Hi guys, got my new E30! couple of things i need help with

[daveyboy20]

Well first of all, i love it! (its a 1985 320i) Theres a couple of things id like help with, first of all the dash lghts dont come on with the lights (defiately not the fader) the MPG gauge doesnt move and the service light thing doesnt light up at all. Im assuming/hoping this is a fuse?? as it all seems to be in the same area! Im reluctant to start pulling out fuses as i have no manual so dont know which is which!
There is a 'tick' from the engine that is loud when cold and seems to quieten when it gets warmer - could this be an exhast manifold tick - or a sticking valve? If so - whats the best remedy?
Also it doesnt seem to get aboe a quarter on the temp guage is theis likely to be the thermostat at fault?
The door things that make the interior lights come on need a bit of a fiddle with too to make them stay on - is this a common prob? I think thats all for now - im just being a bit pedantic as I really love it! Ill get pics up for you all when i get round to cleaning it!
Thanks people

[rebelcruiser]

the ticking noise i would think is your tappets need adjusting theres a diy guide
in the article section.
your temp gauge sounds normal as mine hardly ever went past a quarter.
as for the door switches have you checked they are screwed tight if thats not it take them
out and clean the contacts.
and i dont have a clue about your dash but one of the experts will be along soon to help.

[daveyboy20]

Cheers for the reply mate, would tappet noise reduce when engine is warm though? i have experince wih tappety pinto engines and the noise is constant.. Dont know anything about these M20 engines yet though!

If anyone knows about the dash lights etc. it would be greatly appreciated, im straining my eyes to see at night!

[Brianmoooore]

All dash lights out, or just the cluster?

[daveyboy20]

All the dash lights ie. heater controls/dials etc. its the whole lot which makes me hope its a fuse!

[Brianmoooore]

All the dash lights ie. heater controls/dials etc. its the whole lot which makes me hope its a fuse!

Fuse for the panel lights (23) is shared with the RH sidelights.
Why do you say it's not the fader?

[daveyboy20]

Oh right, thats bad news then because the RH sidelight works....hmm. I say its not the fader because i thought someone may say 'have you tried turning the fader up?', and i have - to no avail!

[Brianmoooore]

Pull out the small lampholder under/behind the rear ashtray. Find a piece of wire, turn the sidelights on, connect one end of the wire to a good body earth (handbrake securing nut, if you pull the gaiter off) and the other end to the brown/white wire on the lamp holder.
Any difference?

[daveyboy20]

Ill try that tomorrow, what will it indicate? i'e if they come on then will they stay on? cheers for your help matey

[Gwynleym10]

You temp should be around half - if it is around 1/4 your thermostate is probably stuck open.

You will get poor MPG if you leave it like this.

[Brianmoooore]

You temp should be around half - if it is around 1/4 your thermostate is probably stuck open..

Don't agree. In my experience, on most E30s the needle stays nearer the 1/4 mark than the 1/2, although ANYWHERE clear of the blue and red sectors is acceptable.
If the needle stays on the 1/4 mark when the engine is lightly loaded, then the thermostat is almost certainly OK.

[Brianmoooore]

You temp should be around half - if it is around 1/4 your thermostate is probably stuck open..

Don't agree. In my experience, on most E30s the needle stays nearer the 1/4 mark than the 1/2, although ANYWHERE clear of the blue and red sectors is acceptable.
If the needle stays on the 1/4 mark when the engine is lightly loaded, then the thermostat is almost certainly OK.

[Gwynleym10]

Interesting. All my e30's have all been about halfway between 1/4 and 1/2. Apart from one which was always in the Red...

Even my e36 sat in exactly the same place.

They were all 4 cylinder cars.

You have owned far more than me though!

[Brianmoooore]

If a temp gauge needle doesn't wander around with different driving conditions, then there isn't likely to be anything wrong with the thermostat.
Engine temperature should be controlled solely by the water thermostat. The only job of the fan, radiator and viscous coupling is to provide a resevoir of cooler water that the thermostat can work with.

[slinky2000]

mine never been over the 1/4 mark, been like that for the 2 years now that I've had it.

[ShepsEvo3]

My 318is and M3's sit on half way and dont go above, except the M3 raises to 3/4's the fan comes in.

My 325i sits on 1/4 as said above.