Need help starting up an E30 318

[KishE30]

I know very little about cars generally but I am going up north to pick up an E30 318 (F reg I think thats '89) off my uncle. The car has been sitting in his garage for over 10 years untouched. I am assuming it's cosmetically fine however understand there will be problems with the engine and overall functionality e.g. seized breaks.

I was hoping some E30 enthusiasts could give me a few tips on what to look out for particularly and what could potentially be wrong with it?

The only info I have is that its an F reg and a 318i saloon.
Any tips and feedback will be greatly appreciated!

[FinalD]

Before you try and start the engine, replace belts, oil etc. is the general rule also, crank it by hand before trying it on the starter, you'll soon find out if there is anything wrong and won't bugger it that way.

[KishE30]

Thanks for that FinalID, when you say belts are you referring to the timing/cam/fan belts or all of them?

[Grrrmachine]

Yes, after 10 years I wouldn't trust any belts, especially the timing belt. If it snaps when you crank it (a distinct possibility after sitting for a decade) then the engine is toast.

Ideally you'd put a spanner on the crank nut to ensure the engine turns. From there, take out the spark plugs put a few drops of oil down the cylinder bores, and fit new sparks.

Fit a new timing belt, water pump and coolant. Once you've done all that, disconnect the fuel pump fuse, and try spinning the engine on the starter to build up oil pressure. Then reconnect the fuel fuse and see if it starts.

If it does, just let it idle for 5/10 minutes to build up some heat in the system, then turn off, drain the oil and fill with fresh. You might want to try using oil for a diesel engine as it has more detergents in it, but change it after a few hundred miles for a decent synthetic 5W40. Don't forget to put new oil, air and fuel filters on the car too.

[magpie]

feed the hamster

[daimlerman]

Take a trailer!

Do not assume that a few minutes tinkering will see it spring into life and drive home,that only happens to other people.
I think an '89 318i will have an M40 engine,so a cambelt change is a must before any attempt is made to start the engine,however,turning BY HAND,using a 22mm spanner on the front pulley nut will confirm if the engine will turn and has compression on all cylinders.

Expect the brakes to be rusted,you will need to remove each roadwheel in turn to free them off,the rear drums will be a royal PITA.

Clutch will most likely be siezed as well,but leave that until you have a running engine and working brakes.

[Speedtouch]

If the belts were replaced shortly prior to being laid up, they should be OK to use - for a short while, as long as you keep the revs down.

Also, drain out stale fuel from the tank and put fresh in.

Take a can of brake/carb cleaner or 'Start Ya Bastard' to spray down the throttle body while you crank it.

[Billwill]

Very good advice above...I would remove the tappet cover and liberally pour clean new oil over the camshaft, tappets etc. Probably need a new battery as well.

[KishE30]

Thanks for the advice guys, I have now loosened the breaks from the disks as they were seized. My problem now is that I cannot access the engine as the bonnet lever (passenger side) does not seem to work. I have tried to pull on the wire connected to the lever with pliers but it won't budge. Is there any other way of releasing the bonnet so I can start on the engine?

[Speedtouch]

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