Author Topic: Introduction and question (Read 4419 times)

colin86325 · « **on:** January 29, 2008, 05:28:41 PM »

Hi folks, my name is Colin and I just joined the site. I just bought a 1991 318iS that needs a little love, so I've been searching and reading this site and it's proven to be a great resource.
I also own a 1986 325 and a 1989 M3, but I recently saw a 318iS for $800 so i decided to see what the poor man's M3 is all about.

The car I bought doesn't have an Active Check Control unit near the rear view mirror. It just has a blanking plate there. Is this typical? I assume I can just add a unit there? The car has the rare glass moonroof option

, so I'm wondering whether this is the reason why the unit is deleted?

Thanks guys.

Cheers,
Colin

haledj · « **Reply #1 on:** January 29, 2008, 09:20:29 PM »

Have you pulled it out?

mine looks like a blanking plate unless one of the lights is lit up.
It is just two lights, SRS warning and something else (I forget).
Also there are no extra wires running to it so if you did get the more extensive check panel, than it wouldn't work.

colin86325 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 29, 2008, 09:41:22 PM »

haledj:

I have not had a chance to investigate the car fully, but I'll have a better idea on Saturday when I take possession of the car.

LOL, I assumed all E30s had the active check control panel. Forgive my newbishment.

hoevesruperd · « **Reply #3 on:** January 29, 2008, 11:08:14 PM »

since you have a 1989 M3 please let me know if the poor man's M3 is really as nearly enjoyable as the rich man's M3

colin86325 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 30, 2008, 06:04:00 PM »

Quote from: hoevesruperd;41925

since you have a 1989 M3 please let me know if the poor man's M3 is really as nearly enjoyable as the rich man's M3

With everything I've read, I'm sure it will be a blast to drive. I'm taking delivery on Saturday. The car's engine feels a bit sluggish and the tensioner definitely needs to be replaced (at the very least), so it will be a while until I can drive it like it's meant to be driver.

I've done some work to my M3's engine: 2.5 conversion, carbon fiber intake, alpha-N conversion, and 10lb flywheel. The M3's throttle response is incredible and I will probably go with a lighter flywheel for the M42 as the stock flywheel is way too heavy for my taste. Haven't really started on upgrading the M3 suspension yet. Just replaced worn original parts.

I'm thinking that the 318iS should prove to be a nice stablemate and am looking forward to getting her up and running