Requests For Writeups

[Febi Guibo]

Hey, post your requests for writeups here... operators are standing by!

[kowalski]

turbo
individual throttle boddies:D

[Zoso]

I've always wanted to see a good writeup with pictures on how to replacing the hydraulic lifters.

[2002maniac]

I've always wanted to see a good writeup with pictures on how to replacing the hydraulic lifters.

No write up needed. After you get the cams out of the way. Lift up the cam trays and the lifters will literally fall out.

[kowalski]

No write up needed. After you get the cams out of the way. Lift up the cam trays and the lifters will literally fall out.

true statement, so maybe a write up on removing and installing cams. i think tere is already one. however if you remove the lifters and don't replace all of them, make sure each lifter goes back to the spot it originaly came from that isn't being replaced.

[nickmpower]

how much are new lifters? are there better aftermarket ones that support higher revs?

I just put some in with like 60k miles on them, cost me $250 for em. they also included a cracked head, cams, and a good e36 m42 head (smaller valve stems = higher reving?)

:D

[kowalski]

how much are new lifters? are there better aftermarket ones that support higher revs?

I just put some in with like 60k miles on them, cost me $250 for em. they also included a cracked head, cams, and a good e36 m42 head (smaller valve stems = higher reving?)

:D

OEM lifters are about 22$ each x 16 is about 352 + tax (these are canadian prices). the aftermarket ones are softer, and are prone to failing (i spoke with several mechanics, and i know the guy who owns the shop that ground my cams).

if anyone needs any i have a fair amount of low km ones sitting in my room.

edit: also, they can be reconditioned for about 15$ a piece. the heads on them wear out, there should be a very small dome on the top, you can check them with a straight edge and if there is a small dome they are ok, any dome is fine. if they're flat they need to be machined (a cam shop should be able to take care of that).

i'v been hearing talk about upgrading the lifters with other bmw ones, but im forget the details... somone else should be able to help out with that...

[shellback]

Hi,
I'd like to see a write-up on replacing a clutch. I read the link on BF.C which I believe was written by Pelican. However, IIRC, the torx bolts on top of the transmission are a real PITA to remove. This was for a 6 cylinder car.

Has anyone done a write-up (with photos preferably) of a clutch replacement on a 318i/is? Are the PITA torx bolts an issue for us too? I think the issue with the 6 cylinders was that there was less clearance.
Thoughts?
Gracias,
Chris

[Febi Guibo]

not a writeup, but maybe bmwman91 can chime in with some more comments from his own extensive, uh, 'mobile tradition' project...

http://www.e30tuner.com/rebuild/index6.htm
http://www.e30tuner.com/rebuild/index7.htm

[1991318is]

However, IIRC, the torx bolts on top of the transmission are a real PITA to remove. This was for a 6 cylinder car.

Ya, my dad and I said f it and we drilled a hole through the floor and took out the center console and did the wrench from inside the car on his 87 325ic

[jfdublyu]

can we see some angel eyes? anyone? at least suggestions on wiring, and do you need plastic covers to go over them? where do you find covers?

[Eurospec]

can we see some angel eyes? anyone? at least suggestions on wiring, and do you need plastic covers to go over them? where do you find covers?I recall someone running this setup on r3v just recently, check members gallery. Perhaps you could interogate him ;)

Angel eyes on e30's is honestly not my cup of tea, e36's and beyond is a different story... that's just my 2 cents.

[christophbmw]

Hi,
I'd like to see a write-up on replacing a clutch. I read the link on BF.C which I believe was written by Pelican. However, IIRC, the torx bolts on top of the transmission are a real PITA to remove. This was for a 6 cylinder car.

Has anyone done a write-up (with photos preferably) of a clutch replacement on a 318i/is? Are the PITA torx bolts an issue for us too? I think the issue with the 6 cylinders was that there was less clearance.
Thoughts?
Gracias,
Chris
They are really easy actually W/ the right tools (use a very long 3 foot exstension W/ a swivel socket & a breaker bar attached to the end, they should pop right out). I'll be doing a clutch soon but not untill summer, and Id be more than happy to do a write-up.

I did have the tranny off in october and i replaced the torx W/ some nice zinc coated 17mm bolts all around (i hate damn torx, they are cheesy and the only reason they where put on is so the DIY person couldnt take them off).

[asubimmer]

yeah I will be replacing mine w/ a 325 clutch soon hopefully, 323i TOB depending. I am putting in the 325 flywheel I bought :)

[shellback]

I've seen many pics of engines that have been painted, powdercoated, etc. Any ideas on how to tackle this, paint to use, etc?

