Once You've Bought Your BMW

Once you've bought your Ultimate Driving Machine you need to do two things. First use Zymol HD-Cleanse to spruce up the paint work and secondly fit a K&N air filter to give the performance a little edge.

Read the Manual!

You'd be amazed at the number of people who don't know how to operate the gadgets and systems in the car. What do all those warning lights mean and what should you do if one comes on?

Classic example is the driver who took her foot off the brake when the ABS started pulsing and hit another car as a result. Nobody told her this was the normal feedback when ABS was in operation.

Why a Clean Engine is Important

A clean engine is a benefit for several reasons. For one thing it is far easier to spot oil leaks and trace their source if the entire engine isn't covered in gunk, Also a clean engine is less likely to develop electrical problems due to dirt getting into connectors.

Cleaning an engine isn't as bad a job as it sounds. I'd advise against using a high pressure water jet. I prefer to spray a warm engine with a degreasing solution and leave it for a few minutes. I then use a bucket of soapy water and a small jug to pour water over the engine using an old paint brush to help on stubborn areas. Beware of brushing dirt into the recesses around the spark plugs as it can fall into the cylinders if the plugs are removed. Try to avoid getting harsh chemicals on plastic parts like BMW logos and covers.

Things to replace

Nothing lasts forever, not even BMW components. I'd replace the following parts on any older BMW I bought.

• Spark plugs - be sure to get the correct ones!
• Air filter
• Change all the fluids if you're in any doubt
• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Transmission fluid
• Final drive
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Ignition leads if cracked or damaged
• Fuel pump and main relays every 100,000 miles
• Timing belt every 50,000 miles or less
• Remove and clean all fuses on older cars
• Rubber bump stops on door locks - for that "thunk" sound!
• Hydraulic and alternator drive belts if worn.

Preventative maintenance on BMWs is always money well spent.

Check the Drains!

BMW doors have little drain holes at the bottom. Water will always mange to get inside the door skin as the join at the window is never perfect, the drains let the water out. If the drains block with silt the bottom of the door will rust out as happened to my mates '82 635CSi.

Some BMWs also have drain holes in the sills and the spare wheel well. If the ones in the spare wheel well get blocked any water leaking into the boot will gather until you get 6 inches sloshing around the spare wheel, ask me how I know.......

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