Author Topic: Pics of my new 318is (Read 9061 times)

kramerica5000 · « **on:** April 29, 2006, 11:55:43 PM »

Hey everyone, this is my first post over here so its befitting that it includes some pics of my new 318is. Thanks asubimmer for telling be about this forum.

I bought the car off ebay from a guy in NY. Some of you may have seen it as it was mentioned in a thread. The car has 87,000 miles on it and its in great shape. But not perfect shape. Its got a nasty vibration above 60mph that I am hoping goes away after a trip to the shop for an alignment/balance. Its also got a loose and rattly steering column/shaft. I took a look at it today, and the lower swivel joint has some play in it, but I am not sure how much play it is supposed to have. I'm more concerned about the play in the part were the lower splined shaft goes into the upper shaft (inside the car). I tried to tighten what appears to be a compression fitting but it didn't help. Any advice on this would be appreciated. Should I just replace the whole steering column assembly?

Its also got a leaky steering rack and diff. I'd like to get a rack with a tigher ratio. I know there is a write up on this out ther but haven't been able to find it, so I would also love some advice on this.

The other thing I have in mind is a lighter flywheel. I can really feel that 30lbs spinning and want to get rid of some of that weight! What are my options for a lighter m42 flywheel without getting too pricy or so light that my wife can't drive it? Is it possible to machine the dual mass flywheel?

Anyways, on to what you came here to see, some pics. I gave it a good washing and a coat of cleaner wax. The wax really brought up the shine. Should sparkle after I hit it with the buffer :-)

Check out this old school car phone that I removed along with a non-functioning security system.

JDNo.5 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2006, 12:27:24 AM »

LOL, another brilliantrot m42

, we're setting up for World Domination with this color. Funny coincidence, I purchased mine from eBay and it came with a car phone and a non-functioning alarm as well

... Anyway nice car man, welcome.

Eurospec · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2006, 12:41:50 AM »

Congrats on the purchase. Funny thing is that I shared the car with Febi back when it was listed on the bay and we were both amazed at how clean it was.

thumper3ld · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2006, 10:05:22 AM »

Welcome and congrats. Im a bit jealous that mine didnt come with the car phone now.

kramerica5000 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:23:48 AM »

Quote from: thumper3ld

Welcome and congrats. Im a bit jealous that mine didnt come with the car phone now.

I would give you mine, but unfortunately it didn't survive uninstallation.

M42boy · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2006, 10:28:06 PM »

I saw that car on Ebay. Looked pretty good, at least as far as these 318is' seem to go. For some reason, most of them seem to be beaten like a red-headed stepchild. :rolleyes:

How much did you get it for, if you don't mind me asking. Looks about the same condition as mine, and I always wonder if I overpaid. Mine was an Ebay purchase as well.

Congrats on a fine purchase and welcome to the club!

asubimmer · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:05:34 PM »

welcome man, I'm glad you came over. I think you will really like all the M42 info we have over here!!

flyguy91318 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:22:02 PM »

welcome welcome nice ride glade to see another new member

D. Clay · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2006, 11:49:19 PM »

That's sharp. I have a few pet peeves like most people. One is the stock ride height. Another is the excessive rake - it makes the car look shorter, and black rocker panels - they make the is lip look like a severe overbite.
But that car looks good! No rust and a straight body. You gatta love 87,000 miles.
I'd say get the coupler with an E36 rack. That big nut on the lower shaft is a puzzle. I tightened mine real tight and it still has enough looseness to collapse. The rack knocking probabbly stressed the other components. I don't see a need to replace the column. Is the play in the lower coupler joint splines or in the u-joint in the coupler. Could be loose bolts there also.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2006, 06:52:38 AM »

WELCOME
I was watching that car on ebay and salivating a little at how nice the condition was .:eek:
RED must be the color !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gotta love it
congratulations and welcome again

kramerica5000 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2006, 12:35:21 PM »

I paid $5400, which a lot of people said was too much (especially at e30tech.com). I don't regret it at all, and I would have paid more for it. I'm sure I could have found a better deal, but I had been looking for 6 months on ebay, craigslist, autotrader, cars.com, the forums, etc. and this is the best thing I found. Its great to find a deal, but I was ready to buy and this was the car, so I paid what it took to get it. Its mostly borrowed money anyways. What's most important is that its sitting outside, and I couldn't be happier. Oh and I don't care what anyone says $5400 is not much for a car like this.

Quote from: M42boy

How much did you get it for, if you don't mind me asking. Looks about the same condition as mine, and I always wonder if I overpaid. Mine was an Ebay purchase as well.

Congrats on a fine purchase and welcome to the club!

kramerica5000 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2006, 12:43:38 PM »

I totally agree with you on the black rocker panels; I've always thought that. I'll prolly paint them red someday, and the ride height won't be stock for long

Not sure what you mean by "excessive rake."

I went all out tightening that bolt on the column and on my second attempt it actually took out the slop. It drives much better now, and the rattle is gone. Not sure if its will still collapse as it supposed to, but I feel safer without slop in the steering.

Quote from: D. Clay

That's sharp. I have a few pet peeves like most people. One is the stock ride height. Another is the excessive rake - it makes the car look shorter, and black rocker panels - they make the is lip look like a severe overbite.
But that car looks good! No rust and a straight body. You gatta love 87,000 miles.
I'd say get the coupler with an E36 rack. That big nut on the lower shaft is a puzzle. I tightened mine real tight and it still has enough looseness to collapse. The rack knocking probabbly stressed the other components. I don't see a need to replace the column. Is the play in the lower coupler joint splines or in the u-joint in the coupler. Could be loose bolts there also.

dude8383 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2006, 02:49:06 PM »

check out bmp for a lighter flywheel. i know ill be buying one to install on my car shortly.

jwbavalon · « **Reply #13 on:** May 02, 2006, 02:41:25 PM »

Welcome to the land of brilliantrot m42s. I like the rake and black body panels.

mrjezza · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2006, 06:09:01 PM »

sorry if i sound stupid but what is rake?