First BMW

[Jamesklesney]

Just bought an old 735iL. It’s a 1988 735iL that had been sitting for a while. What maintenance should I do first. Also it does start and run but seems to overheat. Also there is an electrical problem which seems to drain the battery. Also the radio does not work so that will be an ordeal I am sure. It is an aftermarket head unit so who knows how they installed it. If anyone has any tips it would be appreciated where to start. Any know electrical draws that may cause the dead battery? Thanks. Jim

[shogun]

welcome to the forums.
Maybe you power drain is the radio. Parasitic draw is often a problem. Perform Closed Current Draw Test
Maximum closed current by vehicle
E31 50mA, E32 50mA, E34 40mA,E36 30mA,E38 50mA,E39 40mA,E46 40mA,E52 50mA, E53 40mA, Z3 30mA

Performing Closed Current Draw Test
• Select proper measuring device (DISplus, MoDic or DVOM).-Remember amperage draw in excess of 10A will damage DVOM.
-Use inductive amp probe of DISplus when amperage draw is high.
-When using DISplus inductive probe, clamp on negative battery cable with arrow pointing away from battery. Switch off all consumers.
-(It is not necessary to disconnect B- from body when using inductive probe)
• Connect (-) test lead to negative battery terminal and (+) test lead to a known good ground.
• Ensure all systems are OFF !
• Be sure DVOM is on and set in proper mode.
• Disconnect battery ground lead from body.
• Observe meter reading, wait 16 minutes for vehicle to enter sleep mode.
• Identify faulty circuit by disconnecting fuses, relays, control modules or connectors, observing meter readings.
• Defective circuit is found when current is below maximum closed current for vehicle being tested.
use this link for more details http://www.e38.org/battery.pdf

wiring diagrams are here which also shows you all relays, modules and fuses, also under the rear seat https://shark.armchair.mb.ca/~dave/BMW/e32/

part diagrams and numbers http://bmwfans.info/

If the car is new to you and there are no records, you could do a check now, the official list:

BMW E32 INSPECTION II SERVICE SCHEDULE – Check List

VEHICLE RAISED ON HOIST:- Engine at operating Temperature
Remove Engine shield.
Drain engine oil and replace oil filter and sump plug washer.
Check transmission for leaks including coolant line of final drive.
Drain Automatic Transmission oil (except 5hp30).
Refill automatic transmission (transmissions without dipstick only).
Change manual transmission oil all models (except E36[M40,M42,M50]E34[M40,M50,M60]and E31[M70] engines which are to be changed every second inspII service).
Replace rear axle oil (E38 Every 2nd inspection II).
Replace oil in transfer box and front axle final drive (4WD).
Check clutch driven plate for wear, every 2nd Inspection II.
Renew main fuel filter: Petrol engines every 2nd Inspection II.
Check P.A.S system for leaks.
Check radiator bottom hose for leaks.
Check driveshaft gaiters for leaks.
Check Steering for freedom from play.
Check condition of track rod and front axle ball joints.
Check steering box for leaks, check UJs couplings and flexible gaiters.
Check all connections and lines on braking system for leaks, damage and correct position including
handbrake cables and bleed nipple covers.
Check Fuel pipes, tank and connections for leaks, damage and position.
Check condition, position and mounting of exhaust system
Inspect underside of body for corrosion/underseal damage etc (every 2 years except E30).
Refit engine shield.

