RE: <E30> Help! I just got a 1987 325ic with no manual!

["Fadeev, Alex" <Alex.Fadeev@xxxxxxx>]

"Bassett, Carl D." <Carl.Bassett@domain.elided> asks:
> 
> Hi, I just bought my first BMW, a 1987 325ic.  The body's in great
> condition as is the engine and tranny.  I didn't get an owners 
> manual, though.

Carl,
First of all, congratulations on your new toy!
Have no regrets: the BMW owners 'booklet' is worthless for anything other
then learning how to play with your OBC. If you still want one, your local
dealer will order one for you for around $30 (not sure about the exact
price).
What you really want to buy is Bentley's manual for E30 cars (www.rb.com or 
http://shopping.yahoo.com/shop?d=b&id=2709974&P=books&clink=dmks/bmw_manual)
If you are not yet BMWCCA member, consider joining: http://www.bmwcca.org


> The car has some problems i.e. the driver's window, 

Check the window switch (button) first by swapping it with the passenger
side switch.
If still no signs of life, your (roughly $120 new) window regulator is
likely dead. Used ones at junk yards will go for 1/2 the price of a new
regulator.

> central locking inop 

Too many possibilities, read the FAQ: http://cbsgi1.bu.edu/bmw/new_bmw.html

> tachometer are inop

I bet your SI (service interval) lights' batteries are dead. 
Read the FAQ on how to replace those yourself for $5 (feel free to ask
additional questions on this digest), or buy are replacement SI board from
the dealer for $150.

> and I don't know how to operate the OBC.

... push the buttons to find out, just avoid the one that says 'CODE' ;-)
Push 'reset' button to reset anything that can be reset.
In 'AVG MPG' mode, insert a pen into the little hole in the right lower
corner to cycle between US/UK/Metric measurement units.
Pressing 'CODE' the first time will let you enter a 4 digit code (using 1,
10, 100, 1000 buttons on the bottom). Activating it afterwards will require
re-entering that code to start the car. If you fail to enter the right code
after 3 tries, your engine computer (DME/Motronic/MO) will shut off the
injectors and annoying siren will start wailing.
  
> I'm pretty handy with this stuff (A MBZ convert) but I don't know
> the location of fuses/relays for the systems.  I have a Bentley's 
> on order, but would like a manual, or at least a copy of the
> fuse/relay layouts.

I don't believe the owners booklet lists those. Bentley does.
Look for the fuse box in the engine compartment behind the driver side strut
tower.

have fun,
alex f


> Carl Bassett
> 1987 325ic Blue/Black 113K
> Atlanta, GA

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