Hi Everyone,

I recently came into the possession of my father's old 1997 850 T-5 when he got a new car, and it was pretty poorly maintained. So far, I've gotten new tires, replaced the thermostat and ECT sensor, new spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, replaced the top engine mount.

I still need to do a bottom engine mount (passenger side), fix a phantom oil leak around the dip stick, clean/replace my flame trap, put in a new power antenna, and fix my heated drivers seat.

My optional repairs are repainting the spoiler, replacing the top dash pad (and replacing all the light bulbs while I'm in there) and getting a better-working stock cd/tape player.

156,000 miles, body in great condition, paint in good condition, wheels in great condition.

I'm a car repair novice and I'm learning everything as I go by working on this car (from research online and with the help of some "car guy" friends).

I'm new to the boards -- anyone have any advice for this newbie about navigating the boards/fixing my car/etc?

Thanks!
John