automaticftp
02-15-2007, 12:44 AM
All--
Greetings! My first ever post, so be gentle.....I read the thread on newbies posting, and thought I'd say I have searched through here extensively--some priceless information!
Background: I bought a 1990 525 manual back in August of 2006. It has 189K on the body, approximately 60K on the engine. Overall, it is in very good shape, and I'd really really like to keep it that way. There are, however, some items that need to be repaired.
My question is this: In what order would you suggest having these items done:
1. I know the timing belt/tensioner/water pump/etc. need to be replaced--it has been right about 60K miles, and I've read that 50K is a preferable interval. I'm a bit nervous about driving the car until that's done, since I understand that if the timing belt breaks the car becomes essentially scrap metal.
2. I also have the vibration/shimmying that I've read about here at around 50-60 mph.
3. The exhaust doesn't sound right--it sounds too loud. It sounds pretty cool, actually, but not right. I have no idea what could cause that.
There are a couple of other minor issues--I need a new windshield, the driver's side passenger window doesn't work, and the AC button doesn't work--but I view them as relatively minor.
When I first got the car, I took it to a BMW repair shop just to get the oil changed, etc. They suggested doing the timing belt first, which makes sense to me.
I'm on a somewhat limited budget car-wise for a while, so I'd like to stagger the cost somewhat and would be grateful for your input. And do please let me know if you need more info on the car itself.
Best Regards,
Bob Edwards
Greetings! My first ever post, so be gentle.....I read the thread on newbies posting, and thought I'd say I have searched through here extensively--some priceless information!
Background: I bought a 1990 525 manual back in August of 2006. It has 189K on the body, approximately 60K on the engine. Overall, it is in very good shape, and I'd really really like to keep it that way. There are, however, some items that need to be repaired.
My question is this: In what order would you suggest having these items done:
1. I know the timing belt/tensioner/water pump/etc. need to be replaced--it has been right about 60K miles, and I've read that 50K is a preferable interval. I'm a bit nervous about driving the car until that's done, since I understand that if the timing belt breaks the car becomes essentially scrap metal.
2. I also have the vibration/shimmying that I've read about here at around 50-60 mph.
3. The exhaust doesn't sound right--it sounds too loud. It sounds pretty cool, actually, but not right. I have no idea what could cause that.
There are a couple of other minor issues--I need a new windshield, the driver's side passenger window doesn't work, and the AC button doesn't work--but I view them as relatively minor.
When I first got the car, I took it to a BMW repair shop just to get the oil changed, etc. They suggested doing the timing belt first, which makes sense to me.
I'm on a somewhat limited budget car-wise for a while, so I'd like to stagger the cost somewhat and would be grateful for your input. And do please let me know if you need more info on the car itself.
Best Regards,
Bob Edwards