Messages

1

General Topics / Noisy catalytic converter!

« on: February 23, 2010, 10:22:17 PM »

Thanks for the help! I'm thinking about the Vibrant Performance cat posted by 4banger. Could someone who has changed a cat tell me what is involved? It looks like the current one has the inlet on the passenger side, and the outlet on the driver side - but universal ones are straight through... how do you install it? Do you  need a pipe with a bend in it?

I'm fine with welding and cutting and all that.. but I'm less confident about being able to get a hold of the proper 2 1/4" pipe to fit the application. What is involved, guys?

2

General Topics / Noisy catalytic converter!

« on: February 22, 2010, 09:19:03 AM »

Since I got my car, it has sounded like a crushed up tin can was rattling around in the Cat under moderate to heavy acceleration. I always assumed it wouldn't be a problem, but I was reading today about it could be clogged and causing power/mileage loss. I also don't like the noise (it isn't terrible.. but it doesn't sound good at all)

Also, until my new ignition coils come in the mail this week, my car will be missing on one cylinder (one coil failed). Apparently running all of this fuel through the cat can damage it further.

Point is, whether it was already destroyed (it rattled), or this week's driving destroys it, I think I'd like to do something about it. I've been getting kindof poor mileage (18-20) and I am trying to go after it. Hopefully the new ignition system will help smooth things out, but maybe a new cat would help?

What is involved with replacing the cat? Can it be done at home? We have an arc welder and an acetylene torch. Can you buy something like this: http://www.amazon.com/MagnaFlow-94005-Universal-Catalytic-Converter/dp/B000COVG8E/ and just slide it on and weld? I'm not sure at all - but I just want whatever solution can get rid of my current cat.

3

Engine + Driveline / Mustang Injectors in an M42 engine

« on: August 01, 2008, 11:58:45 PM »

i just put 556 19lb mustang 4 pintle injectors in my 318is

plugged right in, runs great.

4

How-To's / Deleting throttle body heater plate.

« on: July 25, 2008, 01:14:33 AM »

Just wanted to bump and see, after a few months, if anybody has any stories from plugging/rerouting the hose.

Everybody who plugged it still doing good?

5

M42 Reference / E30 & E36 Numbers

« on: May 03, 2008, 08:56:28 AM »

The reason I asked the question was because autohausaz.com shows the '91 318is as an E36, and so while going to that website and picking 318is yielded M42 parts, it also yielded E36 specific parts. I too thought that it was only E30's in '91, so I emailed the parts department to see if it was an error.

This is the reply I got.

In 1991 BMW produced two 318is models, one on the E30 chassis and the other on the E36 chassis. While both were available, most 318is vehicle sold in the US were E36 chassis. This is while our catalog displays the 1991 318is as an E36 chassis vehicle.

I was hoping I could get some data to show him that it was E30's in '91, or, if E36's were in fact more common, just to know.

I've been going under the E30 318i (not is) to search for parts now, unless I know it's a 2 door specific item. Of course, you can always just search for part number and get exactly what you want just as well.

*Edit: Spelling mistake*

6

General Topics / how much should i pay for this 318is?

« on: April 21, 2008, 04:08:39 PM »

Well - here's the numbers:

I've divided parts I think it needs by priority -
1: Will buy and replace upon purchase
2: Probably will do in the near future
3: Could, but may never do

1- Muffler, Shift Knob, Roundels, Defrost Switch (broken), Steering rack, Plugs, Hoses/Belts/Filters/Fluids/Other tune up items, Timing Chain Tensioner, Fix Instrument Cluster: ~$856.35

2- 13 Button OBC/New Temperature Sensor, Control Arms & Ball Joints, Tie Rods, Guibo ~$1,136.35

3- Power Window Switches/Window Breaker (They stick and are ugly), New rust free tool kit, some new interior trim parts ~$1365.30

Taking Kelley Blue Book's little quiz shows it as actually being in "Poor" condition, AC doesn't currently work, but could just need a recharge. KBB "Fair" condition is around $1250, and I think that may be a reasonable offer, considering all the work it needs.

So: $1250 + ~$1000 in Parts to get it running smoothly = $2250 for a strong E30 with many of the main E30 flaws fixed. I think that looks pretty good. I only have about $3000, so I don't want to buy a $3K 120K mile one only to have those problems happen and have no money to deal with it. I'll be having an income come this fall, so it should feed future problems beyond the $750+ I'll have in reserve.

What do you think? Oh, PS - Compression check numbers = 195PSI +/- 2-3 PSI across the board. Pretty good...

7

M42 Reference / E30 & E36 Numbers

« on: April 16, 2008, 08:51:15 PM »

Does anyone know the total number of M42 powered E30's and E36's in 1991? Which chassis saw more m42's in '91 in the US?

8

General Topics / how much should i pay for this 318is?

« on: April 14, 2008, 09:41:11 PM »

so now the question is, do i pick this one up, or do I find one for 2500 with lower miles in better shape?

i just checked the error code for the check engine light - 1222

1222 - Lambda control fault code is produced when Motronic system in Bosch control unit receives signal indicating that air/fuel mixture is either excessively rich or excessively lean for period of time loner then 10 seconds. Majority of the causes that affect drivability of the car can be responsible for DME flashing this error:

    * air leak
    * defective Air Flow Meter ( AFM)
    * bad engine temperature sensor
    * incorrect fuel pressure
    * problem with injector(s)
    * defective evaporation system
    * empty gas tank
    * issue with spark plugs
    * problem with valves
    * etc.

9

General Topics / how much should i pay for this 318is?

« on: April 14, 2008, 03:12:24 PM »

yeah. it's been neglected for the last year or so as it wasn't his primary car, so it just sat in his driveway.

he wants 1500, its in indiana, minor rust

blue book is 1400

10

General Topics / how much should i pay for this 318is?

« on: April 13, 2008, 08:12:08 PM »

I recently got a hold of my cousin's 91 318is. It has 180K miles.

Problems I am aware of:

-Needs exhaust work.. its not horrible now, but its fairly loud
-Speedo/Odo/Econometer dont work, tach/water temp work
-gas gauge goes up to about 5/8 full on startup, and never moves
-instrument panel lights dont come on
-needs new shift knob
-some play in the steering
-paint is decent, quite a few dings and chips
-srs light on
-one broken fog light

-check engine light comes on at idle - any ideas?


i cleaned it up a lot today, sorry for the bad photos, i'll take some more when it's light out tomorrow. the flash brings out all the imperfections pretty well though

http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn292/joelthejedi/?action=view¤t=100_5351.jpg

how much do you think i should pay for it?

any likely guesses for what is wrong with the electronics and steering is welcome!