BMW Repair: bmw e30, roof leaks, factory radio

Question
Hi Rahim,

I purchased a 1988 e30 convertible 2 years ago, very nice car i love the drive. A few questions i have for you, hope you can help

1-Can i add a modern cd changer or its better just to put a cd in  dash player?
2-my roof leaks! where do i go without getting ripped, i went to my local shop they want 1800 for after market? Ive patched it but its shot.
3-should i keep my battery on a charger during winter storage?should i start it in winter?
4-my clutch makes a rattling noise, when i depress the pedal noise goes, is this the bearing? it works fine can i keep going like this, its been like this for 2 years!
5-the differential makes a slight zingy noise, should i change the oil or put an additive?
6-it has a slight rough idle, but doesnt every old car do? any tricks on smoothening idle?
7-My hand brake shoed are finished but one of the bolts ate through the back plate(rust). How do you fix that without removing the whole thing?

thank you for your time and expertise

lucas

Answer
Hi Lucas, I will try to answer your questions as best as I can.

1- You can add a cd changer like in your trunk type set up AS LONG AS it is COMPATABLE with your radio that is in the dash.  In other words if you still have the factory radio in the dash, then you would have to put a cd changer that is compatable and will work with it.

2-I really can't tell you much about where to go for your roof.  $1800 doesn't cound bad to be but i could be wrong..I know if it were me, I'd be trying to do it myself.  Try the dealershp and see how much they want to do it, call around and compare prices and see who is the cheapest.  But remember, you get what you pay for.

3-During the winter months, if you are not driving your car, then it is good to start it up at least twice a month and let it idle for a bit.  Let it warm up and give it a chance to charge up the battries then you can cut it off.

4-That could very be your throw out bearing starting to fall apart.  If I were you, I'd find out how much it would cost to pull the gear box down and checked out and if it were the throw out bearing have it replaced.  While you are at it, replace the clutch also since the gearbox is already off.

5-Check the fluid level in your rear end.  If it is low then add some to it.  To check it, pull the plug out and stick your pinky finger in it.  You should pull it out with gear oil on it.  Add fluid to it reguardless.  Add fluid to it until if is full, and you will knoe because it will start to run out of the plug hole.  Once it runs ack out, put the plug back in it and tighten it up.

6-Try changing your plugs if you have a rough idle.  Check your idle speed comtrol motor or sensor.  Change your fuel filter.  Give it a tune up, see if that helps.

7-If your hand brake shoes are worn down and you have to replace them, and the back plate is rusted to where one of the bolts went through, then change your back plate also if you can.  Just rmember to adjust your p-brake when done.

Hope this helps.  Let me know.

Rahim.