Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / Help plz: 318is Diesel-like noise

« on: April 30, 2011, 10:35:45 PM »

It's a 1992 318is, so E36.

Before I bought the car, all work was done by the BMW dealership in town, without any issues. I've done no work to it aside from regular oil changes.

I'm using full synthetic 5-50, and it's due for another change very soon.

After a bit more research, it sounds like it might be the cam chain tensioner?

2

Engine + Driveline / Help plz: 318is Diesel-like noise

« on: April 30, 2011, 09:25:41 PM »

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your help with this problem.

[WHAT]
Diesel-like noise coming from the engine bay
Almost sounds like a tractor

[WHEN]
1 - At start-up, if it was a cold night. Only for a second or two and then no noise after.
2 - After driving at 110 Km/h for prolonged periods (1.5 hours today). After turning the car off and restarting in a couple of minutes, there was no noise.

Thank you and cheers,

e.

3

Electrical / Need help quick! 92 318is - Suddenly No Heat but not overheating?

« on: January 06, 2010, 09:02:34 PM »

All right... so back in Calgary now and drove to car today. With re-circulate on, the heat is tolerable but definitely not hot. Hoses are hot and engine stays at a good operating temperature. Another thing i noticed is icing on inside windows in the car. I guess that could be due to the door design? Anyone else have this happen?

Once we get to some plus temps I'll have time to have a decent look at the heater and such... but I'd like to ask for your opinion:

- How difficult is it to change the heater valve?
- Is there a quick way to test the it first? (aside from lack of heat in the car har har)
- Do I need to bleed the coolant before doing the swap?
- Should I consider changing the core instead? How difficult is that swap?
- Should I look for used parts or go new right away?

4

Electrical / Need help quick! 92 318is - Suddenly No Heat but not overheating?

« on: December 17, 2009, 04:54:18 PM »

UPDATE: Added the missing coolant, the heat coming out is now warm-ish, but still not hot. Car is still not overheating. I'll check the hose temp next time I'm in town, but last time the top hose was warm (didn't check the lower one)

Will report back when I check it next. Thanks for the help!

5

Electrical / Need help quick! 92 318is - Suddenly No Heat but not overheating?

« on: December 14, 2009, 08:44:52 PM »

I'll have a look tomorrow, but after scrounging up some courage to face the cold, I went back out and checked the coolant level [which is what I should have done in the first place... doh]. It was lower then it should be so I added some more mix and it seemed a blow warmer.

I'll give it a better test run tomorrow and update at the end of the day.

6

Electrical / Need help quick! 92 318is - Suddenly No Heat but not overheating?

« on: December 14, 2009, 05:59:01 PM »

Heat blew fine all day, but just from the last stop to home it stopped blowing heat. Fan works fine and the engine temp is fine, but when I crank up the heat and far it just blows cold.

Now, its very cold here these days and we did drive down a bumpy road so I wanted to ask you guys for which areas to check before I go out there in the cold to give it a shot??

Thanks in advance!

7

Suspension / odd rubbing noise from the back

« on: October 18, 2009, 08:46:36 PM »

Just noticed it today, when backing up and turning to either side. There's a low repeating rubbing noise coming from the back end.

I checked the tires and there's no contact. I'll check wheel bearings tomorrow. Any other ideas?

8

General Topics / Quick intro and a question (92 318is purchase)

« on: October 11, 2009, 10:28:11 AM »

Hi everyone,

I looked around BMW forums for the last couple of days and this seems to be the best one around, so I'm hoping to solicit some advice / opinions.

Long story short, I'll be picking up a 92 318is (M42) on Tuesday. First BMW... very excited.

- Car is in fantastic shape inside and out. Engine bay could use a good cleaning, but looks dry and in order.
- Second owner.
- Have all bills and maintenance records since new.
- 160k on the engine.

Looking through the records:

- regular oil changes with syth 5-50, air and oil filters
- inspection 2 done at 140k with brakes at 60/30, wheel alignment, full fluid replacement, all belts replaced.
- 120k water pump replaced.
- 80k replaced timing chain tensioner, alternator and belts.

During the test drive, clutch feels great, motor seems peppy and suspension is nice and stiff...

I wanted to ask you guys if I should be expecting any major repairs or maintenance soon?

I imagine the clutch will have to be replaced sometime in the near future.... anything else that's typical of these cars / engines?

Thanks in advance for your help!!

e.