Messages

1

WTB/WTT / WTB Rear Side Marker Covers 1991 318i

« on: September 28, 2019, 11:54:35 AM »

Both of my rear side marker covers were stolen last night, car was parked in my driveway.  Let me know if you have a pair you’d like to sell.  Thanks!

2

General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 22, 2012, 07:39:33 PM »

Update - heard from the shop today, and the line from the filter to the engine was leaking.  It's been replaced, and the car is good to go, I'll pick it up tomorrow evening.  Only $75, much better than I was expecting.

Thanks for the help!

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General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 21, 2012, 08:54:24 PM »

was the car running when you looked under it?    a leak at the filter will leak under pressure (running) and may dry up when the engine is stopped
                                                                            Geoff

Yes.  I found the leak originally when the car was running, and it stopped when I turned off the car.  I started it Saturday morning, and we looked under the car while the engine was running, and I even drove it around the block, and looked again after that.  No leaking after driving it across town to the garage either.:confused:

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General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 20, 2012, 11:13:34 PM »

Interesting development today - no fuel leaking at all.  We looked under the car, and all connections were tight, and no obvious issues with the lines.  I still left the car at the garage to be looked at on Monday, will also have them check for the source of the strange noise.

If there is no leak, the only thing I could think of is condensation - could it  possibly smell that strongly of fuel?

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General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 19, 2012, 07:23:19 AM »

Might just be a loose clamp, like you think.  I'd get under there & double-check them all.  I can take some pictures of what it should look like if you'd like.

If they used some cheap fuel line it is possible that you have a punctured line - those hoses are bent quite sharply.  It's also a possibility that one of the replaced parts was defective.

Dave, if you wouldn't mind taking a quick photo, that would be helpful so that I have a better idea of what to look for tomorrow.  Thanks for the offer, I really appreciate it.

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General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 19, 2012, 07:21:18 AM »

On mine, they were all dry-rotted. As soon as I replaced the fuel filter, and actually handled those lines, they all started leaking. I ended up dropping the tank and replacing all the rubber fuel lines in the car.

Not to rain on the parade...

What ak96ss said. On each 318 I have wrenched on the lines were rotten on one or both sides of the filter. It is truly an easy fix. You may even find a preexisting splice inline on the inlet side of the filter (above the filter, heading back towards the front), I suggest not reusing it if you want to fix it correctly.

This is really what I'm expecting...hope it's more of a $500 repair and not $1,000.  The lines wouldn't be expensive, but the labor will be if the tank has to be dropped.

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General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 17, 2012, 02:26:58 AM »

Thanks for the information.  That's interesting that the fuel filter is right there, they also replaced it when the other work was being done, wonder if something has come loose.  Will have to take a look in the next couple of days so that I can make tow arrangements if necessary.  I don't know much about cars, so would only see something obviously wrong.

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General Topics / Fuel leak driver's side

« on: October 15, 2012, 11:15:11 PM »

About a week ago the 318 started making a strange noise shortly after I left the house.  Sounded like something metallic dragging from the rear of the car on the driver's side.  Got out and took a look, didn't find anything, but drove the car back home and switched to the SUV:mad:.

I started the car this morning, and noticed a fuel leak right next to the jack point under the back door on the driver's side.  Was dripping about every 2 seconds.  Called the shop, and they'll work on it on Monday.  Any probable causes?  Also wondering if I should have the car towed instead of driving it the 5 miles to the shop.

Had rear brakes, bushings, and sway bar end links done a couple of months ago, was hoping to spend $ on the paint, but this is obviously the priority right now.

9

General Topics / Post Your Current Problems

« on: August 18, 2012, 11:42:37 AM »

Other than the requisite pink paint and lack of AC, I have a slight oil leak from the timing case, and this week the speedometer started to bounce.  It seems to kick in and work properly around 2,000 RPMs (most of the time), but before that it drops to zero or fluctuates wildly.

Despite the leak, the car doesn't seem to be using oil, and I haven't noticed any new spots on the driveway.  Since the temps have cooled down a bit I'll be driving the car more, so will need to watch the oil level closely.  Will eventually address the issue when timing components are replaced.

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Exterior / passenger side rain gutter?

« on: June 14, 2012, 09:39:00 PM »

You might check with a BMW dealership first, I've recently picked up several replacement parts from them at good prices.

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Interior / Door handle trim

« on: June 12, 2012, 10:26:58 PM »

Picked up the parts this evening, and the new door handle trim is identical to the original, and fits perfectly.  Of course, it is a little darker than the old material due to sun fading, but still looks great.

The new roundels, however, are made of plastic.  I tapped on the originals, and they feel like metal.  Has anyone replaced their roundels, and were the originals metal?  If that's the case, I may look for a used set in good condition.

Looks like the dealership will be a good source for parts.  My hood insulation is crumbling, and they can order a replacement set for $45, which is about $15 lower then I found online.

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Interior / Door handle trim

« on: June 08, 2012, 07:51:32 AM »

A small update - was ordering new roundels and touch up paint from the dealer yesterday, and asked about this part.  They are still available, and can be ordered for $9.60 each.  Not too bad, was quite a bit less than Pelican Parts, will have to pay sales tax but no shipping.  They should be here Monday, so I'll update about the match to the original.

Thanks for all of the information Dave, will have to browse through the links this weekend.

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Interior / Door handle trim

« on: June 06, 2012, 07:46:29 AM »

Thank you Dave, I appreciate it!

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Interior / Door handle trim

« on: June 05, 2012, 09:42:32 PM »

You're talking about these?

http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/pel_search.cgi?please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=51+21+1+876+043&I1.x=8&I1.y=6&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON

That's it - thank you!  That site looks like a great resource, will have to browse and see what else I might need.

you are best off at a breakers mate

If you are going to buy new I urge you to get the original BMW parts as Uro/MTC trim parts can fit poorly and be poorly finished. Alternately, go to a junkyard/auto recyclers, should be cheap enough that route, since $12 new each is a bit much to me or just find some nice E30 owner/former owner and buy some off of them.

I definitely plan to use genuine BMW if at all possible, the car has very little that needs to be replaced, and want to keep it true to original condition.  Unfortunately, will probably have to purchase new, because my E30 is the only one I've seen around town.  Doubt the salvage yards have anything available for picking.

Thanks everyone!

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Interior / Door handle trim

« on: June 05, 2012, 07:46:23 AM »

A couple of the plastic frames around the door handles have cracked and broken over the years.  Has anyone seen replacements available?  I've looked on several sites, but found nothing.  Need a couple in black.  Thanks!