Author Topic: Sean_318is (Read 15712 times)

Sean_318is · « **on:** July 22, 2009, 07:48:29 AM »

Hi there,

My name's Sean, I'm 28 and I have owned my Montreal Blue 1995 E36 318is coupe for just over a week now. I thought I'd tell you how we're getting along!

*Pics*

Spec: *All mods carried out by previous owners

318is M42 140bhp - 174k miles
Lowered suspension with front strut brace
Twin upswept DTM stlye rear exhaust
K&N induction kit (needs enclosing and cleaning :rolleyes:)
Grey Leather interior
Sony USB stereo
Blue interior lights
OZ 17 x 8 deep rim wheels (need tyres and refurb)
Aftermarket sport steering wheel (airbag deleted and horn button added on dash)
M3 rear lamps and clear indicators

Good bits

The car drives well and sounds pretty healthy, its comfortable and looks good

The body work has very few dings and the paint is good, the interior is in average conditon for its age and the leather could do with a good clean, but there are no major rips or tears. Everything works on the inside, switches & lights, equipment, elec sunroof etc.

I have a full BMW toolkit and First Aid kit too!

So far I have changed the oil, filter and spark plugs. I haven't looked at the timing parts yet but that's on the list. I did find a new style tensioner in my glove box (?!).

Cosmetically I will be adding clear side repeaters and I have inserted fine black diamond mesh into the bumper grille as it was missing.

Planned mods:

An amp/sub and some decent speakers because frankly the fronts are shockingly tinny and the rears are muddy
Possibly a boot lip spoiler to finish off the rear
M3 GT front bumper finisher

Bad bits

Passenger exterior door handle is not working
The steering gaiters look bad and sound full of water
Left hand rear trailing arm has a new bush but its slipped and knocking on the chassis
Exhaust sheild loose, all the mountings have come loose.
Leaking fluid from the rear hubs/brakes

Thats that for now, I'll try to keep updated

carlos318is · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2009, 08:36:53 AM »

Hi mate welcome

Sounds like a nice project you have going on:D

Sean_318is · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2009, 02:40:41 AM »

Yes, and that was after I said "I just want something I can get in and drive away..." as my girlfriend keeps reminding me lol!

I think Ive figured out what the grinding noise from the rear axle is, sounds like a wheel bearing as it goes away when I go around corners.

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2009, 05:25:14 AM »

Quote from: ;

what's up sean,
"Passenger exterior door handle is not working"
Take the passenger interior door panel off and to see what's missing or broken, because most of the time it's something that could be retrieved from a junkyard. Once the panel is off, lift up on the door handle to see what doesn't look right as far as movement.

"Exhaust sheild loose, all the mountings have come loose".
Just put it up on the lift and replace them with new screws-it won't hurt anything.

"Leaking fluid from the rear hubs/brakes"
If you're not that inclined with brakes sean, you should have a mechanic look at it ASAP--that's bad ju-ju. Good luck

Sean_318is · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2009, 07:37:13 AM »

Hi bud

I've had a look and the cast aluminium part from the handle that actuates the latch is sheared. I'll have to get down the scrapyard when I get paid. (I have no idea how it passed our M.O.T. test like that as you need to be able to open the doors from the outside.)

I'll get our workshop to look at the brakes tomorrow, might be leaking shocks they said.
Oh, and the rear trailing arm bush is knocking too!

Cheers

Sean_318is · « **Reply #5 on:** July 24, 2009, 06:46:32 AM »

Todays update!

The rear drive shaft seals are leaking and the wheel bearings need replacing, so not too expensive to fix (�75 or so inc labour). The rear brake pads could do with replacing too as the handbrake slips a bit.

My white side repeaters turned up last night, but the left hand wont fit as the hole for the bulb holder is too small

PICTURES are up now on ze photobucket

http://s760.photobucket.com/albums/xx246/sean_E36318is/

kevinm3rep · « **Reply #6 on:** July 24, 2009, 12:08:41 PM »

where did you get the strut from?? i want one
also do yours drink fuel with the k&n on because mine drinks with it on so took it of again

Sean_318is · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2009, 05:19:51 AM »

Quote from: kevinm3rep;75816

where did you get the strut from?? i want one
also do yours drink fuel with the k&n on because mine drinks with it on so took it of again

Yes, it seems pretty thirsty! I was thinking of finding an original box (possibly drilling it) and filter as I read they're supposed to be good anyway.

The strut brace came with the car when I bought it. I don't know what make it is :confused:

I cleaned and polished it on Saturday, took all day lol

Sean_318is · « **Reply #8 on:** July 30, 2009, 09:49:51 AM »

Dammit! It gets worse! I need a new alternator and that's at least �100! ($170)

I'm getting 12.9v when the engines ruinning with heaters, lights, radio etc on. Crap.

And... My mechanics say that the rear wheel bearing will take about 5 hours and might not even get done... �115 labour at least.

Sean_318is · « **Reply #9 on:** August 04, 2009, 09:22:32 AM »

Ok, new for this week, i've found the heater doesn't heat...

EDIT: It does heat, just I realised it only blows cold from the front vents

Sean_318is · « **Reply #10 on:** August 06, 2009, 09:17:44 AM »

OK, my wheel bearing will be fixed on monday along with the suspension bush for under �100!

Now to get a door handle...

Sean_318is · « **Reply #11 on:** August 10, 2009, 08:22:07 AM »

Yes! Wheel bearing a bush repaired. �75

I've driven it and it feels great now! Only problem now is I want to go for a drive on some twisty back roads!

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #12 on:** August 11, 2009, 02:20:21 AM »

That's not a problem, that's my weekend priority.

Sean_318is · « **Reply #13 on:** August 11, 2009, 02:36:30 AM »

Quote from: HATER-PROOF;76670

That's not a problem, that's my weekend priority.

hehe yeah true, but I've spent all the money for petrol fixing it lol

HATER-PROOF · « **Reply #14 on:** August 11, 2009, 02:44:01 AM »

Yeah-I can see the euro's you're dishing out to get her fixed, that's the one thing about living in Germany, the exchange rate from us dollar to euro--it's crazy expensive to have stuff done to your ride. I think the rate of today is 68~ fennings to the dollar.