Got my first BMW, a few ???

[JUTTERB]

I just purchased a 1990 White 325i with 81k miles. I bought it from a colleague at work, this car is immaculate, as if it just rolled off the showroom floor. I want to try my best to keep it in that condition. I was just wondering what you guys use as far as wax, and what octane gas to run. Also what kind of motor oil works best in the m20 engine. I don't know a whole lot about bimmers, but I'm learning.

Thanks for any info,
I'll post some pics soon,
Joe

 

[junglestylz]

I use Turtles emerald series paste wax, premium (91 octane or above), and Castrol Syntec 10W40 (You might want to use lighter given your location)

 

[Big Daddy]

Welcome to the BMW Board. The car sounds great, low miles and well kept. Vald will direct you to his detailing guide found in the archives of this forum. Go to the detailing section and you will see two guides. I personally use Zymol products, however others swear by other products. I think the main thing is to pick one and use it faithfully.

I always use minimum 91 octane, however I own an M roadster, 91 750il and 91 318is. I do not know what BMW recommends for your car. Check your owners manual.

I use Mobil One. What has been used in the car up until now?

 

[rjp325i]

The factory recommends 87 octane. This works fine in an internally clean engine without a chip. If you have/get a chip such as the Conforti you will need a minimum 91 octane. I use Castrol Syntec 5W-50 and Zymol wax however I have been hearing and reading good things about P21S wax etc. Good luck with the car. It sounds like you got a good one and welcome to the board.

 

[pogiboy9]

From my experience i ran my car on 91, considering the miles it has. Don't you think the previous owner would know exactly how he kept the car in that condition?

 

[JUTTERB]

Thanks for the quick input guys,
I was posting the message at school earlier today and I hadn't picked the car up yet, thats why I didn't know in which way the owner took care of the car. He says he only used Amoco Ultimate gasoline and turtle wax products. I guess I'll have to staart buyin expensive gas again, .

Joe

 

[Custom 3]

Welcome to the board Joe!

Sounds like you have found a great car and if taken care of...she'll last you to the 250K mile mark and beyond. I've only ever put 91 octane in my baby (87 325is) and the one time I used 87 she cried (damn CA gas crisis). I dropped down to SAE 30 oil and I used the Castrol GTX high milage brand. I don't have any problems with the engine, and once I switched from the BMW recommended 20W50 to SAE30, I jumped up to about 23-25mpg on the highway from 19-20. Usually your driving style and weather (temperature) will dictate what weight of oil you would need.