New E23 owner

[zerhackermann]

Howdy all

Through the guidance and wisdom of a knowledgeable BMW enthusiast, I purchased a 1984 733i 5-speed today. I paid more than I should have, but the condition seemed to be exceptionally high. I had been looking at newer 5 series in particular when this popped up on the radar and I was immediately smitten by the driving experience.

The good -it is in (what appears to be) unusually good shape. Everything seems to work. the engine pulls strongly. The transmission feels new. Mileage is a mere 133k. The carpet is nice enough to make you want to drive barefoot. The steering seems to be rock solid. No shimmy. no pulling under breaking. no squeaks bumps or thumps when doing lock to lock figure eights.

The not so good -
the headliner piece for the underside of the sunroof is missing.
The "driver's calculator" (for lack of a better term) seems dead. or I just dont know how to wake it up
The cruise control seems doa (I never use that anyhow)
and the wood trim ashtray is missing.

The ugly -
TRX wheels. My research tells me the less said about that the better. I'm looking around for some E34, E24, E32 wheels.

I'm always up for new information or hints. I'll hang out and ask the stupid questions for a while.

and the first one - is there an owners manual (as in came with the car) online anywhere?

[ROYinGA]

panel check for water leakage on it. Also check the engage switches for it. One on the clutch pedal and also through the brake switch. I think the wiring diagrams, ETMs, are on e38.org under e23 section. I think e38 16 inch wheels also work. The basket weaves from an e38 should not be expensive. Get rid of the TRXs. I expect you have the OBC I which has the separate brain box that sometimes drops dead. It should be in the left knee panel I think. Look for one in a pull apart yard. The OBC IIs are self contained but I don't think started until the 735i model.

[Datcord]

My OBC display (that calculator looking thing) was due to a dead fuse in the OBC. It's a 5mm by 20mm 1A fuse, available at Radio Shack in a four-pack for about $3.

More info:
.com/forums/posts/512842]HERE

[zerhackermann]

Thanks gents.
Looks like things move a bit slow around here. Or is everyone elsewhere?

I got the wheels sorted with E34 stock wheels and some interim rubber.
I'm trying to find a good local source for the ICV rubber to make it run better at low RPM.

But overall she's a creampuff.

[datcord]

I've found things a lot livelier at www . bimmer board . com / forums / e23

And if that doesn't work, I'll hit things with a hammer.

[datcord]

Urgh.

Try www . bimmer board . com/ forums/ posts/512842

[zerhackermann]

Thanks. That was a huge help. 15 minutes being knotted up under the dash and my OBC went from DOA to "...."

[datcord]

If you need help programming it, let me know.

Setting the time is pretty easy and is included in the car manual.

[zerhackermann]

Thanks Datcord.
I did figure out the time through trial and error.
I got it watching MPG. ANd this morning it "bonged" to tell me "its bloody cold out there!"