M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

FAQ / REFERENCE => Member Profiles => Topic started by: jester0401 on November 12, 2007, 10:22:18 PM

Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 12, 2007, 10:22:18 PM
Hello every one,
Just picked up a 1991 318is for 2300. I will post pics tomorrow. It’s white with 150k miles, runs pretty well but has a vibration at the steering wheel under 65mph have not figured it out what it would be. Also the temp gauge doesn't work I think its just the thermostat though. Any advice on a car of this mileage  ?
Thanks
Jesse
Title: jester0401
Post by: dude8383 on November 12, 2007, 10:24:02 PM
Well first of, welcome to the site!

With that kind of mileage I would look into fluids, all the rubber bits (bushings) and some general maintenance.

Is it just me, or has there been a recent flood of new 318is owners?!
Title: jester0401
Post by: jpod999 on November 12, 2007, 11:36:24 PM
Quote from: dude8383;37570

Is it just me, or has there been a recent flood of new 318is owners?!


I think you'd agree with me that that is a very good thing.

Welcome to M42club.  People here are friendly and knowledgable...so don't be afraid to ask questions.
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 12, 2007, 11:58:17 PM
Thank guys
Whats a good place to start to get this bmw into tip top shape?
Title: jester0401
Post by: asubimmer on November 13, 2007, 02:12:25 AM
welcome to the site.  Can't wait to see the pics.  
 
Title changed to meet the member rides forum rules...
Title: jester0401
Post by: dude8383 on November 13, 2007, 10:39:16 AM
BMA parts is a great source for OEM parts.

1 - 888 - 262 - 3911

I handle all orders over the phone with Patrick!
Title: jester0401
Post by: D. Clay on November 13, 2007, 11:23:12 AM
Welcome to M42Club! It seems that a lot of 318is's are still around due to their durability. They are being picked by folks like us who see or know the possibility of a car that can be made into something out of almost nothing. They are easy to work on and good to learn on.
Tap on the gauge. If it works, the ground on the back of the cluster is bad and can be cleaned. Then check the sending unit and wire.
First order of business is this download:
http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=964
Second is use the "Search feature of this forum. Even if you don't find what you need, you'll end up learning more about the car.
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 13, 2007, 03:16:20 PM
Thanks for the warm welcome every one!
I have decided that the gauge for the temperature is working but that I just need a new thermostat and have purchased it and a water pump cause its down there any way. I have all the gaskets I need I think. 2 for thermostat and 2 for water pump I am also going to change the coolant to BMW blue stuff, it has green in it any other tips on this job?
BMA looks great next time I will buy from there!
Thanks
Jesse
Title: jester0401
Post by: gearheadE30 on November 13, 2007, 06:57:24 PM
For the shudder, that might be worn front control arm bushings. The stock ones in the car a pretty weak, and can be upgraded to offset solid ones in either rubber (oem e30/ 1995 e36 M3) or polyurethane (akg motorsports and others). Non-offset ones are also available.

I think there are a lot more new members. For a long time there was no one new in this section, just updates. In the past few days there have been about 5 new people on here. It's wonderful! ;)
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 13, 2007, 08:43:02 PM
worn front control arm bushing? maybe I haven't look under there too hard yet if i was going to upgrade where is a good place to get the part and which one the M3 or the polyurethane?
Thanks  
sorry no pics yet tomorrow for sure!
Title: jester0401
Post by: Febi Guibo on November 14, 2007, 10:07:36 AM
hi and welcome... I *highly* recommend the treehouse racing E30 control arm bushing thingies... they are a great upgrade and will (help) put your cars on rails....
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 14, 2007, 01:24:33 PM
Pictures don't want to upload I will figure it out.
Title: Need help!
Post by: jester0401 on November 20, 2007, 08:10:49 PM
I have taken the instrument cluster out and there is no bulb/ bulb holder in the check engine slot and others. I am going to try to buy the part but I would think the local auto parts store wont have it and I would really like to get it done so I can drive the car! The car will not smog tell I get this fixed! Help please on if this is normal or I just need a new bulb and bulb housing. Also the water pump/thermostat job went well and I have ordered a timing chain tensioner.
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 20, 2007, 08:44:44 PM
see the check engine bulb mount above the female yellow connector  in this picture there is one, on my cluster there is nonehttp://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=20415&image=85255249&images=85255057,85255249&formats=0,0&format=0 (http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=20415&image=85255249&images=85255057,85255249&formats=0,0&format=0)
Title: jester0401
Post by: Febi Guibo on November 20, 2007, 10:57:21 PM
bav auto has the bulbs and bulb holder... or, PM me your mailing addy, I can send you some.

I'm guessing you might also have an issue that the previous owner removed the bulb to ignore... my initial guess: O2 sensor...
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 20, 2007, 11:50:56 PM
Thanks I am just going to pick some up tomorrow at the junk yard. Also I took another bulb and put it in the check engine location and I still cant get the light to go on. how do you check the light and or what would cause the check engine light to come on or not come on?
Thanks much
Title: jester0401
Post by: jester0401 on November 21, 2007, 12:20:49 PM
At 7:00 am, I went to Bavarian auto and recycling in Sacramento and they where unable to help me. They wanted me to buy a new instrument cluster for $125.00 I said "No". Also they didn't seem very supportive in helping me or to like the 318is very much. So I went to European Performance in Cameron Park,Ca he wants to to a check the system to make sure every thing is working in order to have the check engine light work. That would be $150 for 1hr 30min of work. If I could be told how to do the work I would but I don't know how to check the system. If any one has any useful advice that would be great!
Thanks much
Jesse
Title: Update
Post by: jester0401 on November 27, 2007, 09:53:47 PM
I have fixed the bulb for the check engine light. I was told the light was in another place so I looking in the wrong place but I have now got it fixed and am going to get it smoged tomorrow! I am very happy to be done with that problem, but I have been driving the car and have noticed that the suspension has a wobble between 40 and 65. I am thinking ball joints maybe and or tires need to be changed? The tire are worn pretty well worn
Title: jester0401
Post by: dude8383 on November 27, 2007, 10:27:08 PM
Quote from: jester0401;38474
I have fixed the bulb for the check engine light. I was told the light was in another place so I looking in the wrong place but I have now got it fixed and am going to get it smoged tomorrow! I am very happy to be done with that problem, but I have been driving the car and have noticed that the suspension has a wobble between 40 and 65. I am thinking ball joints maybe and or tires need to be changed? The tire are worn pretty well worn


Spot on with the diagnosis. I would check your inner and outer tie rods as well!