There's a BMW enthusiast who used to sell a modified clutch pedal with delrin busings that solved the problem. I purchased his setup several years ago. Not sure if he's still selling but he is around. His name is Ron Stygar, ron@unofficialbmw.com. He also used to sell a modified BMW short shifter which I also have. Good guy, good stuff. I believe UUC, who is a supporting vendor, also sells a clutch repair kit. And, they sell great short shift kits too.

There are wear pieces on the shifter linkage that can be replaced. Plastic bushings on the selector rod and possibly the plastic cup that the shift rod moves in. I just ordered the bushings (4) from the dealer @ .55 ea. Not sure if a replacement cup is available.

Good luck - Jay

[Eric98Sedan]

Welcome!

Everything listed is common and realatively easy and cheap to fix..... with one exception.... The leather.

Unfortunately, you're a bit screwed on this one. The only way to 'fix' the leather is to replace it. Don't be fooled into thinking that those so-called 'mender' kits will satisfy you... they won't. Not a chance. Don't waste your time.

In order to have nice, new looking seats that will last, you will need new leather, period. And that's gonna cost you big time. Shop around at some local upholstery shops for prices... but expect approx $250 PER BOLSTER parts/labor. Four bolsters per seat, a seat bottom, and a seat back (where your butt and back rest, respectively) and you begin to realize how costly this can be.

For reference, new BMW leather for JUST the seat bottom runs about ~$500 and about ~$750 for the back!!!!! That's just the leather.

I'm in the same boat, as many of us are, because we have driver's seats that need repair while the rest of the interior is mint.

[mike5]

Thanks for all the information guys!

I'm so busy that I don't really have time to work on my own cars, although I used to. I will be using M Shop in a few weeks for a lot of work. I've ordered a bunch of stuff and when it arrives, car goes to the shop.

Right now, I've replaced the plugs due to a misfire code. I also have a slight evap leak code which gets the check engine light on. I'm going to replace the gas cap and see if that takes care of it. I need to do this in order to smog. Everything else will have to wait until it goes for a thorough look over, over at M Shop.

As for the leather, I'm going to have an upholstery shop fix it with new leather.

[Eric98Sedan]

As for the leather, I'm going to have an upholstery shop fix it with new leather.

Let me know where as I'm local and looking for a good deal as well.

[mike5]

I will. It's gonna be a week or two...but once done I'll put up before/after pics.

[dcroghan]

check all the parts and part numbers on www.realoem.com

great site. Gives visuals and breakdowns of everything.