What is this

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:42 pm

I have this plug lying about doing nothing should it be doing something.
On a 316i M40.

And also is this hole as bad as it looks?ie structural

I am busy tidying up the old girl and It is costing me money every time I look about.

Last thing was front shocks.

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 5:51 pm

Not sure about the plug ( im guessing its a sensor for something)

The rust is not a massive problem, thats a very common place for e30's to rust

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:01 pm

Hi Thanks for response that is the worst of the rust that I have found,
had to take ariel out and fill hole plus some on rear wheel arches.
Made an arze of the wheel arches so will have to find a mate who is
good at filling/spraying.

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:27 pm

I've got a spare plug just like that. No idea what it does either.

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:34 pm

Generally rust like that will extend all the way round the scuttle panel ( under the windscreen) You will only see the rest of it if you take the windscreen out. Dont dispair though, its not a massive job to repair/replace although if you choose to replace it you will need your V5 to get another one as its where the chassis number is

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 6:38 pm

All m40/m42s that I have sean have that extra plug. Nothing to worry about, hang it on the clip so it doesn't get filthy though!

Post Tue Jul 25, 2006 7:30 pm

Hi Had grey cover off and had a good poke about everything
feels sound but I am no expert.My mate is into cars and exmechanic
so am trying to get a hold of him for look see.
ps he has just bought a E30 Touring but not had a chance to see it yet
and I keep on about the Zone.

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:50 am

i think this plug is for a carbon sensor that was only equiped on models with cats.

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:33 am

In my experience, the rust hole shown is as far as it goes. Take the wing off (easy job) and the plastic cover, cut out the rusted metal and weld in a small patch inside. Tidy up the outside with filler and paint.
Spare plug is for emissions related stuff on cars with cat., etc.

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 7:49 am

Bloody annoying shaped panel to 'make good' though!

I religiously waxoyl that cavity on every car I come across...

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 12:32 pm

Hi thanks guys, freind had plastic cover off
and had a good poke around and and it looks as if it is only
the area of the hole that is bad he is going to do the repair for me.
Heading for halfords to get some rust stop to paint all around.

Post Wed Jul 26, 2006 1:07 pm

I have always wondered what that plug was too! least I know now thanks!