Regular Problems

[Hakkera]

Hi chaps,

I'm looking at buying an M30 converted car. What are the key obstacles going to be in terms of regular maintenance?

I.E. Servicing, changing plugs, leads, distributor caps, clutches etc.

Anything catastrophic that's going to put me straight off the idea?

Thanks!

[Speedtouch]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... Swap_-_M30

The engines are serviced in much the same way as the M20.

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main.html

[zaust]

It's easier to work on in the e30 bay than an m20 donk. Same leads and cap. All servicing is easy. Manifol ds are easy access and so are all the other ancillaries. The only negative I find with an m30 is all the cars I the rear view mirror all seem very small.

[Hakkera]

That's interesting to hear. My massive concern was that I was gonna have to remove the radiator or jack the front of the engine up to replace the distributor cap.

Coupled with that I read a fair amount about the fact that it was not possible to detach the gearbox from the engine in-situ, and of course this would be required for a clutch replacement. In effect necessitating the motor's removal for a clutch change, which. Is a bit of effort.

Again, I've also heard the fact that should the sump gasket need changing, you're looking at lifting the engine out.

Can anyone confirm or deny the above malicious rumours?

[Speedtouch]

This thread may offer some pointers:

http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... 93&start=0

[Hakkera]

Righto, looks like the dizzy cap could be an issue unless an M535 radiator is fitted. I think it has that as I noticed the cap wasn't touching the rad.

Looks like I'm going to have to man up and leave a deposit. (:

[Speedtouch]

Access is probably easiest by undoing the offside engine mount and jacking the engine up a few inches.

[jimbom30cab]

you can change the dizzy cap, i have the e28 535 rad fitted and i have done it in-situ. It's fiddly though. Water pump change is no problem also.

regarding sump and GB change, it's much easier to jack up the front of the car, put on stands, take the weight of the engine with a hoist, lower the front crossmember and do it that way.

having said that, when you get the hang of pulling them in and out, it's not much work really, perhaps 4 hours to remove and another 6 to refit.

[zaust]

I have swapped the whole sump with the engine in palce. Just loosened the mount nut's and lifted the engine half an inch.

[Brianmoooore]

That's interesting to hear. My massive concern was that I was gonna have to remove the radiator or jack the front of the engine up to replace the distributor cap.

Coupled with that I read a fair amount about the fact that it was not possible to detach the gearbox from the engine in-situ, and of course this would be required for a clutch replacement. In effect necessitating the motor's removal for a clutch change, which. Is a bit of effort.

Again, I've also heard the fact that should the sump gasket need changing, you're looking at lifting the engine out.

Can anyone confirm or deny the above malicious rumours?

I'd normally remove the radiator to replace the distributor cap on a standard M20 engined E30 - it's only two self tappers, a couple of plastic pop rivets and a couple of hose clips, and makes access so much easier. Similarly, it's 50:50 whether to lift out the whole engine and box to replace a clutch. Few more things to disconnect, but a lot easier than lifting a box back into place under a car.

[Cypriotgeeza]

i can 100% vouch for the "dont need to take the engine out to do a clutch"

near enough everything can be done in situ albeit with a bit of fiddling and minus the sausage fingers

Check my clutch thread: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... c&t=172482