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Thread: Buying a car that has been sitting for 3 years

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Buying a car that has been sitting for 3 years

    I found a 1991 318i that has been sitting for the past three years. It only has 96k miles, the body is in great shape and the only blemish is the cracked dash. I bought it for a great price, which makes me giddy. The low price off-sets the anticipated work it will/might need.

    I did a quick search on getting a car going that has been sitting for a while; most postings advised draining all fluids before starting it. I want to know if anyone has any other advice.

    The main issues I know it will need are a new water pump, ignition, and chains. When it is running, it sounds like a squealing pig.

    I will post pictures as soon as i get it

  2. #2
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    congrats....have fun with it. Make sure you remove the fuel too.



  3. #3
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by 3ics View Post

    When it is running, it sounds like a squealing pig.
    i just had to quote that one lol.
    Quote Originally Posted by Stück View Post
    Whats your waist size, wanna get you fitted for a flame suit.
    BMWCCA #391660
    M3 springs w/ bilstein hd's. IE 22mm/19mm sway bars, IE stress bar, SS Brake Lines, Complete suspension rebuild, IS interior, Dinan chipped
    Coming soon: 5-speed swap, Paint, Turbo...the list goes on
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  4. #4
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    My eta sat in a garage on jackstands for 3 years, I am $1,600 in it total and with the new head and clutch it drives great....but it's still just a damn eta.

  5. #5
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    brakes too - sometimes they sieze/get stiff after sitting for a long while. yank the wheels, take off the calipers, take 'em apart, and clean them up some with a wire brush. re-lube and replace. you'll thank yourself when they dont seize up at the worst possible time....(happened to me once)

  6. #6
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    I failed to mention it is a convertible. The sport seats are in great condition and the top is OK - the side cable is loose and the PO took out the rear window since it was ripped.

    Thanks for the tips so far...

    I can't wait to take it home

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    1991 325i Convertible 5spd
    (EDITED: There is no timing belt on a 318...my bad)
    You might as well replace the drive belts too as its not much $$$ and will help quiet the pig.
    Also, after changing out the gas, I would run a can of BG44k thru the car and get rid of residual gunk in the system.
    +1 on the brakes too.
    Congrats on the car!
    Last edited by biglittledog; 04-04-2007 at 11:13 AM. Reason: correction

  8. #8
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    1986 325e, 1989 525i
    there is no timing belt, he said 318.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    I would still replace the timing chain, seeing as how there is the possibility of corrosion and siezing (not being turned for a while is a big factor in this)

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    -Replace every single fluid there is (oil, trans, diff, brakes & clutch, radiator, PS).
    -Replace the oil filter.
    -Might want to replace the O2 sensor.
    -Replace all three belts (PS, Alt, A/C)
    -Grease everything that might need it (brakes, bearings).
    -Take the valve cover off and pour a quart of oil over everything before to attempt to start it, use something thick; straight 30 or 50 weight (don't over fill the engine though).
    -Once you start it CHECK EVERYTHING while it is idling. Check every hose and connection. Especially fuel lines.
    -Drive it very consertatively around the block a few times to makes sure everything works okay.

    After you're sure it's good it might be good to really get on to make sure it will hold up to the abuse. Most of the time in this particular situation if something is going to break it will be the first time you drive the piss out of it, so don't go far.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by SWISS View Post
    but it's still just a damn eta.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bimmer Ese View Post

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
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    1987 325is Sleeper
    Get Bently manual
    look for vacume leaks too.
    use electrical parts cleaner on connectors
    ie AFM, temp sensors, temp sending unit, O2 sensor
    remove reinsert all fuses ie clean contacts
    use electrical parts cleaner and WD-40 on some switches parts ie power windows mirrors sunroof.
    get Bently Manual
    Congrats you should have fun once its running well
    get Bently manual
    did I say that already
    Cheers,
    -----Richard -----"Family Guy Budget Racer"-----
    Delphin Metallic '87 325is sleeper (Cardinal Red interior) money pit

  14. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
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    '88 Volvo 240DL, '84 BMW 318i
    I'm dealing with similar things, except the interior/ exterior of my car is in terrible condition. It has only been sitting 6 months, and the engine is good at least. Looks like it'll pass smog. Anyway, take the A/C compressor off, and anything A/C related, and just replace the two belts (alt, power steering) instead of 3.

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