Re: bmw-digest V9 #2129

[Jim Bassett <jimbassett@xxxxxxxxx>]

>      I bought the car.

Congratulations.

>1.  The glove box.  You just press the button and the thing flies open.
>On another 3-series I looked at, I thought it came down nice and slow,
>like the ash trays.  Is it supposed to on the '95?  If so, is it worth
>trying to fix?

I believe you can change the glove box door and hinge mechanism to a later 
model. The newer hinge has a cam gear in it that provides the slow-down as 
it opens. I *may* have p/n info at home (I seem to recall doing this on the 
previous '96 328is).

>2.  The trip computer.  The right side of the display is not
>illuminated.  I can see the clock works in very bright light, but it
>does not light up.  And the right side of the main display on the left
>starts to get dimmer the further right you go.  Is this just a bulb or
>something behind the display?  It looks like it should be a bunch of an
>LEDs to me, but I can't imagine them all burning out on just the right
>side.

Most likely a bulb. You can remove the OBC, and right on top are the bulbs. 
I know I have the bulb p/n <g>, I just changed one on the M3.

>3.  The fan in the dash for the heater and AC is noisy sometimes, not
>always, but sometimes.  It sounds like there is something loose or
>vibrating with it occasionally.  Is this something that lives deep
>inside the car like on some vehicles, and a real $$$$ to fix?

Mine makes a noise at a certain fan speed. I wouldn't worry too much about it.

>4.  The key is finicky.  If I insert it with the one section on top,
>there's never a problem.  But if it's turned over 180 degrees with the
>other part on the top it just spins in the ignition.  The manual says
>nothing about this.  Is this normal?

Hmmm, doesn't sound normal. My keys work in any orientation.

>5.  Is adding a CD changer to the existing AM/FM cassette something that
>I can do easily and cheaply?  Do I have to buy it from BMW?  Or, would I
>be better off just going to Circuit City and having them install a new
>in-dash unit?

I don't recall if the '95's were pre-wired or not (you can tell by looking 
in the trunk, there would be some "buttons" in the carpet on the walls 
saying the car is pre-wired). You can get a BMW CD player from several 
on-line/mail order dealers that have good prices.

>6.  Oil changes and easy maintenance.  I like to do my own oil changes
>and filters, plugs, etc., just the easy stuff.  The manual indicates to
>me that the computer needs to be set after all these things, or the
>service lights come on and then yell at you.  For the limited amount of
>things I can do to the car, would I be better off just having mechanic
>looking after this vehicle entirely so that he can set the and reset the
>computer and stuff?

You need to reset the Service Indicator lights. Peake Research makes a 
tools for $50, or you can develop a good relationship with a local 
independent BMW mechanic who could help out. Apparently there's also a way 
to reset the lights using a piece of wire or paperclip, but I haven't tried it.

>7.  BTW, oil consumption was about 1/3 quart in the 1100 high speed
>miles home.  I feel that's pretty good, any opinions?

That's pretty good.

A couple of resources (that you might not be aware of):
- - Unofficial E36 Home Page (http://www.unofficialbmw.com/bmw_e36.html)
- - If you plan on doing any of your own work (you should, most is fairly 
easy), get a Bentley repair manual. You can get one through any online 
bookstore, or direct from Robert Bentley Publishers 
(http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=B398)

Hope that helps,
Jim Bassett
previous 1996 328is (rip)
current 1998 M3/4
current 1993 325is #44 KP (race car)

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