New member with $300 318is few questions?

[butch355]

Ok I am new to the m42 world.  I bought a 91 318is for $300 that needed some work but nothing major (paint, tail lights, fog light, radio, etc).  Runs good, no smoke and no body damage or rust.

I have had many e30s over the years, e36 m3, e46 m3, and e36 328ic.  So I know the cars, just first time buying a POS for good milage and really is a fun car with some spunk! hehe

First off the power steering is not hooked up and the pully is missing on the pump.  Is this normal or did it just sheer off or some mod to get a few HP from the little engine?  Also, should I just leave it alone and dont worry about it?

No washer fluid res.  Again is this normal?

The car shows AC and lights up on the dash but I dont see any comressor?

Missing two wheel caps 14 basketweave.  How hard are these to located?

The shocks and struts are vintage 1991, anything tough to replace these?  I have a 4 point lift which should help?

Trying to bring the car back from the road to the scrapyard and going good.

Thanks!

[DesktopDave]

Welcome to the board...you'll find tons of good info here and great people to help.

I'd guess that the PO deleted the P/S and the A/C.  The P/S is totally unnecessary and leaks without fail.  The A/C likely just ran out of r12 and it was deleted.  I'm not sure if the light should come on though?  Removing the compressor and condensor saves 40 pounds off the front of the car.  You won't miss either of them.  BTW, I'm told the A/C system can be filled with r134 straight (should you decide to re-install it), but YMMV.

No washer reservoir?  Odd one there.

Those little wheel centers are commonly lost.  They're surprisingly expensive for what they are.  Get some upgraded Honda Civic 4-lug 17" wheels.

There are a few good choices in shocks.  Bilstein HD with your stock springs provides a nice ride.  Adding e30 M3 springs will drop the car slightly and still maintain ride quality.  Bilstein Sports with H&R, BavAuto or Eibach seem to be a pretty common setup too, especially for lowering the car.

Keep up the good work, these cars are hidden gems, worth the all the frustration!

[B318M42W]

on the TO DO list...
-CHECK your upper oil pan bolts! they tend to loosen and fall out, and then the pan shifts= oil starvation... not good
- check chain/sprocket condition -and the tension
- change your fuel filter
 pretty much what i can think off the top of my head for now...

oh and welcome! great cars and fun to work on! (if you have appropriate tools that is!)

[butch355]

Thanks for the advice.

I will get it on the lift this weekend.  I bought some cheap chinese tail lights for 80$ and some cheaper shocks/struts for $220 and see how they go.  I know the stuff is junk but I just spend over 1.5 times the costs of parts for what I paid for the whole car, hehe.

Its fun having a cheap car to work on and not have to worry about making it perfect.  I have a 355 and 911 and the BMW is something I can tear apart and buy random things off ebay and just have fun with doing random things I would never do on a more expensive car.

Thanks again for the help, hope the car gets at least some good milage and will pass emissions.

[3bvert]

just watch those cheap china control arms, Ive seen lots on other forums about them breaking in use