My first beamer

[ZachNiles]

I am way excited, I am getting my first BMW. I picked up a 1996 328i with 79,000 miles on it. From everything that I can tell it is in perfect shape, but I do not have records on it, so I dont know everything.

Few questions

What should I do to make sure I start my maintenance out right? Just replace/check all the fluids?

What should I do to get my car on to a schedule with maintenance other than the normal oil changes?

What should I expect to replace/fix in the future, I know that the water pump, fuel pump, and radiator are problems in the 70-110k range, but is there anything else?

The guy who had the car before me put some god awful 19inch black rims on this car and they are 1) way to big looking and 2) ugly as crap. anyone know where the best place is to get a set of the BMW sport rims? how much would I be looking at?


thanks

-Zach

 

[Big Daddy]

Welcome to the board Zach. Just for the record it's a Bimmer, not a beamer, but than again I am a stickler for details...hehe. You sound like you are track with keeping your new car in top notch condition. Do the things you mention and follow the schedule in the driver's manual. As far as the rims, check eBay, Tire Rack, Discount Tire, etc. If you want to go top quality and spend $$$$ go with Momo, Breyton, BBS, AC, Dinan, etc. Best of luck with your car and again WELCOME!

 

[gpiron]

The guy you are buying from did not keep the old rims as spare of for winter tires - I assume you are buying from KS?

Plain old BMW rims sound a lot better than what you describe?
You migth want to check with your local dealer. They can line you up with another customenr who is upgrading...

Be carefull of used rims - out of round, dents/cracks, quick fixes...

Finally, depending on your budget, you have Rimmco which leases rims with or whithout tires with the option to buy after the lease is over...?

As far as maintenance, you might not want to listen to me - I am a freak - even with the maintenance program, I go have my oil change every 5000 miles max.

For other fluids,i.e radiators, be carefull not go too strong on the mix or your water pump might follow soon after. Radiator flush is also a good move.

For transmission, I always go with the regular dealer schedule.

At the mileage we are talking about, it is pretty close to need a major visit. Depending on your budget, I would look into what needs to be done[bmwdance] at 80,000...

Welcome and have fun with your car!