E30 specialist

[AlastairF]

Hi

So I'm new to this forum and indeed E30 ownership so be gentle with me.
I'll post some pictures of my 320i touring soon but I've had her for about 6 months and absolutely loving it so far.

I have a couple of issues including clutch and exhaust back box that need looking at.

Can anyone recommend a good knowledgeable E30 type mechanic in the Bristol area?

The car is pretty well up together already but ultimately I'd love to get it pretty pristine and need some reliable help.

Oh and clutch issue is soft/ no pressure till mostly to floor but couple pumps and comes back. Is that likely loss of pressure /slave cylinder leakage? Likely need whole new clutch?

So recommendations for mechanical assistance in Bristol area and ideas about clutch would be excellent.

Classic Bahnstormers look good, any experience?

Thank you.

[paultv]

Welcome aboard!!

I'd put your clutch question in the Technical section for best responses -

I'd say you should a) look for fluid leaks and b) fit new clutch master and slave cylinders ( check your car history if you have it and see when they were last replaced: Do both at the same time.

Then test the clutch to check it's within spec in terms of wear. You can do this easily by applying the hand brake - start the engine, put it in 3rd or 4th gear then slowly release the clutch pedal - it should readily stall the engine. If the engine slowly stalls or does not stall, then the clutch could well be worn or contaminated with oil due to oil seal failure.

You can easily do the master and slave cylinder replacement yourself - there's guides in the Wikki and on forum posts.

Same is true of the exhaust - easily done at home -

Paul

[boiliebasher]

As above, fantastic advice from Paultv above. For me, half the pleasure of owning an E30 is being able to repair it myself

Welcome to the forum

[Foe]

As above, fantastic advice from Paultv above. For me, half the pleasure of owning an E30 is being able to repair it myself

Welcome to the forum

+1
I was weary about doing similar jobs myself, but it's sooooo satisfying.
I've also done the slave and master cylinder. Pretty straight forward and Paul had written a how to guide as well

[AlastairF]

That’s brilliant guys. Thank you for the advice. As I’ve taken her off road over winter and have the garage space I may well give that a go. I’ll be back on when I get stuck

[ocde30]

Hi, just to confirm what the guys above are saying. I am a keen DIY owner with very basic knowledge but managed to change the clutch cylinders by myself and the clutch with a pal. Encouragement and help from Paul's write ups and the info in wiki all really helped. Like Foe says - it is very satisfying to do it yourself and helps increase your knowledge of your car. I have certainly seen and checked bits of my car, by doing such jobs, that wouldn't have been possible by sending it in to a garage. Enjoy the winter fettling.

[Foe]

That’s brilliant guys. Thank you for the advice. As I’ve taken her off road over winter and have the garage space I may well give that a go. I’ll be back on when I get stuck

Good to hear and remember there's plenty of advice and support on here

[martauto]

Welcome to the zone mate, let`s see what she looks like please?

Mart.

[AlastairF]

Will certainly post some pictures when I get a chance to clean her properly. It's just this Christmas malarky that seems to get in the way of my career as a budding clutch specialist. Thanks again, its good to know where to come when I get stuck.