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
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.
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)
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
(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
there is no timing belt, he said 318.
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)
-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.
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
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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