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DEI37 · 12-16-2003, 07:58 PM

You wouldn't re-install the spark plugs right away, because after putting oil in the cylinders, if you have spark plugs in them, and try to start the car, you'll break the motor for sure. Pretty much the difference between turbo and non-turbo, aka naturally aspirated, is that the turbo motor will make more power, require premium fuel, be more susceptible to oil breakdown...meaning you'll want to use a higher quality oil, and change it religiously.

I say the performance difference simply because of the age of the car. Back in the '80's, BMW's weren't a high performance car. Especially a 3-series. BTW, I'm not dissin' your ride, so don't take that comment the wrong way...I'd give anything for a boosted BMW. Since I obviously don't know what has been done to the motor in its entirety, I can only speculate.

Things you'll want to watch for...seals...of ANY kind. Front crank seal, rear main, valve cover gasket, transmission, and rear differential seals all qualify, and there are more. Having sat that long, they will most likely be dry-rotted. Bearings count here as well. Might want to check in to wheel bearings, and axle bearings. Definitely lube up what is in there, if you don't replace them. The exhaust may be plugged from critters after 15 years. May have to replace it, too.

Hope I'm not being to pessimistic here. Just have to be a realist, and understand that cars that sit for fifteen years are going to have problems, and being a BMW, they most likely won't be the cheapest things to fix, either. I guess the best advice I can offer is to treat it like a brand new car...only do it for longer. And pay MORE attention to oil leaks, and such.

BTW...we need pictures of this thing.

12-16-2003, 07:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
DEI37 Go faster! Location: Wisconsin	You wouldn't re-install the spark plugs right away, because after putting oil in the cylinders, if you have spark plugs in them, and try to start the car, you'll break the motor for sure. Pretty much the difference between turbo and non-turbo, aka naturally aspirated, is that the turbo motor will make more power, require premium fuel, be more susceptible to oil breakdown...meaning you'll want to use a higher quality oil, and change it religiously. I say the performance difference simply because of the age of the car. Back in the '80's, BMW's weren't a high performance car. Especially a 3-series. BTW, I'm not dissin' your ride, so don't take that comment the wrong way...I'd give anything for a boosted BMW. Since I obviously don't know what has been done to the motor in its entirety, I can only speculate. Things you'll want to watch for...seals...of ANY kind. Front crank seal, rear main, valve cover gasket, transmission, and rear differential seals all qualify, and there are more. Having sat that long, they will most likely be dry-rotted. Bearings count here as well. Might want to check in to wheel bearings, and axle bearings. Definitely lube up what is in there, if you don't replace them. The exhaust may be plugged from critters after 15 years. May have to replace it, too. Hope I'm not being to pessimistic here. Just have to be a realist, and understand that cars that sit for fifteen years are going to have problems, and being a BMW, they most likely won't be the cheapest things to fix, either. I guess the best advice I can offer is to treat it like a brand new car...only do it for longer. And pay MORE attention to oil leaks, and such. BTW...we need pictures of this thing. __________________ Generally speaking, if you were to get what you really deserve, you might be unpleasantly surprised.