[PATRICK]

just got my car ('96 850 R) and i haven't changed the oil. purchased synthetic oil and was wondering how long between oil changes? (i don't drive that hard, but do enjoy dusting surprised motorists in bmw's on the highway home from work!) also the cruise control was broken when i bought it. any ideas on where to start attacking that problem? the fuse is still intact. also, what other things might need addressing in terms of preventative maint. the car has only 38k on it.

thanks for any reply,
patrick

 

[JHEIII850Turbo]

congratz on the buy, the oil change I do every 3k miles, as far as preventative maintenacnce, at 60K you need the timing belt, and synthetic's a good start. Just let her cool off after those hard runs

 

[volvo850t5]

As regards the cruise control, 1st look under the 3 pedals they will have switches connected to them. Sometimes they snap or dislodge as mine did. If not that start from under the battery. You will have to remove the battery and tray. There you will see the vacuum hoses and connector, follow these as sometimes they can perish.