E30 Zone

Been on here just a short time because my daughter bought a 1990 325i Cabriolet and I am storing it for the winter and getting it up to snuff for summer driving and shows.

Being a Ford guy all my life the learning curve to BMW has me learning a whole new language of official and non-official terms.

Fun and learning a lot about these cars.

I will say this. They sure have a lot of gizmos that I consider non essential. I refer to the brake pad wear sensors, the WSW reservoir level switch, the oil level alarm circuit. Don't people check that stuff anymore?

BTW, I'm 72 and very old school.

Yes, we could indeed get together but there are a few miles to cover to accomplish that.

I am really enjoying learning about this car and its complexities.

Zimmerframes? One of those BMW terms?

As long as the Zimmerframes tell you when your low on screenwash and coolant you'll be fine!!

Ha! Yep, I'm learning a whole new language here.

Funny you should say that, Im a ford guy. (they're a little smaller and minus a few cylinders this side of the pond)

And I thought exactly the same thing when I purchased my first e30.

Oil level sensor has to be the best! really..... when has anyone been let down by a dipstick?


But yeah, I guess willnz hit the nail on the head. Different world these bmws.

I feel very uncomfortable ordering parts at the dealer in my overalls. Its a strange place filled with even stranger people.

I can't imagine any one of them opening a bonnet. I guess thats why new bmws come with free servicing for the first year or so.



(not that thats an issue, before I get shouted at)

willnz wrote:Most wouldn't even know what a bonnet was or where to open it anyway.

Now part of the UK exam to obtain a full driving licence. Not only to be able to open it, but to be able to identify things like the dipstick, coolant bottle, screenwash filler, etc.

New BMW's don't even have a dipstick apparently! What a great idea, to rely on an electrical sensor.

bosers wrote:New BMW's don't even have a dipstick apparently! What a great idea, to rely on an electrical sensor.

My Boss's Audi is like this - actually the worst idea ever.

bosers wrote:New BMW's don't even have a dipstick apparently! What a great idea, to rely on an electrical sensor.

Diesels still do, petrols do not and have not for some 10 years on some models.

The last BMW petrol engine to have a dipstick was the V8 powers E60 and E70 models from what I remember.

The dipsticks are more commonly found in the driver seat.

Great comments. I feel so confident now.

Now that I understand zimmerframes I may make a list of other terms I should become familiar with. Facelift for one.

Facelift hahahah

Im new to the e30 world as well but Im not Jesus old like you and willnz!!

I bought my car (91 318iS) 2 and a half years ago now to tear it apart and rebuild it so I could learn about car mechanics and have fun. While the car is not quite finished I've accomplished both and I can say the e30 was the perfect car for it. Fairly simple, easy to work on and if you have 8, 10, 13 and 17mm sockets you can take the whole thing apart! I can say it was a bit overbuilt - but in a good way - compared to cheap American crap of the era.
She will be done come May and she will become my main car I have no doubt.

Ive since bought two more I like them that much.

Welcome to the zone.