Im BMW stupid and I need to fix some things

[sKunk]

Well, I just bought a 91 318i 4 door 5 speed.  The car is a blast to drive and Im loving it, but some things need to be fixed.  Ive never owned or even worked on a BMW before, so I know nothing.  Now Ive worked on plenty of other cars, but its always been the good ol' domestic.


Ill describe this problem as best as I can.  When the car is warmed up, and is shut off, when starting it again, it runs like crap, like sputtering and will die if you don't give it gas.  Once its revved to about 3k, it smooths out and runs fine for the rest of the time.  It does this every time. Today for the first time, it did while just driving, it just died when I put the clutch in, and was a lot worse.  Wouldn't even run after some revs.  Eventually it cooperated and starting running fine tho.


Other problem is my coolant temp gauge.  Most of the time, it just flickers around.  Like, it'll peg hot, then goto the middle, then in between, then bounce around, etc.  I changed a coolant temp sensor, and it didnt change anything, and I don't know if it was the sensor for the gauge or the ECU.  Bad ground?  Any ideas on where I should even look?


So those are my two main things.  Anything I should look for or change or maintenance I should worry about with these cars?  164k miles also.  Supposedly before I bought it the guy changed out the voltage regulator and water pump.  Since I bought it I changed the fuel filter, plugs, and coolant temp sensor.


Ill probably think of more, if I do Ill add it here.  Thanks everyone.

[individualist]

On your first problem it sounds like maybe you have the hot start problem. Look at the sticky at the top of the engine & driveline section titled " Did we ever figure out the "Hot Start Problem". I had the same problem and the answer to it was in that thread.

I'm not real sure about your second question, I'll let others chime in on that one.

Good luck...

[DesktopDave]

I have the exact same car...'91 318i sedan.  I've heard they were all manuals too.  Good thing AFAIC.  Aren't they the greatest?  No offense to those of the group with only two doors...:p

If it's not the hot start problem (was that the catalytic converter disable plug on the firewall that must remain unplugged?) it might be the ICV, FPR or a loss of fuel pressure from a bad check valve in the pump.  They sell a repair kit you can splice into the supply line near the tank or after the filter, but it might be NLA.  BMW PN 16149068988.  http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4688

The coolant gauge has a grounding nut on the back of the cluster that can cause that.  Could be a cap on the board too, but I haven't found a good write-up on that.  Mostly people just replace the cluster, it's a common problem.  The gauges are individual, so if you get another set you can swap them out.  My speedo quit a little while ago, been too lazy to take it all apart.  Let me knw if you need directions on taking it all apart.

I wouldn't worry too much about the mileage, these engines run a long time.  I just rolled 271K miles.  Confirm that the PO changed the water pump...you're lucky if he did, it's a sloppy pig of a job.
Take care not to overheat the engine at all, or it's time for a new head.
Maybe drop the lower oil pan & check for loose bolts.
You might want to replace the crank nose oil seal if the car oozes.
Timing chain guides have been problematic.
Front control arms & bushings wear out quickly.
Watch out for a leaking windshield seal...it'll rust out the firewall under the fuse box & the passenger side wheel well under the glove compartment.
Look out for rust in the trunk seal too, it'll rust out the trunk pockets.  Check after a good rain...if the jack is sitting in a little pool of water you need to do some work.
Keep the four sunroof drains clear...they cause leaks in the damnedest places.

[sKunk]

Wow, sorry guys I didn't even see that on the top.  Haha.


Well I did it and well see, I bet that fixes it tho as that sounds exactly like my problem.  Again, thanks.


Man I really don't wanna pull that cluster out.. I have an extra Autometer Elec. Temp gauge I might just throw in in that case.. haha.

OH, and I was going to ask.  All the bushing and whatnot in the suspension seem to pretty worn, suspension and steering just seem to be lose.  Any kits or anything out there?  On that note, what a good website for aftermarket stuff on these cars?  Or OEM replacement?

I'm sure a lot of this can be answered if I just searched...