[JerseyRed456]

this is my first post, not sure if Im sopose to post this thread up here but here it goes.

Im the new owner of a blue 97 528i. I picked it for a cool $2500 with just 120,000 miles under the hood and the engine still purrs like a kitten. There's isn't really much maintance that needs done on it besides the norm. So far it looks theres some minor fixes I need help on. I rather learn my car and do it myself than take it to a autoshop. Hopefully you guys can help me out.


1.) Squeaky brakes: I have new rotors and brakes on my ride but they are very squeaky, someone mentioned to me that the rotors or brakes might have not been sanded down a little and this is why they are so noisy. Another thing too, I noticed a loose cable that's connected to the braking system. I noticed when I took the tire off to replace it. Is this easily fixable by hand or would I need to take it to a shop? The yellow "signal" thats in the middle of my dash is on. It looks like a triangle with a circle or something like that in the middle. Also the red "Brake" light is on as well. (will take pictures soon). I figured that has something to do with the loose brake cable. I think it's my abs breaks. when I come to a complete stop it doesn't sound to great.


2.) Windshield Wiper Fluid: When I first got my ride there was no washer fluid and the dashboard indicted that. I filled it up but soon realized that the water wasn't shooting out onto the windshield when I pulled the lever. How could I fix that asap? Got hit with a snow storm the other day and it was a lot of a pain not being able to clean my windshield. The wipers just smudged it.


3.) Fuse problems?: I only had my car for about a month and half. the first 2 weeks my drivers seat was working normal and then all of a sudden it just stopped working. It doesn't move anymore but the passenger seat works fine. Im looking at it like it can't be the fuse if one of the other seats work. I really hope it's not as serious as I think it is. Also, I am not able to adjust my steering wheel. It doesn't move at all. Could this be a fuse problem too?


4.) Thermostat replaced?: Before I pulled off the lot with my new whip I had a minor problem with the radiator where all the anti-freeze leaked out. A new radiator was put in and now Im good but I noticed on my dashboard that the outside temperture stays at -40 degrees. I also read up somewhere on the internet that it's good to replace the thermostat when you change your radiator. But I don't know if that's truth or not. Do I need to replace the thermostat?


That's pretty much it for now. Im looking to head out to the local junkyard soon and get some small parts I need for my car. Could you guys give me a idea on what I can look to be spending on these parts?

1.) I need a new passenger sun visor
2.) new 1 stock rim (4th rim doesn't match the other 3). aside from doing that, Im looking to buy 4 bigger stock rims, 17 inches I guess ( I currently have 15in rims). Do the stock BMW rims go higher than 17in? I was looking into buying 19 inch rims but these would be custom unless I can find stock rims in that size. Speaking of 19 inches, is that a good size to go with on the rims? I was told that 19 is the highest I would want to go so that I don't ruin the ride of the car.

3.) cd cartidge for the 6 cd changer that's in the trunk.
4.) passenger side Fog light ( missing one )
6.) A good brand of Hi beam replacement lights (one of the bulbs is out)
7.) A good brand of brighter head lights (regular lights are kind of dull. I want to see better at night)
8.) Real mino but Im looking to replace the front and back cupholders.. ( so flimsy, any ideas on third party parts that would be more sturdier?)

Sorry for all the questions but I really need help and this looks like the place to get it. I tried to break everything down as simple as I can. Thanks in advance!