Re: Advice needed on 1987 735i fixes (archive)

Doug: 1-- I don't know if your '87 is the same as the '88... there were some changes, but not sure if the climate control was one of them... on the '88 and later, there are 10 different things called "stepper motors", which control the opening and closing of vents. Check in the archives (see ARCHIVES above) for stepper motors. That's probably your problem. It sounds like you need to get new switches for the console, too. What you describe is not normal. See if you can get them from a wrecking yard.
3-- Check the archives for DRIVE SHAFT. Your vibrations could be from motor mounts, universal joints and several other things, but they are common problems that are often associated with the slit drive shaft.
5-- Have you tried some spray lubricant in the corners outside yet?!//Bill '88 735i

Hi ALL, This is my first BMW and I gotta say I love it! It is a 1987 735i (the older v nose style)
I'm about to have it painted but before I do I wanted to fix a few problems and hope you guys could share some of your wisdom. I only drive em and don't know much about engines. I want to use the advice as a guide to give to my mechanic. he works mostly on VW and American cars but has some BMW .Been going to him for years and he is the most Honest mechanic I've ever met.
Problems:
1) heater is always blowing hot. I can't control the temp with the dials but I can control the volume of air(speed of air fast or slow) with the other dial. Sometimes it dosen't blow hot but has a mind of its own. The buttons(up/down,internal etc) only stay depressed if I simutaniously hold in another button while pressing the button I want.(mabey this is normal?). Even when a button stays pushed in it dosen't seem to be doing anything though.
2) engine takes a while to catch on cold start. i have to turn the key and hold it for a while. The engine is trying to start but takes a little time. after driving for a while it will start instantly if i try it within the first 5-10 after letting is rest. if i let it sit off longer it will take long to catch again.
3) On start up i have some engine vibration. while driving i do not and it is very mild to almost none on idle.(engine mounts?)
4) very squeaky rear disc breaks. I know they will soon need replacing but what can i replace them with to avoid squeaking.
5) passenger door handle gets stuck in up position. I have to manualy lower it to close the door.
6)This is a little vague but overall the engine seems a little loud when driving slowly (some times sounds like a bit of a rough engine and other times like it is from the exhaust area. kinda sounds like a deisel engine.
I know this is a little long but any help will be really appreciated. Thanks in advance doug

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