Few issues with a new purchase 320i

[pauljsc]

Just got a mint 1987 320i manual saloon with 110,000 miles. Used to have a 316 a year ago so can compare a bit..
Issues are as follows -
- throttle pedal is so stiff! Read carb cleaner and replacing throttle cable are possible fixes? Also heard e30's have a stiffer than average pedal but this is way worse than my previous 316
- think clutch is going/gone. Slips in third if I kick it and 1st and 2nd slip on engagement if I go hard. Could it be thrust bearing or anything else?
- lack of power. I swear my 316 was quicker! A lot more responsive etc. It's like I can feel the power in the engine but it's just really boggy. Looked at stock m20b20's on YouTube and mine is nothing like that. It's like a diesel transit :/

Any suggestions for any of the above would be great.

[Mitchen]

My 320 was the same with power.. it took a number of jobs over a large period of time, like injectors refurbed, new dizzy cap, HT leads etc etc before one day I actually noticed that it was actually pretty quick. Lack of torque will never improve though unfortunately. Just how the engine is.

[Brianmoooore]

Stiff throttle: Needs a new cable - the inner wears a groove into the liner on the sharper bends.

Clutch could be oil contamination of the plate rather than wear, but it's unusual for the crank rear oil seal to fail. Any problem with the release bearing is likely to be accompanied by worrying noises, and failure of this usually results in not being able to disconnect drive, not what you have.

Lack of power: Usual E30 lack of servicing. Incorrect tappet settings, worn injectors, air leaks, etc. The usual stuff. Unlikely to be anything fundamentally wrong with the engine, but a leak down test will confirm.

[pauljsc]

I guessed as much for the power. Everything looks clean and tidy but I'll set to work on servicing the engine.
Do you think it's likely the clutch then? How can I be sure? Should I just change the clutch for the sake of servicing it?

[Brianmoooore]

If the clutch is definitely slipping, then the engine and 'box have to come apart to see what's going on. Having reached this stage, it would be a false economy to refit the old clutch parts again, unless they are absolutely mint, even if oil contamination is the problem.
Any sign of liquid dripping from the small slot at the lowest point of the bell housing, along with a low fluid level in the clutch reservoir? Fluid leaking from the clutch slave cylinder could contaminate the clutch plate, although it usually doesn't.
If contamination with clutch fluid is the problem, and the plate's not badly contaminated, it might just burn off if the leak is fixed.

[pauljsc]

I'll have a look tomorrow. Going to have a good look at the car after work. Thanks for the advice! I'll keep you posted

[pauljsc]

Brian where can I get a new throttle cable in the uk?

[Mr-Lachs]

Brian where can I get a new throttle cable in the uk?

You could try the dealer? I always find them surprisingly reasonable.

Kind Regards

Mr-Lachs

[bosers]

Yeah dealers will have them.

[jcm325]

May not be the throttle cable itself mine was sticking ,turned out it was the linkage on the pedal box lubed it with some wd40 and exercised it a few times and it seems to be good.....worth a try before shelling out on a new cable

[capri_rob]

Before you replace the throttle cable try removing it, hang it up lengthways, drip oil down it and work the cable until it comes out of the other end of the sleeve, then hang the other way and repeat.

Even if its worn this will make a massive improvement until you can change it out.

Be careful removing the plastic fitting from the firewall it it awkward and can break.

Ive had 2 x 320i and they were plenty quick enough - a good service should restore lost power its just a question of making sure that everything is set right and in good condition. Dont forget the dizzy cap and rotor arm - if these are very worn a new set can make a big difference in how the engine runs.