New here

[91318issilver]

Hello all! New here. My son and I have recently purchased his first car. A 1991 318is. It has been well taken care of by the previous owners but still needs a few minor things done. I'll attempt to attach some pictures.

[onthames]

Hello all! New here. My son and I have recently purchased his first car. A 1991 318is. It has been well taken care of by the previous owners but still needs a few minor things done. I'll attempt to attach some pictures.

Your sons bloody lucky! What a motor for a first car. Looks beautiful mate. Get some clear indicators and side repeaters on it cos I reckon that would look mint

[91318issilver]

Thanks! Yeah, he's lucky for sure. But he knows it and appreciates the car very much.
I'm not sure I can legally switch to clear indicators and side markers due to our laws. Although I'm sure I could put amber bulbs behind clear lenses, I don't want to give any reason to the local enforcement to pull him over. I do agree that it would look better with clear lenses.

[onthames]

Thanks! Yeah, he's lucky for sure. But he knows it and appreciates the car very much.
I'm not sure I can legally switch to clear indicators and side markers due to our laws. Although I'm sure I could put amber bulbs behind clear lenses, I don't want to give any reason to the local enforcement to pull him over. I do agree that it would look better with clear lenses.

When I mine I used amber bulbs that were coated silver so your lights don't look like fried eggs. Theyre on ebay and cheapish. They still are amber lights and work fine, just look silver.

[onthames]

[91318issilver]

Good idea, I'll look for those. Thanks!

[onthames]

Good idea, I'll look for those. Thanks!

All good mate. Any questions you have when fixing bits on the car (looks good but you'll always find a few bits here and there): first check the wiki and then post a question here in the technical subforum, I'm new here too but everyone is really helpful.

[91318issilver]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it
I'm good with American muscle cars and trucks, new to the BMWs and E30. Lots to learn. Lol
I was just trying to find info on how to repair the automatic power antenna. It works but it won't stop extending correctly. I need to dig into that. Bot sure if there's a micro switch /stop limiter . Slowly working my way through the little stuff. Fortunately it doesn't need much at all. It's a fantastic driver, handles great. Has had some upgrades in the suspension and brakes. Engine, transmission and clutch are all good. The differential is not a LSD but it's solid and doesn't leak. The steering rack has a very small leak and so does the supply line from the power steering fluid reservoir.
The cooling system has been fully upgraded. All of the weather stripping and seals are good. Very solid car, no rust. We were very fortunate to have found it. We couldn't be happier honestly.

[onthames]

Thanks for the info. I appreciate it
I'm good with American muscle cars and trucks, new to the BMWs and E30. Lots to learn. Lol
I was just trying to find info on how to repair the automatic power antenna. It works but it won't stop extending correctly. I need to dig into that. Bot sure if there's a micro switch /stop limiter . Slowly working my way through the little stuff. Fortunately it doesn't need much at all. It's a fantastic driver, handles great. Has had some upgrades in the suspension and brakes. Engine, transmission and clutch are all good. The differential is not a LSD but it's solid and doesn't leak. The steering rack has a very small leak and so does the supply line from the power steering fluid reservoir.
The cooling system has been fully upgraded. All of the weather stripping and seals are good. Very solid car, no rust. We were very fortunate to have found it. We couldn't be happier honestly.

So you're saying when its fully extended the motor keeps going trying to extend it? Are you sure its fully extended? One of the sections might be jammed so not going all the way up. I'll take a photo of mine tomorrow so you can count the sections/see if its the same length (I think they were all roughly the same length). I recently replaced mine because the motor went. Cost me about $100 for a new genuine one and fitting was easy. Few wires and a screwdriver.

You could always upgrade to an LSD but one day you'll see your son out and about drifting around corners ;)
Power steering probably hoses. Also check the condition of all other hoses too, especially brake ones, but I'm sure you know that.
Nice you found one with no rust, very rare in rainy UK! Do you like in a dry state?

