(WTA) advise from sifoos

[batista_beast]

just got a 1996 328i E36 beemer few days ago..I need advise on how to maintain this baby of mine...1)where's the best place but cheapest place to service 2)what do i need to take care to make sure my car is in good condition3)what type of lubricant i should use?4)what do i need to change everytime i take my car for service?if theres any suggestions from u guys,i would appreciate it since i'm a noob in bmw.PLease advise me on this.thanks!!!

 

[loafer]

just got a 1996 328i E36 beemer few days ago..I need advise on how to maintain this baby of mine...

1)where's the best place but cheapest place to service
2)what do i need to take care to make sure my car is in good condition
3)what type of lubricant i should use?
4)what do i need to change everytime i take my car for service?

if theres any suggestions from u guys,i would appreciate it since i'm a noob in bmw.PLease advise me on this.thanks!!!

1. No such thing as good and cheap. You get what you pay for. Check the first few stickied thread here for a list of workshops:- http://www.bmwclubmalaysia.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=46

2. Don't thrash your car too often.

3. This all depends on personal preference. I'm currently trying out Ravenol fully syn. Have used Petronas Syntium 5000 in the past but the oil is rather thin so the level drops by a lot when I go for spirited drives.

4. I flush my radiator every other service interval. If you're on auto gearbox, you can change the gearbox oil every 3 service intervals (or 2 if you want to be safer). The workshop should already be checking your power steering fluids, brake fluids and radiator levels each time you service your car, topping up if necessary. Also make sure to change the the aircond microfilter if you haven't already.

Also make sure you've checked the cooling system of your car engine. Make sure to change any brittle hoses you find, a new water pump if it hasn't been changed by the previous owner and any pipes which show signs of cracks etc. Another thing to check would be all the belts and tensioners. Make sure they're all in good condition.