Messages

1

Get Togethers / NY-NJ-PA E30 Club?

« on: April 15, 2018, 10:22:11 PM »

Hey Everybody!

So, I could use some friends.

I bought a lovely little 318is last year, and I'm still in the process of bringing it back to glory.  But basically I'm doing research in a vacuum, and I would really welcome other E30 enthusiasts' thoughts on the current state of my little guy.  As much as I like and trust my mechanic, his opinions only carry so much weight, if you know what I mean.  Also, my wife couldn't care less about cars, and I would love to just shoot the shit with a bunch of like-minded individuals while drinking beers over a warm M42 

Anyone know of a cars and coffee-type event that occurs in the tri-state area?  I'm currently in Passaic County, NJ, but I work in NYC and grew up in Philly, so traveling to an event wouldn't be a hardship.

If no one knows of an established meeting, wanna just create one of our own?  Feel free to message me if you're interested.

Hope to hear from you!

Ben

2

Engine + Driveline / FREE BEER - Anyone wanna help me diagnose a non-start issue?

« on: September 29, 2017, 12:28:19 PM »

Hello all,

Just moved to north Jersey (Hawthorne, 07506), and recently came into possession of a lovely '91 318is. She needs a bit of work, though, and I was wondering if anyone was in the area and would like to help me out a bit in exchange for free beer, lunch, and good conversation. You name the beer, and I'll get a case.

I've been tinkering a lot lately, but now the old girl has developed a non-start issue, and I could really use the assistance of an enthusiast right now. I'm handy in general, but I'm a bit new to the M42, and I would love some help to figure out my next steps. I'm pretty certain that it's not a battery or fuse issue, and I was thinking of simply replacing the CPS just for good measure, but after that I'm a bit in the dark. Even checking for a spark is tough without another body to turn the key.

Also just looking to establish connections in the Bimmer nerd community.  I would be extremely grateful to anyone on the metro NY area that could lend a hand.

Thanks guys!! My name's Ben, by the way 

3

Engine + Driveline / Re: Replacing Fuel hoses in/out of filter - PLEASE HELP!!!

« on: August 12, 2017, 11:59:00 AM »

Thanks for all your advice. Sorry the photos didn't load; I guess my account is still too young. Let me try a few Flickr links:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519...posted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519...posted-public/

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151519...posted-public/

So let me get this straight: in the first photo, the hose with the green arrow comes out of the pump, goes all the way along under the passenger side seat, and eventually connects to a hard line right next to the filter - is this correct? You seem to be saying that this hose should actually be attached to the filter inlet. Is there supposed to be a direct line from pump to filter like this, or does the filter inlet come from that inaccessible hose on top of the tank? Just want to confirm (hopefully the PO didn't mess this up).

Also, if I want to tilt the tank down a bit, should I simply loosen the bolts #5 & #6 in this diagram?:

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=16_0046

Again, thanks so much for your help.

4

Engine + Driveline / Replacing Fuel hoses in/out of filter - PLEASE HELP!!!

« on: August 09, 2017, 02:54:28 PM »

Hey Guys,

So I want to replace both fuel hoses connected to the fuel filter (as well as replacing the filter itself), but I'm confused as to how to access the hose that connects to the "rear" of the filter (red arrow, in photo). Working on a '91 318is with original M42.

I know others have asked about this, but I need clarification. There seems to be conflicting reports as to which hose goes where. Please advise!
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=527253

When I tug on the hose indicated by the green arrows (see photos below), it seems to pull on the hose that is connected to the hard line that is right next to the filter, NOT the inlet to the filter itself. Is this correct? If so, where the heck does the filter inlet hose disappear to??? Will I need to drop the tank?

Trying to get this done either tonight or tomorrow, so any advice asap is truly appreciated.


Thanks!!!

5

Engine + Driveline / FREE BEER. Wanna help me refurb my shifter linkage?

« on: August 01, 2017, 06:22:17 PM »

Hello all,

Just moved to north Jersey (Hawthorne, 07506), and recently came into possession of a lovely '91 318is. She needs a bit of work, though, and I was wondering if anyone was in the area and would like to help me out a bit in exchange for free beer, lunch, and good conversation. You name the beer, and I'll get a case.

I've been tinkering a lot lately, but the next project is to refurb the shifter bushings etc, as well as install a dssr. I figured I would go ahead and drop the driveshaft to do this, and I'll admit this scares me a bit. Anyone have any experience with this, and wouldn't mind holding my hand through the process?

Also just looking to establish connections in the Bimmer nerd community...

Thanks guys!! My name's Ben, by the way

6

Engine + Driveline / Belt AND Pulley Replacement? - When to stop buying parts???

« on: May 14, 2017, 03:44:56 AM »

So I acquired a sweet little 318is recently, and from what I can tell it's in remarkably good shape.  However, the belts are old and cracking and need to be replaced.  But here's my issue:  my DIY project parts list is now over $500.

Basically, my belief in preventative maintenance and a "while-you're-in-there" mentality has caused my parts list to snowball, to the point where I'm planning on swapping out nuts and bolts that I'm not sure I really even need, simply because I love the fantasy of a gradual OEM restoration on this baby.  (Along with this comprehensive belt service, I'm also planning a light cooling system refurb - water pump, fan clutch, flush, sensors, etc.)

So here's my question for all you guys:  Am I throwing my money away?  Should all of the pulleys be replaced along with the belts, or is that just crazy talk?  Do they ever really fail?  I love the idea of NEVER having to worry about the pulleys and alternator adjustment bracket and whatnot ever again, and then looking down into the engine bay and marveling at all the shiny new parts covering the timing case.

Here's a representative pic of the power steering pulley and fan belt pulley:





So I ask again:  am I wasting my money?  The surface rust on the bolt in the center of the fan belt pulley is just crying out for me to purchase a new OEM $12 replacement, right?

Thanks for hearing me out.  Any advice would be truly appreciated.

7

Engine + Driveline / Brake Fluid Reservoir Wiring Repair? Little Help?

« on: May 13, 2017, 12:02:08 PM »

Hey everybody, got a little mystery here for you:

Seems as though a critter got under the hood of my M42 318is and made a snack out of the wiring that comes out of the brake fluid reservoir cap.  Observe:



So I have some questions that I need help with:

1.  Does anyone know if this wiring harness assembly can be purchased as  a single replacement unit?  Scouring RealOEM has not yielded any results (though I may be blind).  Does anyone know of a part# for this harness?

2.  If this can't be replaced wholesale, does anyone know what sort of wire, or what gauge, I should purchase in order to repair it?  I've done a little bit of soldering in the past, and I think I have the skills to get it done, but I thought I'd get the opinions of the experts first before I warm up the soldering iron.

3.  Why am I not getting a warning light on the cluster about this?  What exactly is this wiring connected to?  Isn't this a sensor to measure the amount of brake fluid?  Am I being a complete idiot about this?

Any advice would be most appreciated.

Thanks!

8

Suspension / Restore 1991 318is to stock height - Much confusion, PLEASE ADVISE

« on: May 09, 2017, 01:20:50 PM »

Hey everybody!  Got a (long-winded) question regarding shocks and springs, and I really need some advice.  I know that this sort of topic has been covered before in other areas, but I really can't seem to find any up-to-date, definitive answers.  Here's the dilemma:

I need to refurb the suspension on my '91 318is in order to better suit the NYC roads that I'm commuting on.  It is currently lowered on Vogtland springs and Bilstein B4s (by previous owners), and both the ride height and stiffness are intolerable on these Brooklyn streets.  WAY too many potholes and speedbumps around here - the roads are really just awful.  I want to raise the car up as much as possible (which I guess means "stock"), and also soften up the ride a bit.  Every time I go over even the slightest imperfection in the road, it reverberates throughout the entire frame and shatters my teeth.  Additionally, I'll be rehabing lots of spring pads/end links/bushings/etc, so no real issues there.

Problem is, most of the information online seems to be aimed at lowering springs; these discussions are only minimally useful to me. And all the info that pertains to my specific needs is either out of date or contradictory.

Also, parts availability seems to be an issue.  Springs-wise, the only options that I've found seem to be new OEM BMW springs from ECS ($$$, and only fronts available), used BMW stock from Ebay (but I'd rather buy new), or H&R "OE Sport" (rather than the straight-up "Sport").  Everything else seems geared toward lowering.  Anyone have any other ideas for "stock" springs?

As far as shocks, Sachs/Boge seem like the option I'm hunting for, correct?  BavAuto/Pelican/ECS still appear to have these in stock.  Adjustible Konis seem intriguing, but pricey.  Any other suggestions (remember, my old man bones are looking for a softer ride)?  Haven't read great things about KYB or Meyle...

So I guess what I need from you guys is this: 

1.  Will the H&R "OE Sports" fit on the 318is?  ECS says No, Turner says Yes, and the guy on the phone at H&R said that part# 50404 ("Sport Springs") and part# 50404-55 ("OE Sport Springs") are essentially the same thing, and that they will fit.  Confused?  I am!  Does anyone have experience putting these "OE" springs under an E30 318is?

2.  As far as matching springs and shocks, what should I watch out for?  Will the H&Rs and the Sachs/Boge play well together?  Do I need to pay close attention to spring rate and load weight and whatnot?

Any advice is most appreciated.  I'm pretty new to the E30 game (just bought my baby a few months ago), so I hope you'll forgive rookie mistakes.  If the answers I'm looking for are already published, kindly direct me there.

Here's a photo of the current ride height for reference:



Thanks all!

9

Exterior / New Hood Insulation - should I also use aftermarket adhesive?

« on: April 28, 2017, 11:44:39 AM »

Hey guys,

Anyone have experience with installing new hood insulation? Just received some OEM insulation to replace the missing panels, and wondered if anyone could share their experience with this. Should I also spray on some 3M adhesive, or will the factory glue (that already exists on the new panels) work just fine? Any tips?

Thanks!

10

Suspension / PB Blaster Cleanup on Wheel Hub Bearing? Please Help...

« on: April 17, 2017, 12:19:30 PM »

Hey Guys,

Fairly new to the E30 community (recently purchased '91 318is), so apologies for any rookie mistakes.

Quick question:  If I'm using PB Blaster to help loosen the 36mm hub nuts on the front wheels in order to replace the bearing assemblies, what sort of cleanup should I do, if any?  Will the PB Blaster interfere with or degrade the new grease of the new bearings on the axle spindle?  I obviously don't want to contribute to some sort of catastrophic hub failure somewhere in the near future.

For context, I'm replacing both bearing assemblies, all dust caps/collars, lots of bolts, and the brake wear sensor.

Thanks for your help!

11

How-To's / Can't Remove Steering Wheel

« on: April 12, 2017, 10:11:56 AM »

Hey guys, need some help.  Recently purchased a 1991 318is, and the previous owner swapped out the airbag for an Mtech 1 wheel.  Pretty sweet.

Now, the alignment is slightly off, so I wanted to correct it, but can't for the life of me get the damned thing off.  I'm pretty sure I'm following the procedure correctly:  key out of the ignition, pop the roundel, 22mm socket, key in at 1st position, and pull.  Only...it wont release.  It moves perhaps a 16th of an inch along the column and then feels as though it's getting hung up on something.  I've tried it with the key in 1st position (no idiot lights lit) and 2nd (all idiot lights lit), and still nothing.

The really messed up part is, is that I've seen it off!  I sat there and watched the PO go through the exact same frustration, except it finally came after like 20 minutes of banging and swearing and hitting with a rubber mallet (which I also tried).

I'm frustrated and worried that I'm damaging something.  Is it possible that it's "cross threaded" on there, in that the teeth are mis-aligned?  Anyone else experience this?  Any ideas?

Thanks for the help!

Ben


By the way, this is the video that I followed; is it really supposed to be this easy?:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLWckwNDGSw