General Overhaul

[Wadula]

Okay people, as some of you know, i am in the us for a while only. this while now, will end 12/19/03 for sure, but could even earlier, depending on my new assignment. whatever...

now, since the last year my babay in germany wasn't moved much, i think i have some stuff to do to it to get the car in shape again. everything is fine so far, except that it doesn't start. it was back in june when it didn't start the first time. my neighboor was kind enough to load the bat. i assume he did not load it for 24h but only 6 or 7 to get the car going. of course the bimmer was not taken for a long ride but only two or three shorter trips.
now, it seems as if the bat is dead again as the car doesn't start.

my to-do-list:
- New battery
- New plugs
- New oil
- New filter oil and gaz
- Tire check
- Check of hoses (cooling and a/c)
- Check of barking system


Any other ideas and what did i miss? cause i want my girl to to that in order to have the bimmer ready when i arrive

 

[skandalous]

Oh man, I was away from my car for only a few weeks and almost died without it. I can't even imagine how you must feel being away from your love this long.

 

[epj3]

Wadula, i love the english in your posts

Besides what you listed, I would check to make sure the calipers havent become warped or anything and make sure the tranny fluid is good.

 

[Pink_Floyd]

Might want to flush the radiator if you haven't done so for quite a while... couldn't really hurt.

Just out of curiosity, how much of a pain in the ass would it have been to bring your car to the US with you? Also, is it easier to bring an American BMW to Europe or a European BMW to America? Just wondering because I plan on taking a trip to Europe after high school and I was thinking about my car. Driving over there sounds like a blast.

 

[Wadula]

eric, stop picking on me for my english, as i speek better english than you german just kidding dude!!!

tranny fluid is a good idea. i will have a look into that or better have someone have that look.

pink_floyd, i would have had to pay for it on my own. additionally to that, i am sure some adjustments would have been necessary to get it approved. and that, is sure enough the real pain. furthermore the company pays my loaner so i do not really need my car. besides, the roads over here are just unbelieveably bad, especially in houston. i would feel bad to take her on these roads.

for the other way around, i have no real idea. maybe some of our military members here stationed in good cold germany know more about that.

 

[VANCE]

the gas is probably bad

 

[Wadula]

you mean the fuel in germany for the us cars or vice versa?

 

[VANCE]

no if it sits for an extended time it will break down and go "bad".
check this out

 

[BLZBubb]

I'm unsure quite who was requesting information on the cleaning of wheels and brake dust but if they wish to contact me I can forward them cutting edge technology which is not yet on the market. We've tested a kelp based range of technology on racing car wheels and this safe, green and non-toxic material outperforms even nasty petrosolvents. I'd be very pleased to help.....

 

[Wadula]

oh vance, now isee what you mean. i thought you were refering to the car-import stuff. my bad, sorry

yeah you are totally right. best thing to do when i am back would be to fill it up with 100 octane and run it down the autobahn for an hour or so to blow all parts clean again. good call vance.

 

[CTBMW]

My "wish list" has fuel filter(s), air filter,spark plugs and wires. I didn't see wires your list-just a thought! Good call on radiator flush! That is in top 5 on list along with finding my battery and checking connections.
I wish you the best!
-M
New sylvania bulbs!

 

[Wadula]

finding the bat? it´s in the trunk. right hand side behind a panel.

 

[MVPBird33]

Yes the battery on my E36 is on the pass. side in the trunk under the first aid kit.

 

[CTBMW]

Thanks guys, just thinking out loud! But you did shorten my search-I knew it was back there somewhere, but wouldn't have let anyone else know I didn't know where it was!
How well sealed is air filter? I had a car sit for awhile and had nests in intakes!
-Mel

 

[frolf]

Tim you are leaving our country soon?

 

[Wadula]

frolf, latest on 12/19/03 i will leave. coulbe earlier, depending on my new assignment. we'll see. mf gf's dad already bought a battery. i lil early in my eyes, but he said he will take care of it all. cool....