I was looking at least making the valve cover and intake look nicer.

Any advice?
Thanks,
Chris

[kowalski]

if its a daily driver i would recomend getting a spare valve cover and intake (if you have access to cheap ones) and get them beadblasted and powdercoated, it will look good forever.

you can also use base clear (car paint) which is good for hi temps as well.

[shellback]

They are really easy actually W/ the right tools (use a very long 3 foot exstension W/ a swivel socket & a breaker bar attached to the end, they should pop right out). I'll be doing a clutch soon but not untill summer, and Id be more than happy to do a write-up.

I did have the tranny off in october and i replaced the torx W/ some nice zinc coated 17mm bolts all around (i hate damn torx, they are cheesy and the only reason they where put on is so the DIY person couldnt take them off).
Great info - thanks.

Now I need to find a 36" extension! I checked Sears but only go up to 24" :mad:
Thanks again,
Chris

[kowalski]

just double up extensions, i do it all the time.

[thumper3ld]

Anyone got a write up for replacing motor mounts and possibly removing and replacing the cross member the motor mounts are attached to??

Thanks.

[Zoso]

Anyone got a write up for replacing motor mounts and possibly removing and replacing the cross member the motor mounts are attached to??

Thanks.

Ouch - Is yours mangled?
http://www.theeurodepot.com/e30-cross-member-front.jpg

At least they're under $100 to replace.

[thumper3ld]

Nah, mine is cracked. You wouldnt happen to have a part number?

[Eurospec]

Anyone got a write up for replacing motor mounts and possibly removing and replacing the cross member the motor mounts are attached to??

Thanks.Here is Pelican's write up on motor mount replacement LINK (http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_motor_mount_replacement.htm) I'd also look into replacing the tranny mounts depending on what condition they're in.

Have you decided which type mounts you're putting in?

[Febi Guibo]

Here is Pelican's write up on motor mount replacement LINK (http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_motor_mount_replacement.htm)


hey man, you mind starting a thread with this link in HOW-TO?
(I added it to the quick reference... THANKS for this!)

[thumper3ld]

Here is Pelican's write up on motor mount replacement LINK (http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/JF-Tech/BMW_E30_3_Series_motor_mount_replacement.htm) I'd also look into replacing the tranny mounts depending on what condition they're in.

Have you decided which type mounts you're putting in?

Yeah, I ordered the e21 mounts that kowalski suggested.

[Eurospec]

Yeah, I ordered the e21 mounts that kowalski suggested.Let us know how that goes.

[Eurospec]

hey man, you mind starting a thread with this link in HOW-TO?
(I added it to the quick reference... THANKS for this!)You got it boss :)

[Zoso]

Request:

Timing Chain/Timing Chain Rail Guide replacement.
(I know of this one http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318istimingchain.html , but more is always better.

[D. Clay]

When it comes to putting transmissions back in, what really helps is putting studs in a couple of the transmission bolt holes. Put them in finger tight. They support the weight of the transmission while you do the line it up wiggle. I'll have a write up in the next month or so on M3 sway bar links. Also on an unauthorized and highly unapproved mod incorporating the latest in homemade metallurgy.

[FL318is]

Are write ups the same as DIY?

I would like to see the following write ups and/or DIY

1) Race seat install
2) IPOD install
3) Headlight conversion
4) Timing case including chain replacement
5) Performance installs of any kind
6) Exterior mods
7) Clutch
8) Fluid changes

For all write ups I personally would like to see a basic format. For example include parts lists, tool list, time estimates and a skill level. Particularly the write up should include any and all problem areas and photos.

[JetBlack95]

can i get a write up for changing the belt tensioner, i have the M42 with the Serp belt ( E36 ) and i want to swap it while replacing my belts, just for good preventive main. anything you have would be awesome...

thanks!

and how about a compressor replacement?

[mgold]

How about a write-up on installing cruise control. I'm planning on attending Bimmerfest next year and don't want to drive 6+ hours without it.

[Vladi]

If i would have a cruise control kit i'd make a DIY for sure. :D

[asubimmer]

Are write ups the same as DIY?

I would like to see the following write ups and/or DIY

1) Race seat install
2) IPOD install
3) Headlight conversion
4) Timing case including chain replacement
5) Performance installs of any kind
6) Exterior mods
7) Clutch
8) Fluid changes

For all write ups I personally would like to see a basic format. For example include parts lists, tool list, time estimates and a skill level. Particularly the write up should include any and all problem areas and photos.
The seat is really easy, all you do is unbolt 4 bolts and then put them back in on the new sliders. I can do a write-up though if people want. Also there is a headlight conversion write-up somewhere but I can do that also if people want.