LOWER VEHICLE TO HALF-WAY POSITION
Remove road wheels.
Remove brake pads/linings, clean and check for wear.
Check wheel cylinders and dust seals for leaks.
Check brake disc/drum surface.
Check handbrake lever travel, movement of handbrake cables and adjustment.
Check on rear disc brake models, handbrake lining wear.
Grease wheel centring spigots for alloy wheels.
Check shock absorbers for leaks.
Check torque of wheel air deflector E34/M5 1st inspection II only.
Refit road wheels.
Check condition of tyres if uneven wear recommend wheel alignment check.
VEHICLE ON GROUND
Inspect bodywork for corrosion, stone chips, damage or contamination (every 2 years except E30).
Check fluid level concentration of screen wash reservoir.
Refill engine oil.
Refill automatic transmission oil.
Remove spark plugs.
Check and adjust valve clearances. Replace rocker cover gasket.
Renew spark plugs.
Lubricate door mechanism hinges.
Replace Micro-filter and active carbon filter (if applicable) in heating/air con system.
Replace air recirculation filter: Every 2nd inspection II (if applicable).
E31 only: Clean intake-air separator in front of intake air silencer.
Renew air intake filter.
Check P.A.S hose clips for tightness & P.A.S fluid level.
Check brake system connections including ABS for tightness and positioning.
Lubricate throttle linkages and gate mechanisms on Carburettor models.
Check clutch hose connections for tightness and positioning.
Check clutch fluid level.
Check brake fluid level (renew fluid every 2 years, 750i annually).
Check battery acid level.
Carry out battery condition check, use battery test report.
Check condition/tightness coolant hoses.
Check tension/condition of all V belts (except M70 engine).
Replace all V belts E34/M5 only (S38 engine).
Check coolant level and consentration (renew every 3 years)(M3/M5 every 2 years).
Self levelling suspension: check fluid level.
Check spare wheel condition.
Check wheel stud torque and tyre pressures.
Check intensive cleaner level.
Check correct operation of lambda probe.
Replace fire extinguisher cartridge annually.
E36 M3 only: Renew throttle valve potentiometer.
ADDITIONAL ITEM EVERY 36000 MILES OR 3 YEARS
Replace toothed cambelt M20 & M40 engines.
ENGINE TEST
Cars with distributor; check the dwell angle and adjust ignition timing if necessary.
Call up information on defects stored in diagnosis system.
Check EML safety path circuit.
Check idle speed except on vehicles with idle speed control.
Check CO reading (except catalyst version).
CHECK OPERATION OF LIGHTS WITH ASSISTANT
FRONT
Side lights.
Dipped beam.
Main beam.
Headlight flasher.
Foglights/Driving lights.
Indicators and side repeaters.
Hazard warning flashers.
Parking lights.
Check beam settings.
REAR
Side lights
Number plate light.
Brake lights.
Reversing lights.
Fog lights.
Indicators.
Hazard warning flashers.
Boot interior lamp.
INTERIOR
Interior and reading lights.
Ashtray lights.
Glovebox light.
Panel lights including dimmer.
Clock light.
Switches and heater control lighting.
Check all warning lights including Active check control.
Check operation of heater/vent controls and blower.
Check operation of door mirrors.
Check horn all segments.
Check operation of sunroof.
Check operation of convertable roof. (Mmmmm).
Check condition, operation of seat belts.
Check wipers, blades, jet aim on windscreen and headlight washer systems.
Check engine compartment light.
Check door, bonnet & boot locks and striker plates adjustment and lubrication.
ROAD TEST
Check engine operation.
Check clutch operation.
Check transmission operation including EH gearbox.
Check steering operation.
Check steering wheel alignment.
Check foot brake operation.
Check handbrake balance-on cars fitted with rear discs: bed in handbrake.
Check wheel balance.
Check propshaft balance.
Check speedometer operation.
Check distance and trip recorder operation.
Check engine revolution counter operation.
Check temperature gauge operation.
Check fuel gauge operation.
Check fuel consumption gauge operation.
Check heater/air conditioning operation.
Check on-board computer operation including head-up display.
Check for wind noise, rattles etc.
FINAL ITEMS
Check ATF level
Activate Service interval indicator
Ensure handbook service record is completed.
Comments
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I oersonally would also change the ATF and the filter in the automatic transmission

check list https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...power+ultimate

Buy a Bentley Repair Manual for the E32, worth the money

[Jamesklesney]

Awesome thanks for all the info.