Answers needed...

[bimma_318iS]

Hey guys. For the last 3 days I have been searching for the threads that have answers for my questions and I just can't find them. I know they are out there.

Cluster Problems
1. My temp gauge doesn't work. When I start the car, it jumps all the way to the red and drops back down to cold and stays there. While my car warms up the Oil Pressure Gauge starts becoming brighter and brighter, then it stays on. Now I know that (most likely) I have to do something with the cluster. I took it apart and couldn't see what needs fixing. I think i just don't know what to look for. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

1a. While my cluster will be apart, how can i fix the Rev gauge. It works about 50% of the time, the other time it just gets stuck between 2500 and 3500 and moves slowly in that range.

Oil Pan Problems
2. I finally changed the oil and oil filter.Took the valve cover off to inspect the timing chain and to just see how it all looks. I also bought an oil pan gasket because I wanted to drop it and tighten the bolts if needed be. Well, I couldn't. I took all the bolts off. Then i tried to take it off and I couldn't. I even used a razor blade to try to cut through the gasket to somehow open something up, stick something in there and to just try to pry it off. No go. I just had to give up. What can I do next oil change? I really want to drop the pan to make sure there are no bolts just relaxing at the bottom of the pan and not doing their job. BTW...the sprocket teeth were perfect (not sharp). Chain looked tight and everything was super duper clean. No bits and pieces of metal anywhere.

Stock Speaker Upgrade?
3. I got the premium speakers from 325is and wondering if they will work properly without the amp? I plugged them in and they sounded pretty good but I just want to see if any of you guys know anything about that upgrade.

Leather Seat Dye
4. I found this baby and I want it in my car in the proper color. What do you guys think of leather dyes?



All answers are greatly appreciated!

OH, today my e30 got a compliment from a young guy in a Chevy Impala on 22-24 inch chrome rims. "Hey, is that your BMW?"..."Yeah"..."Those are nice little cars"..."Thanks"...I was a little surprised.

[Wise Old Dog]

Sound like you have the temp sender wire crossed with the oil pressure sender wire. We did that before and had the same problem. Switch the 2 connectors and check it out.
You need to pound the oil pan with a wooden or rubber mallet to break it loose.
Stock speakers suck, even the premium ones. They are old, and cheaply made. Get some MB Quarts, Infinity, Alpine, etc. You'll be glad you did. E-bay is the place for cheap speakers.
Leather dyes look good at first then wear off with constant friction. And our seats are vinyl, thats why they look so good after all these years. Real leather cracks with age.

[sheepdog]

There are a few bolts that are hard to notice on the pan, make sure you have them all.

I would have sworn I got them all, but once I looked better, the 4th time I found them.
You do need to knock the pan to break it loose, but you should not need too much effort, if you pry and it does not let go, you missed a bolt.

[pmcinema]

While I commend the rear seat upgrade, I do not recommend leather die. As said before, it weares off and after a short while, it looks cheep because of the wear.  
Just as a note, I had a problem with the rear seat upgrade. As I would look over my right shoulder to change lanes, the rear right head rest would be in my line of sight.  I hope that helps. Best of luck.

[Eurospec]

A mallet will be useful when taking the oil pan out. Be sure to use caution. Also, replace the gasket and don't over tighten those bolts!