[91318isfoundation]

any one got a write up for a head gasket replacment???

[Ron_Burgundy]

Cruise control FTW. I just bought one and i'm not very sure about being able to do it without some help :D

[K V N]

Another request for cruise control install, please...

[mgold]

I was recently inspired to research the cruise control topic. I'm thinking that it would likely require most bits from an airbag equipped 325i including the switch, cruise control brain, wiring and actuator. Not sure if we could reuse the 325i bowden cable or use one from an E36 318i. Its also possible that a custom cable might need to be fabbed. As I haven't seen the E30 cruise control system up close, I suspect part of the steering column cover would need to be swapped over and then there's the question of where the actuator is mounted.

I'll be out of town for about 4 weeks on business, so I won't be able to pursue it till I get back.

[b318isp]

Are write ups the same as DIY?

I would like to see the following write ups and/or DIY

1) Race seat install
2) IPOD install
3) Headlight conversion
4) Timing case including chain replacement
5) Performance installs of any kind
6) Exterior mods
7) Clutch
8) Fluid changes

For all write ups I personally would like to see a basic format. For example include parts lists, tool list, time estimates and a skill level. Particularly the write up should include any and all problem areas and photos.

I have 3, 4 and 5 of these on my site. Have a look! http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell

[P. Kennedy]

I discovered leaking differential seals, and figured I'd just go ahead and replace the CV axles while I was at it. It ain't gonna be easy gettin those 30mm axle nuts off. :eek:

Anybody got any shortcuts / tips?

[gearheadE30]

Yank really hard on the parking brake and put the car in gear. Put a 30mm socket (if you can find one) on a long breaker bar and then slide a length of pipe over the bar's hande. then you get to push. Hard ;).

[P. Kennedy]

I keep a 5' pipe handy just for that sort of leverage, and I do possess a nice, 6 pt. 30mm (deep well) socket, and I was trying it out over the weekend but I didn't like the way the socket was sitting on the axle nut; it wouldn't stay square on the nut, if you know what I mean. It felt like I would surely strip it. I'm going to search for a shallow 30mm socket. Thanks for your response.

[P. Kennedy]

To my pleasant surprise, the above-referenced axle nuts came off very easily.

Now, as I am about to remove the driver's side rear caliper, I notice there are 2 normal 17mm bolts on the caliper backside, in additon to 2 hex cap bolts in their own little rubber housings with plastic caps on them. The Bentley manuals say to remove the normal 17mm bolts, but the 101 Projects book says to remove the hex caps. How best to procede?

[P. Kennedy]

To get a caliper off the rotor, remove the 2 17mm normal bolts on the backside (inside) of the caliper. Be sure and anchor the weight of the caliper assembly (I used a bungee cord) to avoid harm to the brake hose.

[bmuser]

I got a MarkD chip the other day. Want to know the best way to install it. I have some electronic/soldering experience, my dad has a lot more. Would i have to un-solder the stock chip, and solder back the new one? Im hoping its a plug and play type deal. Also how do i know which chip i have to swap? Hopefully its the only one that looks like that.

[Wise Old Dog]

Plug and Play. It's obvious which chip to swap. Hardest part about the whole job is opening the case.

[bmuser]

wow, so its not soldered in? thats really awesome that they left it like that.

[lcgtrplr]

I read on an earlier post that Clay D. eliminated the nest under the intake. I have a leak and have bought the multi-out hose and intake gasket but if i could get directions i would go that route. thanks

[P. Kennedy]

+15 on that.

[The Brown Bomber]

Looking for the BEST write up on changing my head gasket and any other work that would be best done at the same time.

Thank You in advance for your help and time.
Frank G.

[gundy318]

How bout a step by step guide for wiring and installing a lc-1?

[DRtothE]

Seems like nobody's doing any work/write-ups/DIY anymore, but i figured i'd ask for a step by step on removing the drive shaft and trani. im' having a major leaky problem on my wheels and if i could do this without having to remove the whole engine i'd appreciate it alot.

[EdCrab!]

Hey guys, I was browsing around looking for mods for the M42 engine when I came across this:

"Further, the long-stroke forged crankshaft from the M47 motor coupled with an overbore of +2 mm will make for a 2.1 L Stroker M42. The 86 mm pistons from a European 3.0 L S50 will produce a high compression, stroker M42 when coupled with the M47 crank. The addition of a MAF conversion from an M50 engine and properly setup cams, valvetrain, and tuning will yield potent output from the "lowly" M42."

So which M47 crank? Or has anyone heard anything about this?
Mhhh, more low end torque.. :D