Chris_924s

Subject: 1990 BMW 325i 130k miles.
diagnosis: needs both oil cooler lines.

also: PM due- timing belt, wate rpump front engine seals. Otherwise a solid mechanical vehicle.

I havent worked on BMW's, does (should) the engine come out for this ? how difficult? how much?

I know this is a Porsche forum, but I know a lot of you also work on bimmers.

I'm looking at an alternate daily and need a grip on how much this would cost to fix.

KuHL 951

Good timing on this one. I just pulled the oil cooler on my 91 325 iX two weeks ago. No problems at all. You can get to from underneath by removing the splashpan and removing two mounting bolts. I was able to get mine out without removing the front fascia but it took a bit of maneuvering. I think your front fascia should be similar on the 325is. Be ready to make a mess when you disconnect the hoses. Good Luck

Legoland951

Your timing belt will need a very thin wrench (special tool for BMW) to remove the fan and fan clutch. Its been a while since I did one but the rest is pretty straight forward as compared to a 944.

Fishey

I don't know about early 325's but the later ones (E36) use timing chains.

AZS2

Depends on the clutch doesn't it? I think there is 2 different fan clutches randomly used. You can get a bicycle wrench made by Park Tools for that job too.

85944na

the e30 has a timing belt, the water pump and belt are very inexpensive. I also replaced a tensioner, the cam seal is really easy to do once you're in there. I don't know what the oil cooler lines run, but without those you ought to be around 100$ in parts.

KuHL 951

If he has a 90 325 he has the newer fan clutch and doesn't need the slim wrench. Four bolts on the front of the clutch and off it comes. If you are planning on keeping the car you should definitely buy the Bentley repair book. Another good source of routine DIY BMW info is: http://www.bimmerdiy.com/

For parts numbers and dealer price estimates I like to use: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/

The E30 belt job is simpler but it takes quite awhile to get to all the parts. A Conti belt and tensioner runs about $22.

GlenL

FWIW - I've had my 928 oil hoses repaired at a local Pirtek franchise. They re-use the fittings and put in a new hose.

After two years one seemed like it was maybe oozing at one fitting and twisted too easily at the other. Not sure if there was a problem but had the hose replaced anyways.

The real trick is the bottom line: Under $20 to have a hose renewed.

Chris_924s

Awesome. I KNEW I could count on Rennlist! Thanks all!