Re: New Owner With Stupid Questions

Subject:

Comments:
: Justin- : Various answers to your various questions... : (I am sure those who still own an E12 can fill in the blanks and correct any errors on my part ;) ) : : : 1. What fuel injection system does the car use? And where's : : the ECU? It looks like LH Jetronic judging by the injectors and : : FPR... : Should be the L-Jetronic....I think the ECU is in the dash behind the glovebox. : : 2. What does the little red switch by the radio do? : sorry, don't remember (but had the same question when I bought mine...) : : 3. The car won't start. Battery is dead, but when jumped it : : barely turns over. Previous Owner believed it to be a compression : : problem, and I understand the earlier 2.8l was subject to cracked : : heads due to a not-so-good water jacket design. When checking : : compression, what's 'good'? : You are correct about the potential of a bad head. You can check the date of manufacture, or there is a way to visually tell with the valve cover removed, I think....I think the head problem was fixed late 80 or 81. When I checked mine prior to purchase, all cylinders were in the 145-150 psi range. : : 4. If it does turn out to be a cracked head, I'm debating trying : : to fix it, or just dropping in a 3.3l (like from a 533i). Anyone : : tried this? Any pitfalls? : This is highly recommended, and you can find numerous discussions about people swapping out for the bigger 6s. Go with the 3.5 liter if you are going to take the time to swap motors!! I bought a 85 535i after my E12 got hit, and the 5-speed and big motor go a long way towards making me forget that I like the look of the E12 much better!! : : : 5. Is the Haynes manual for the 530i/528i worth buying? The one : : for my Saabs is pretty worthless, as is the one for my friend's 325e. : : Any alternatives? : The Haynes is the best choice. It is not too bad, used in conjunction with the experience available on this BBS. I hear the Chiltons sucks. Shop manuals are out there, but hard to come by and probably high dollar... : (If scotty does not mail me a check soon, I may repo the one I sold him and will sell it to you cheap!! :) ) : : 6. Why are these cars so damned cool looking? : It's the c-pillar vents....Chicks dig the c-pillar vents.... : regards, : Chandler

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL: