Messages

1

General Topics / Wheel expertise wanted!

« on: July 26, 2011, 07:18:50 PM »

So I've got my eye on some new wheels for my E30 'vert. I'm looking into getting a set of 16x7 Rota RBs. I know that the centre bore for an E30 is 57.1mm (which is available) and the original offset is 25. Now the ones that are available, is as follows..

16x7 (4x100/ET40/57.1) The issue I have is with the offset, I do believe with an offset of 40, the rim would be in more, rather than stick out. So there will be the possible issue of rubbing the struts etc. What would the ideal spacer size needed, to be able to clear inside the fender, and not rub the fender line? Would I need to roll my rear fenders in?

There is however, the same rim, in other variations with offset. I know there's ET0, and I think ET 28, I'm not too sure. But the site that I'm looking for just shows ET40 with a 4x100 pattern. So I'll have to ask if they can get them. Going to ask if they can get 16x8 as well.

Input on this topic would be appreciated!

2

General Topics / Extra M42 motor kicking around. Thoughts?

« on: July 21, 2011, 03:59:15 PM »

Two litre stroker.

Bore out the block, eh? What else would I need to make a stroker 4-cylinder? Don't IE sell the kits?

3

M42 Buyer's Guide / What is the curb weight of a 318i vs.318is?

« on: July 20, 2011, 06:54:05 PM »

Here's a list of curb weights of both E30 318 and 325. All weight when unloaded. 100% stock.

318i-   2657 lbs
318iS- 2602 lbs
318iC- 2867 lbs

325i-   2811 lbs
325iS- 2844 lbs
325iC- 2987 lbs
325iX- 2954 lbs

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General Topics / Extra M42 motor kicking around. Thoughts?

« on: July 20, 2011, 06:34:10 PM »

So when I was building my M42 on my 'vert, I had purchased a complete motor and an extra rebuilt head (part of the deal) and a bunch of other misc. bits. Anyways, plans were to replace the entire motor, but instead, we just did the head as the block was still good.

Now I have this extra motor sitting around in my storage, and I don't plan on selling it. I'd just like to gather some thoughts on what to do with it. Should I bore it out? Possibly do something with a turbo? (No expert on turbos, and not sure what are the possible kits are) Supercharger? (quite liking that more :p) I'm not exactly too sure, on what's the best route, as I don't want to spend huge amounts of cash, but I'd like to get some good power pumped out of it.

With that in mind, I've been having thoughts of pulling out the M40 out of my wagon, and sticking this built motor in. My wagon is my donkey, and I haven't been giving 'er the pampering it deserves haha. So I think this should make up for it.

5

Off-topic discussion / 318is badge, wrong side????

« on: July 20, 2011, 05:06:05 PM »

I usually run 29 in the front, and 32 in the rear. If you pump up too much in the front, it can be harsh, the lower pressure eases bumps nicely. Don't forget, that when the tires get warm, your PSI increases about 2-3 PSI.

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Member Profiles / The reign of the E30King!

« on: July 20, 2011, 04:59:20 PM »

I dig the Rikens! Besides, they're 15x7.5!! That's half an inch more of grip

Yeah they're hard to come by, and quite valuable in the JDM scene. I like the old-school classic look on these cars, and can't really wrap my head anything over 16" for E30 body style. Plus, I'm running 195/55/15, so it's only .5" more stretch :p

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Member Profiles / The reign of the E30King!

« on: July 20, 2011, 12:35:25 AM »

Lovely vert right there, I'd love to see a side profile of the car!! I've never heard of Rikens.

This is what they look like - mind you they were on my 318iS before I sold it off. I also have a set of 15"x7" BBS Euroweaves that I had 100% refurbished that are sitting around. I think I might put them on the 'vert.

8

Engine + Driveline / Running hot (not fan clutch or bleeding problem)

« on: July 19, 2011, 04:19:29 PM »

I tested the aux fan. The radiator is less than a year old. Replaced it myself as the old plastic one had cracked. The thermostat was changed about 3 months after the radiator. It had failed and was stuck in the open position. Got the 88deg thermostat installed. Did that myself as well. Had to bleed the system several times on both occasions to get all the air out. Checked the bleed screw this evening and it's in good condition.

Whilst driving home today the temp needle creeped past the halfway mark again and kept on going. Turned on the heater full blast for about a minute. This got the temp needle back down to the middle of the temp gauge and it stayed there for the rest of the 15min drive back home.

Will check the fan clutch... will update with the results of that.

Just wanted to let you know that today I replaced my thermostat on my 318iC with something a little different. I presume the one I had before, was opening up way too late to the point where the temperature can be ridiculous at times. Anyways, my new one is now running at middle and less.

Maybe your temperature hasn't changed from the thermostat you got; 88deg? I put one with 80 degrees. After you try the clutch fan, and it still isn't any better, take the thermostat and exchange it with something less. Possibly that 8 degree difference does make a difference.

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Member Profiles / The reign of the E30King!

« on: July 19, 2011, 04:02:36 PM »

lol thats no fun

Well actually it's not entirely THAT bad. The more strict law is more towards Learner and Novice drivers. Here in BC, when you first get your licence you're 16 and are given the gift of a large reflective "L" sign that you stick behind your car. Only allowed to drive with someone 25+. After a year, you can do a road test, and that will also give you another gift of a large reflective "N." You can drive by yourself, and that's where the problem happens.

The excitement results in many accidents, as some believe they are legendary drivers. If one is caught driving recklessly, or excessive speeding, they can be penalized with a 4month- 1 year driving suspension. Once that is over, they have to pay ALL fines and then s/he will get their licence back, but has to serve two years of the "N" before taking the final test (Class 5- if breaking any laws, the fines aren't as strict and serious) Trust me, out here in BC, driving is not really too fun. It's dull, alot of stupid road actions and such.

Actions of few people can result in boredom behind the wheel for everyone. But luckily, if you head out into the outskirts where you're away from traffic (where the 5-0 usually hang around) you can get away with driving quite fast in certain areas.

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Member Profiles / The reign of the E30King!

« on: July 19, 2011, 02:31:25 PM »

I don't have alot of pictures of this car posing, but soon as the weather here clears up, I'm taking it for a wild photoshoot for sure! I'll post some more pictures then!

I'm surprised that you're saying that Germany has awful roads with no scenery? :eek: Is that even possible? Germany was beyond last of all places that had not alot of good roads in my mind! We're quite fortunate to have some really nice landscape here in BC. If you head west towards the coast, you get a lovely view of the Pacific, while going through some forestry/moutain roads. Head east, you'll get farm-land, mostly a "country-side" backroad kind of deal with older small towns, and random little lakes. Lots of mountains too.

The only thing is though, the police here are quite anal about driving a little too fast. These past two years, law-enforcement has been stepped up, which IMHO is a good thing for sure and laws towards overly excessive speeders is rather lovely.

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Member Profiles / The reign of the E30King!

« on: July 19, 2011, 01:54:41 AM »

Thanks guys! Until today, I've put about 700km on the newly rebuilt top-end in only 3 days and it's been really good to me! However, here in BC, the summer isn't treating us right as it's been raining constantly, so I haven't been able to enjoy the top down. Today I was able to go for a little rip as the weather did seem promising!

There aren't any E30 'verts that are facelifted in Aussi? However, even with the older style rear, the Euro bumpers look great! If you've ever seen the metal bumpers we lads in North America have to put up with, is rather horendous! I used to own an E30 320iC before, it was a Japan import, and it too had the metal bumpers and older rear, and I thought it was fantastic to be honest.

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Engine + Driveline / Running hot (not fan clutch or bleeding problem)

« on: July 18, 2011, 06:31:32 PM »

Definately look into the clutch fan. My E30 325i had the same issue before, it turned out my thermostat was broken (like actually broken physically) and my clutch fan was getting tired. Replaced those, ever since the temp has been sitting at centre in any condition. It used to climb up past centre when everything was screwed up.

With my 318iC ,my temp is sitting at middle (we just replaced the head and such), and will just go slightly past, but then go back down to the middle and sometimes just below middle. I thought it would be a problem, but I'm getting full circulation of cooling through the system. I also replaced the fan as it was wobbly so it had to be anyways, still the same. I don't think it's entirely a big issue, you're gauge is probably fooling with you.

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Member Profiles / The reign of the E30King!

« on: July 18, 2011, 06:23:20 PM »

There really isn't too much to much to say other than just being a BMW-nut since.. always! The addiction has lead me to own too many vehicles, and I just keep wanting more! I used to play alot with the M20's and M30's (still do), and actually did not like anything that had a 4-cylinder M42 as such. However, there was this anxious feeling in my head that eventually convinced myself to go try one out. 3 years ago I drove my first M42 E30 and instantly, it was an instant connection! Ever since then, I've been tooling around with M42's and pretty much sold off most of my larger motor'd cars- but left three as they're just too awsome. I've owned one E36 318i sedan in the past, an E30 318i sedan, and I still own an E30 318i touring wagon with an M40! Eventually I had to get my arse into an E30 318iS which I did, but recently sold it and with it's funds, I bought another M42, but in a rag-top form.

I only bought it about three weeks ago now, and had purchased it with a completely dead motor. I had plans on swapping in another motor, but instead after some more tinkering, the head and timing were completely done! So! Just three days ago it has been running now, and boy is it a pleasure to drive! High revs, top down, winding back-roads is very fun!:D Not alot has been done to it. I lowered the suspenstion with H&Rs and Billies, US-spec ellips and Lamin-X'd high beams, Euro grilles, 15x7.5 Rikens, M-tech II wheel and an M-shift knob. I got a Euro plate filler, just need to drill the holes for it, and I plan on leaving it like that! Cool little car for sure!

Here are just a few shots, nothing special!

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Engine + Driveline / Terrible sound from the head.. M42 E30

« on: July 17, 2011, 09:40:27 PM »

Definately try your best to convince her to get into any E30 or even E36 as their prices are coming down really nicely for rather fully loaded cheap luxury! As for the X3, I recommend you stay away from such a vehicle as the quality build is most likely the worst BMW has glued together after the Z4. That "era" of models were really sloppy. If she really wants a good SUV, may I suggest a lovely '98-'04 Mercedes ML320 or 350? Those things are bullit-proof, and definately one sweet ride to own!

Anything that seems Euro, and "local" since the early and mid '80s are definately grey market. All those E23 745i, E21 323i, even some E30 323i and the list goes on into E24 628CSi or 630CSi are most definately grey market. Their stories in particular are rather interesting to say the least of how they were able to make it to North America un-phased by customs laws. Here in Canada, especially in BC, there's a wide variety of classic European cars that you will find. Alot of hidden ones too, but you'll actually find something that you'd never think was even around. I've only seen one super clean E23 745i before! They're quite the car I must say, unfortunately, there are more down south than up here!

I don't understand why the US are so over-protective of their own automobile-market. It's like they think a 20 year old car or whatever is going to collapse the beloved American car! It's just like buying a used car..

15

Exterior / Post your SINGLE best pic!

« on: July 17, 2011, 02:07:04 AM »

Here's a random cell phone picture I took of my now sold 318iS..