Author Topic: New owner with a question... (Read 4188 times)

bimma_318iS · « **on:** June 15, 2006, 02:45:48 AM »

Hey!! I am a new member and a new owner of the "poor man's M3."

I got one with body damage to the driver's door. Very nice inside, drives nice but has oil on the block on the side of the distributor. I have a couple of questions.
1. Will any other E30's drivers door work for my 318is. (I found a door of of a 89 325 at pick-n-pool for $35). Will it fit?:confused:

2. If there is an oil leak, what are the most common places it leaks from?

Thanks.

Choking Hazard · « **Reply #1 on:** June 15, 2006, 07:32:56 AM »

I *THINK* any door will fit, but lets get a few more opinions on that.
M42 engines don't have a distributor. If it is a can shaped devise on the front left of the engine, the oil filter lives in there (it is not like most filters- it is just the element). At the bottom of that has the oil pressure sender screwed in. Maybe that is the leak?

m42 fan · « **Reply #2 on:** June 15, 2006, 10:58:00 AM »

You should be good to go with the door. You may be able to use any 2 door e30 door, but for sure, anything post facelift ('89 on) should work.
Brian

bimma_318iS · « **Reply #3 on:** June 15, 2006, 04:22:59 PM »

Thanks. I will probably get that door I was looking at. The leak I still have to look into more. At first glance I thought that maybe the gaskets need to be changed.

"M42 engines don't have a distributor. If it is a can shaped devise on the front left of the engine, the oil filter lives in there (it is not like most filters- it is just the element)"

What is the thing called that has the spark plug wires coming from to the engine. Since I am a previous owner of a couple of Integras I assumed that was the distributor. Cuz I know that the newer Beemers have individual spark things, while integras have a distributor. And on the m42 it looks similar.

mrjezza · « **Reply #4 on:** June 16, 2006, 01:25:52 AM »

I know for a fact that the M42 uses individual coils; my guess is that they are just housed in a cluster, but there are almost definately 4 coils.

sheepdog · « **Reply #5 on:** June 16, 2006, 07:22:51 PM »

Pre 89' doors use different glass, and internals.
While it will fit, it will not fit perfect.

Also, if it is red, BrilliantRot is not the same as the other reds. It is VERY close, but from the right angles it is different.

bimma_318iS · « **Reply #6 on:** June 16, 2006, 10:56:31 PM »

Quote from: mrjezza

I know for a fact that the M42 uses individual coils; my guess is that they are just housed in a cluster, but there are almost definately 4 coils.

I figured it out. I AM a new owner of the e30 or any beemer. I though it was the distributor because I didnt look at it enough. I was edumaguessing with my experience with one of my 94' integras as it had problems often, minor but it made me visit the engine bay a lot. I need lots of learning about the e30 especially.

Thank you all for answering my questions.

bimma_318iS · « **Reply #7 on:** June 16, 2006, 11:06:29 PM »

I did get that door. Still need to see how it fits (i got a 30 day return if something).

Recently I read the thread where people write little something about themeselves and post the pics of their e30s. I am planning to do that when I get my ride in a better condition. My interior is nice and clean but outside needs work. :cool:
Since I am new with beemers I hope it is ok to ask you guys questions in the future cuz when I start diggin in more I know I will have some questions.

bimma_318iS · « **Reply #8 on:** June 16, 2006, 11:13:34 PM »

I already have a question:D

I read at http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M42 that profile gaskets on M42s fail prematurely built before '93.

where are they located?

Eurospec · « **Reply #9 on:** June 17, 2006, 10:58:32 AM »

Quote from: live*E30*2*318is*ride

I already have a question:D

I read at http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M42 that profile gaskets on M42s fail prematurely built before '93.

where are they located?

Here is some background info, LINK

It has also been covered here on the forum, try a search.

bimma_318iS · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2006, 10:36:19 PM »

Quote from: sheepdog

Pre 89' doors use different glass, and internals.
While it will fit, it will not fit perfect.

Also, if it is red, BrilliantRot is not the same as the other reds. It is VERY close, but from the right angles it is different.

I got the door it looks like it fits. Although the internals ARE different. The difference is that the class motor is placed higher. All the slots and holes are same so I will just swapp my internals into the new door. Should be good.

eurospec, thanks for the link. it explained it really well.
thanks all for the help.