Re: bmw-digest V9 #340

["David Lacroque - ColorImage" <ddl@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Alix, wow lots O questions - here we go.
>
>Since I'm going home next weekend, I want to try to get my car ready
>for the winter.  I put about 2.5K highway miles on it per month. These
>questions may seem basic, but this is my first car and I need guidance!
>- - I'm going to change the oil.  Can I get a recommendation for the best
>Mobil 1 weight for the winter?  

I use 10w40 in my 87 E it seems to be just fine.

I'm in central Indiana and when I drive,
>it's for 200+ mile trips. 
>- -Do I need to change any of these?  I don't know how often they have been
>changed, but not since March, at the least.
>	fuel filter
>	coolant  
>	transmission fluid (what type and what water ratio?)
>	brake fluid (what type)
>	spark plugs
>	air filter
>	differential fluid (I don't have limited slip)

I think most of these items need to be changed each year. Keep in mind that
the person selling the car probably didn't decide to do all of this stuff
just before the car was sold. I would have the brake fluid and plugs
changed at the lease. Remove the air filter and check it, if it is really
dirty replace it or sale $ and clean it off with compressed air.

>- -Does the battery need to be checked?

Yes, it sucks when it doesn't hold a charge and you have to get a boost all
the time. My battery cost about $120CDN.

>- -I'm going to change the brake pads.  Since I don't do anything high
>performance, is there a pad for light use at a comparable/better cost than
>stock? 

the previous owner on mine put on cheaper pads, I don't know the name but
they make alot of noise some times. I have had it checked twice and the
pads are fine just not high quality. You always get what you pay for. Get
the stock pads IMHO.

>- -Do I need to do anything to the power steering system?  I understand it's
>closed, so is there a filter?  

Not sure, you should buy a manual, Bentley is preferred by most on the
digest I personally use the Haynes one, probably least liked on the digest.
I use it mostly to help diagnosis things and scheduled maintenance. I have
no intention of changing major components in my car I leave that to my
mechanic. I also have a dentist do all my dental work, and a doctor operate
on me. 

>- -Snow tires would be great but because of my current financial situation,
>I can't afford them (Indiana University needs my money a whole lot

>more than I do, it seems). Is there anything else I can do for my car to
>make it safer in the snow?  This is only my second winter driving, and my
>first in a rear wheel drive car.  I've already spun it once, and I
>*really* don't want to again. 

Go slow! I drove my 325 last winter on new all seasons and for the most
part had no problems (no ditch excursions). Throw a bag of sand in the
trunk to help with traction. I also keep a snow shovel and cell phone in
the car. I'm in Toronto YMMV.
    
> -Are there any other things I need to check while I'm at it?  The timing
>belt, head gasket, exhaust, and water pump were changed in February.

sounds like everything is under control.

>#4 -- last thing, I promise!  Thanks to the great generosity of Jim
>Conforti regarding the recent chip scam, I received a certificate for a
>chip.  Current financial *crisis* (yes, I'm really desperate here) causes
>me to sell it, so if someone could make me an offer, I really need the
>cash! I'll take offers till October 25, then it must go. = (

OHH! give me a price! I want it.

Dave Larocque

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