Author Topic: 318is, newbie (Read 3311 times)

mlangbauer · « **on:** July 11, 2007, 05:34:03 PM »

Hello,
I am a newbie to the M42 engine but have had years of experience with other models. My question, I replaced the plugs and wires but am having a nuisance problem. For some reason the wire on the front plug works itself loose which is causing a slight miss. I have tried everything to push the boot on the spark plug as far as possible. Am I missing something? Do you think that coil is going bad? Also, what harm can be done if I remove the black plastic piece between the spark plug boots and the head? Am I asking for problems with the boots melting?

Thanks in advance!
Matt

tjts1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2007, 05:59:10 PM »

The connector on the end of the spark plug wire is probably worn out. The only real solution is to replace the spark plug wire. As far as the plastic is concerned, you can remove it without fear of melting the plug wire boots. Its there to keep water out of the spark plug wells so just be careful about driving through deep water or washing the engine with a hose (which you shouldn't be doing anyway).

mlangbauer · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2007, 07:19:55 PM »

thanks for that. i will replace the wire...bummer since they are brand new magnecors....

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 12, 2007, 09:03:21 AM »

Also, make sure that there isn't any oil in the plug well, as this was causing problems on my car. The fix is a new valve cover gasket set.

mlangbauer · « **Reply #4 on:** July 16, 2007, 10:32:58 AM »

Problem solved.

Hi guys. I replaced the 4 coil packs. Problem solved, the car is running like a champ....except for the timing chain rattle/slap...I have changed the timing belt tensioner. Is this pretty normal for an engine with approx 130000 miles?

Thanks again!
Matt Langbauer

MarkD · « **Reply #5 on:** July 16, 2007, 12:15:48 PM »

Quote from: mlangbauer;29464

Hello,
I am a newbie to the M42 engine but have had years of experience with other models. My question, I replaced the plugs and wires but am having a nuisance problem. For some reason the wire on the front plug works itself loose which is causing a slight miss. I have tried everything to push the boot on the spark plug as far as possible. Am I missing something? Do you think that coil is going bad? Also, what harm can be done if I remove the black plastic piece between the spark plug boots and the head? Am I asking for problems with the boots melting?

Thanks in advance!
Matt

Matt,

if now that the motor is running well, you may want to insatll one of my M42 performance chips. The group buy closed last week but if you order this week, you can get still 15% off!

MarkD

mlangbauer · « **Reply #6 on:** July 16, 2007, 02:06:51 PM »

Thanks, but the previous owner already installed a hp chip. I am actually considering selling the car. It seems that the engine is a pretty over engineered piece and for a daily get to work car I don't want to have to worry about a high maintenance vehicle.

If anyone is interested, it is a nice car, AC works GREAT, perfect interior, almost new tires, etc.

Thanks!
Matt

D. Clay · « **Reply #7 on:** July 16, 2007, 04:13:43 PM »

Anything with 130,000 miles will need ongoing maintenance. My 1991 318is has been my daily driver since 1999. It had 130K on it when I bought it. It also has had the coils replaced at 145K and the tensioner at 140K. That's normal. The M42 will go 200-250K easy with proper oil changes.

gearheadE30 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 17, 2007, 11:26:36 AM »

mine's going on 200k and it is my daily driver, and I am in highschool. I don't exactly have a lot of money for huge repairs, but this car has been extremely reliable. Doesn't burn a drop of oil

. Mine still has original coils, and I think they're about gone...