Author Topic: New 1993 318i (Read 2922 times)

Deus003 · « **on:** January 18, 2010, 11:23:42 AM »

I picked up a used 93 318i off of CraigsList for a grand. The car has some issues, so I would like the profesional's opinion. The car needs a passenger side rear wheel bearing. Is it worth it to do it myself, or should I go to a mechanic? The last bearing I changed involved cutting out the outer race with a torch. I am pretty handy, but buying books for school got in the way of owning tools. Also at highway speeds the steering wheel shakes violently when turning left. I believe this to be a tie rod end, but I am not sure with this car. The engine runs smooth and the car is in decent condition for being 15 years old. It has 213k on it. Thanks in advance for any help.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2010, 12:00:37 PM »

Welcome to the club...post some pics & intro yourself (& the car!)...we love the four bangers here, and there's a lot of great info about keeping these cars on the road.

I've never done a bearing, so I'll leave that to the experts. I think it just needs a press, no cutting req'd.

I'm thinking tie rod or lower control arm bushing. They wear & cause all sorts of odd steering troubles. The M3 LCAB is an upgrade...check these forums for opinions on the LCABs.

Your e36 also has a reputation for a poor rear subframe & diff mount design...boosted M3s were known to rip the subframe off the car. Have the car up on a lift & get a mechanic to check those subframe bushings for wear.

These cars are legendary for the mileage you can rack up. Mine has 271k on it, and the speedo pickup isn't working 100%. Who knows how much it has now?

superj · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2010, 07:15:40 PM »

mine has over 250k on it also but hte odo quit about 10 or 12 years prior to me buying it, according to the owners prior to me. it might even have more since the guy lived 2.5 hours north of here and drove daily to work for 4 or 5 years.

Deus003 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2010, 02:39:35 PM »

I took it to PepBoys for a $20 inspection. Found it was the balljoint. Looks like the entire conrol arm needs to be replaced. I am thinking about paying a friend to do it, because PepBoys wants $930 to do the work. Ugh. I don't have the tools or space to do it at my place.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2010, 02:42:50 PM »

It's not that hard. For what Pep Boys wants you could rent a garage & buy the tools.

Do you have a decent indie BMW mech out your way? Post your location & someone might have a recommendation. If you're close to Pittsburgh, drive over & I'll let you borrow the tools.

Deus003 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2010, 04:50:50 PM »

I am about an hour outside of Pittsburgh, in Youngstown. I would love the help.

DesktopDave · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2010, 08:29:11 PM »

How convenient. PM me for my address & availability. I'll have to clean out the garage a little to get a car into it...but I have a floor jack & stands.

I unfortunately don't have a press for the bushings/ball joints, nor a gear puller for the LCABs, but we might be able to work around that. There's an Advance Auto close by in case we need to rent a tool or two.

Coincidentally, I have a new case of Sam Adams 25th anniversary too. I find that it helps with frustrating auto jobs.