First steps on *new* 740

[xline808]

Hey - can you point me to a post or give a bit of advice

I just picked up a 89 740 GL wagon - her name is Gloria and the Wife and I could not be happier.

178K miles actual - first 10 years (90K) maintenance records were perfect - then little info

First items of business were
Timing Belt
Tensioner
Water-pump
Fuses and Relay check * Soldered the OD relay - Thanks Forum - you saved me $$$ already

She runs great - but I want to do the standard(s)
Plugs & Wires
Filters
Oil
Drain /Replace Trans fluid

So I have some annoying questions, and yes - I did a search first/

What brand of wires and plugs do you recommend?
Would you ever change the O2 sensor; just because?
What is the best repair manual so I can find fuel filter locations etc.?
Can you think of anything I am missing from the list.

I really appreciate the forum, thank you.

Tyler

[Retired MVS Contributor]

I use Bosch plugs in my 1991 740...Buy the best plug wires you can get from either Groton or IPD...The original oxygen sensor is still in mine and I would not change it until it throws a code...I have a new one in the trunk, but it has been there for several years now...

I am not a fan of either Haynes or Chilton, but find Chilton to be a little better...Neither one is all inclusive...For instance, in the Chilton there is nothing about how to change the front brake pads...NOT A WORD!!!...

There are several vendors on E-Bay selling Vadis DVD's...They are all the same and cost anywhere from a starting bid of 99 cents to 50 bucks outright...I had a bit of a hassle with mine at first because they will not work on a 64 bit system and after I found that out I installed in compatability mode and all is fine...Worth it...

Jerry

[ed7]

Changing the 02 sensor is a regular maintenance item, interval similar to timing belt: 70,000 mi, or code.
Log your fuel usage and see what you get. You should get about 350 miles to a tank.
Haynes stops at '88 for 740's.
So far you're on the right track. It's a good car, you'll love it. I had two of 'em, both lasted till 300,000.
Have fun
Ed

[bugeye58]

My '89 740 Turbo wagon hadn't been started in close to 2 years. I put a battery in it yesterday in 17 degree (F) weather. It spun over for about 2 seconds and fired right off. 30 minutes later I was driving it.
Not exactly on topic for this post, just a glowing report on this beast. (189k Miles)
Jeff