bmwe21.net forums

hi guys, im totally new to this forum so hello!
A week ago i got my first bmw e21 320/6 1982. 55000 on the clock. its been sitting for 2 years. ive got a small to do list in relation to servicing, hopefully this is where you guys come in to share your expert knolwage? to start i have been advised to change all fluids.

(1) what would you suggest is the best oil to run the engine on and how many ltr's will be required?
(2) what is the correct oil for the power steering.
going on your experince what should i look out for?
regards Erol
07540776863
im also after a passenger front wing, passenger door at some point someone has rammed a screw driver into the lock of mine and badly damaged it.

Hi Erol,

Welcome here and congrats on a low mileage car! We need pics though, and soon!

One thing comes to mind first, pls make sure your timing belt hasn't been on the car for too long, I'd say 6 years or abt 40K mls, whatever comes first. If it's unknown when it was last replaced, better give it at least a thorough check. And if you replace it, replace the tensioner and the water pump might be a good idea as well when you've dismantled the front anyway.

As for your Q's:

Engine oil 10W40 or 15W40, 4.25-4.50 litres including oil filter
P/S fluid red ATF approx 1.2 litres

That and more you can also find here: http://www.bmwe21.net/?page_id=282

hey Jeroen
thanks for the quick reply! i have no idea when the cam belt was last changed i still have a load of papers to collect from the last owner, there maybe some history of when it was last changed. either way im just going to get the parts and get them fitted as idont fancy rebuilding the head yet.
is there anyway of getting around not having to use lead replacment additives? and just running it on unleaded fuel?
regards erol

by the way that link is the nutts thanks!

Good website huh?

Lead additive... could use it every now and then, try the search function on that one as well

shouldnt need lead additive. just run it as is, will be fine on an m20.

still need those pics......

iirc Alloy heads have hardened valve seats anyway?

I've never used additive in any e21 or 2002's. I used to wonder why people paid £500 to Jaymic for an ''unleaded conversion'' when they've had unleaded fuel in Europe for years?

just changed the oil and filter, the old oil was filthy black! new set of plugs and fuel filter coolent is coming out tonight !

Got a door here

Hi tims what is your location and colour of your door

been looking at the engine oils....whats the difference between 10w 40 and 15w 40....i'm assuming fully synthetic is what is required. When searching 10w 40 i'm finding motorcycle or diesel engine oil....does it matter what it says on label?

Different viscosity / thickness at various temperatures. Personally, I don't like fully synthetic in older engines. Especially in M10's. I's sure someone with more knowledge will explain the actual differences etc. I'd go for a decent mineral oil, like Millers, if I were you.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motor_oil

Never thought about checking wiki

Its m20, i'm guessing you use mineral oil in your 323?...hve you tried both and what difference did you notice.

Silkolene gets a good write up on most car forums and i have to say i was impressed when i used it in my e36 m3 but obviously m20 and s50 are completley different engines not to mention the fact i dont intend on driving the e21 like i did the m3

I've just had more engine failures whenever I used synthetic in older engines like pintos, M10's & M20's. I can't tell you anything specific, it's just been my experience. I just use good quality mineral oils. I have read that modern synthetics just don't work well with many older engines too. It's personal choice I guess?

My former mechanic, before retiring, had turned me from mineral oils to semi-synthetic ones...(he used Motul a couple of times on my car...) He said he found these to work better...(he also drives an E21 M10)
After he's retired and I had to find another mechanic, the new one restarted using Mineral oil...
I can't say what's best...
Tha ex car's mechanic is a BMW former-mechanic. The one I am taking the car now is a Suzuki trained one... (however I am VERY pleased with his work in general...)