Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / e30 m42 Firing on only one cylinder.

« on: September 02, 2010, 10:50:27 PM »

I replaced the coils and does the same thing, sparking only on #1 cyl.

This problem occurred out of no-where. Just wont start.

Any ideas on what the problem is?

Also, the fuel injection is working just fine.

2

Get Togethers / Florida people where are you?

« on: April 03, 2010, 01:35:22 AM »

I have two 91 318is slick tops, a silver one and a white one. The white one runs like a champ, I'm still refurbishing the silver one.

I am not much of a modder or racer but i do like my BMW.

Jonathan
East Coast near Cocoa Beach.
91 318is X 2

3

Engine + Driveline / Clutch Replacement/Transmission Removal

« on: April 03, 2010, 01:08:44 AM »

For some reason mine is different. There is a nut at the other end of  each of the torx bolts that hold the starter in. The bolts go right through the engine and bell housing and to the starter. I finally took the transmission off by moving the wiring harness out of the way and getting a ratchet with a series of swivels and extensions through the engine bay.

I think re-assembly is going to be way too hard with the engine in the car. I am going to remove it. Might as well... It will give me a chance to do some extra maintenance and maybe paint the inside of the engine bay.

4

Engine + Driveline / Clutch Replacement/Transmission Removal

« on: April 02, 2010, 09:51:37 PM »

Is it just me or is replacing the clutch on a M42 e30 a pain in the arse.

I thought I could remove the transmission by just removing the torx bolts but I am wrong. Turns out the starter nut is going to be in the way of removal. I don't see how i can take the starter out without removing the entire electrical harness and probably the intake manifold. Anyone have any suggestions?

5

Engine + Driveline / Engine Compression Figures?

« on: August 05, 2009, 08:50:17 PM »

Normal Compression is 142-156 psi, cylinders should not differ more than 7 psi. The reason for your high readings may have to do with the temperature of the engine, take the reading when the engine is slightly warm, about a quarter way down the temp gauge.

6

M42 Buyer's Guide / Picked up new e30, whadya think

« on: July 29, 2009, 07:35:35 PM »

Thanks DesktopDave, I will definitely check those things out. I was kind of surprised by the non-sunroof, I was under the impression that all e30's had a sunroof. The car had around 200K miles on it before the odometer quit, so I am guessing the engine needs a good check up and tune up. I am under the impression that the car was properly maintained and adult owned since it still has the original paint and radio, and the engine runs like a top, the oil isn't even black yet. I am going to do a basic compression check and visual hose check before I start to dismantle the car for paint.

I am kind of wanting to go in the direction of Titanium silver BMW color I really like.

The headliner is actually tan colored.

Nice ride...I have the same interior in my 4-door (a 325is donated it).  That silver/black combo is my favorite.  Welcome to the club.  I don't think that your car is especially stripped...most of us don't have cruise control and many don't even have an LSD.  Your car is pretty rare...the e30 'slicktop,' best for racing because of the reduced weight.  You have the black fabric headliner too, right?

Check the upper oil pan bolts as soon as convenient.  The front few bolts can loosen and let air into the main gallery, destroying your engine.  Replace the oil seals as they all seem to leak.  Verify that the timing chain tensioner is the updated model; otherwise the chain will eventually destroy your timing case.

Vac hoses are a headache...replace them/delete them or eliminate the throttle body heater entirely.  Many of us have disabled the power steering and/or swapped it for an e36 rack.  A few have done 5-bolt swaps.

Other than that, check the usual e30 trouble spots...sunroof drains, passenger firewall drain & main plenum for water leaks (before the firewall and driver's pan rusts out).  Rear lower quarter & frame rails are also pretty vulnerable to corrosion.  Rear shock mounts, front control arms, the usual suspects.

7

M42 Buyer's Guide / Picked up new e30, whadya think

« on: July 29, 2009, 01:13:53 AM »

I sold my old 1985 e30 back in college and since then I've been looking to get a 4 banger 318 and read that the M42 was the most modern engine for the E30. So I picked up this fixer upper 318is for $1700. It needs a paint job and some interior work but no biggie. It is a bare bones model; no sunroof, cruise control, fog lamps. It makes for a pretty light 2500 lb car.

Other than changing oil/filters what are some maintenance items to consider when acquiring a used M42?