Author Topic: Gas/Tune-up (Read 3018 times)

3ics · « **on:** June 06, 2006, 10:18:55 PM »

Just picked up my 318i a little over a month ago. A few questions;

1. Does everyone here run on plus or premium gas?
2. Has anyone switched over to synthetic oil? My father's friend recommended I switch since the car is older etc.
3. When the car is on, it almost sounds like a deisel. Is this the timing chain? I have read some disucssion about a tensioner. Will this help or is it likely I need a valve adjustment?

I love driving the car, and might have to sell it in a few weeks. I have only been getting around 300 on a full tank - but I have read some people getting between 350-400. Car runs good, temperature stays on the cool side with the AC on. I drive mostly town traffic.

Thank you for your help!

m42 fan · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2006, 05:58:18 AM »

Hey, welcome aboard! Let's see some pics. Hopefully I can help with your questions.

1) Yes. Run at least 91, or you could run into some knocking problems.

2) Make sure the previous owner ran synthetic also, or you could start some small oil leaks when the synthetic cleans out your engine. Otherwise it's a good idea.

3)this is all part of the unique joy that is the M42. The valves are self adjusting, so that is not your problem. Changing the chain tensioner is always a good idea if you don't know how long it has been. Also, The chain can strecth over time, creating more noise. Generally a complete timing case rebuild is recommended every 200,000 miles or so.

4)I also do mostly city driving. I noticed that I get 25-26 in town, but if I do any highway at all, it shoots up to nearly 30. If I did all highway it would be near 34-35 or so.

HTH
Brian

kramerica5000 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2006, 07:12:42 AM »

If you car is staying cool, there is a good chance your thermostat is bad. Your temp needle should be between 1/4th and 1/2. A cool running engine will not get as good as gas mileage

Quote from: 3ics

... Car runs good, temperature stays on the cool side with the AC on. I drive mostly town traffic.

Thank you for your help!

3ics · « **Reply #3 on:** June 07, 2006, 09:25:50 AM »

m42 fan and kramerica5000 - Thanks for the suggestions and tips. Both of you look like you have great cars! I was looking for a coupe, but this was too good to pass. I picked it up 161,000 miles. The original owner had it dealer serviced up till 120/130 miles and I have the paperwork to see it was taken care of. The second ower was a mechanic who had a beautiful 6 series coupe, so I feel luck the car had good previous owners.

I should correct myself; the temperature runs between the 1/4 mark and to/just below 1/2 when running depending on the driving environment. I am just used to VWs that run always at 1/2 or higher. I will keep it in mind.

I just took some pictures, but have not posted them yet. Hopefully in the next few days!

D. Clay · « **Reply #4 on:** June 07, 2006, 10:37:38 AM »

My "is" made a diesel clatter that sounded like it was coming from the cam/etc. between 2-3 cylinders. It was the tensioner. It was better right after an oil change but always came back, finally occurring all the time no matter what. The tensioner is an easy repair but be prepared for the motor to sound like farm equipment for a few seconds when you first start it up.
My temp guage stays at 1/4 but the water temp is 210 as measured with a surface pyrometer on the thermostat housing.
I run cheap gas with no problems. With the price in the 5th. dimension it may be time to reevaluate the cost per mile in light of better mileage and performance with more expensive gas. I parked in the vbgarage yesterday now I need some new pictures.

twinpop171 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2006, 06:04:41 AM »

Quote from: m42 fan

4)I also do mostly city driving. I noticed that I get 25-26 in town, but if I do any highway at all, it shoots up to nearly 30. If I did all highway it would be near 34-35 or so.

HTH
Brian

I get roughly the same mileage running 92-93 octane. I once put in 87 by mistake and the car ran like shit with poor mpg. I don't mind spending the extra dollar or two at fill up since the car treats me well for it.

I only get 300 miles on a tank running around town.

I run synthetic oil with no problems and my car has 132,000 miles.

As for the diesel sound, I'd do the TC tensioner as stated above and see what happens. I haven't done mine yet but it looks easy enough to do.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted, Dan.

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #6 on:** June 12, 2006, 11:06:41 PM »

Timing chain tensioner is easy and cheap. DIY for anyone. Mobil One is great in these engines. I think I have 15w50 in there- I'll loook. Too heavy a grade also contributes to noisy t-chain, but I'll bet the chain can jump a sprocket if that tensioner fails completely, then ugly sounds come out and you get unhappy.