Can I get some help please!!!

[GEO85]

Hi to all.....

Let me start off by saying I am new to all of this, from owning a E30 to forums. So please do bear with me if I am doing all of this wrong or if I am asking all the wrong questions.

I have recently bought a E30 1989 318i manual 4 door. I have always wanted a E30 and am really excited about owning one. So let me get straight to the point.

Before I do anything to her I would like to get her in perfect order running wise. I would like her to be 100% reliable, now I know she's not brand new but I would like to feel as if she's not going to break down on me any time soon. She only has 83000 on the clock which I think is really good for her age and I'm sure all of you would agree with me. So I would like her to be top notch mechanically.

I know I'm on the right forum because I've read a few articles and blogs from many of you and you all seem to know your S±!ttt on E30's.

So can I please get some help

Many thanks in advance

[Andy325i]

Welcome

What specifically do you want help with?

Waxoil, waxoil, waxoil!!!

When was the cambelt last changed?

Last serviced?

Brakes/tyres/bushes ok?

[sunnyr83]

Dizzy cap
Rotar
Plugs
Oil
Coolant
Waterpump
Injectors
HT leads
Valve clearance
etc etc etc....

The list is long but a full service is a good start.....
If there is no history of a recent cambelt change get it done.

[GEO85]

Wow those were quick replies.... this is why I love this place.

Ive just checked the service book, It was last serviced at 69204 in 1993. So yeah I guess thats the first thing I should do. It doesn't mention anything about the cam-belt changed just stamps in the book with mileage and year Andy325i, so how can I tell?

Tyres and brakes had just been changed before I picked her up and they are in good condition. Im not bothered at the moment how she looks I just want to get her running as best as possible.
Sunnyr83 the list that you gave me shall I replace them or get them checked?

Thanks again guys

[sunnyr83]

Id get the cambelt changed soon as if theres no recent history of it being changed, I think its around the 60000 mile mark so its way overdue, might aswell change the waterpump at the same time.

Obviously a full oil service with fresh coolant and plugs.

A good amount of £££ to be spent but gives you peace of mind.

Things like the dizzy, rotar and injectors etc are worth checking and possibly changing as it makes a world of difference to how it runs.

Then worry about 'stance'

[GEO85]

Do bear with me....This might sound like a stupid question but is it chain or belt???

Will defo be doing the full oil service, fresh coolant and plugs this weekend!!
Im defo not so bothered about the looks of her for now. Ive also realised that i need to get a inner lower crank pulley as the one in the looks like its been spot welded together. Any ideas where i can get hold of one.

Will be uploading images real soon of her!!!

[sunnyr83]

Belt.

Check the parts section or PM a regular trader.

[GEO85]

Thanks for your help sunnyr83 really appreciate it

[Billwill]

I would replace the timing belt with all related idler pulleys and tenshioner pulley.

Have the battery/alternator tested.

Dont worry about the plug leads...if they are OEM then leave them alone...they are very reliable.

Only fit NGK spark plugs, there is no valve clearance to be done as it has hydrolic tappets...if the tappets rattle when cold then replace the hydrolic lifters otherwise leave them alone.

Change oil, oil filter, air filter and fuel filter, check condition of all V-belts and the radiator hoses.
Make sure radiator overflow bottle is filled to the correct "cool" level and the coolant has some anti-freeze in it....check the temperature gauge sits around the half-way mark when hot.

Otherwise leave it alone unless you have idle or running problems then report back here.

[mcbonio]

Once you have done all the service items then get the interior and carpet out and look for rust.!