[91318issilver]

Yeah it definitely overextended. To the point that the mast came out completely and the unit was still running. Pretty entertaining. Lol
I did remove the entire unit as I was replacing the body grommet and found it unplugged. I plugged it in and promptly found out why someone had disconnected the power to it.

I'm good with the open diff for now for that very reason. Lmao!

I plan to replace everything from the reservoir to the rack itself. The pressure lines aren't leaking so I'll keep those. The reservoir is inexpensive and has the filter built in, easy enough to change out while doing the hoses and rack.
The brake lines, master cylinder, clutch master, line and slave are all good too fortunately.

We live near Seattle Washington. Quite a bit of rain here in the fall and winter. We have another car he can drive if it freezes or snows (Subaru Legacy) and a garage to park it in. I've already cleared all of the drain paths for the sunroof, front fenders (was a bunch of debris in the fenders as expected) and rockers. I hate rust, I'll do everything I can to keep it at bay.

[91318issilver]

Have you ever taken the power antenna unit apart? I watched a couple of videos on how to replace the mast but can't find one on repairing the drive mechanism. I'll keep looking.

[onthames]

Yeah it definitely overextended. To the point that the mast came out completely and the unit was still running. Pretty entertaining. Lol
I did remove the entire unit as I was replacing the body grommet and found it unplugged. I plugged it in and promptly found out why someone had disconnected the power to it.

I'm good with the open diff for now for that very reason. Lmao!

I plan to replace everything from the reservoir to the rack itself. The pressure lines aren't leaking so I'll keep those. The reservoir is inexpensive and has the filter built in, easy enough to change out while doing the hoses and rack.
The brake lines, master cylinder, clutch master, line and slave are all good too fortunately.

We live near Seattle Washington. Quite a bit of rain here in the fall and winter. We have another car he can drive if it freezes or snows (Subaru Legacy) and a garage to park it in. I've already cleared all of the drain paths for the sunroof, front fenders (was a bunch of debris in the fenders as expected) and rockers. I hate rust, I'll do everything I can to keep it at bay.

When I took mine apart to investigate what was wrong I didn't see any microswitch, but then again I wasn't looking. See the way it works is the antenna has a plastic toothed bit coming out the bottom (imagine unwrapping gear into a long piece) that fits into a gear inside the mechanism that's driven by the motor. So I always assumed it just did a certain number of revolutions of the motor. Could be wrong though. Try sending 12v to the antenna wires directly and see what it does.

Image of the antenna plastic bit: https://i.imgur.com/Ku0qtOK.png


I'm embarking on swapping to an E46 clubsport purple tag rack on mine. I thought it was relatively simple but turns out you need to change a fair few things. My only issue with my car when I got it was the steering was too slow (4 turns to lock). E46 one is 3 turns. Gotta swap the tie rods though, new knuckle (a user here called DanThe makes a custom one) and a few other things I forget.

[onthames]

Yeah it definitely overextended. To the point that the mast came out completely and the unit was still running. Pretty entertaining. Lol
I did remove the entire unit as I was replacing the body grommet and found it unplugged. I plugged it in and promptly found out why someone had disconnected the power to it.

I'm good with the open diff for now for that very reason. Lmao!

I plan to replace everything from the reservoir to the rack itself. The pressure lines aren't leaking so I'll keep those. The reservoir is inexpensive and has the filter built in, easy enough to change out while doing the hoses and rack.
The brake lines, master cylinder, clutch master, line and slave are all good too fortunately.

We live near Seattle Washington. Quite a bit of rain here in the fall and winter. We have another car he can drive if it freezes or snows (Subaru Legacy) and a garage to park it in. I've already cleared all of the drain paths for the sunroof, front fenders (was a bunch of debris in the fenders as expected) and rockers. I hate rust, I'll do everything I can to keep it at bay.

When I took mine apart to investigate what was wrong I didn't see any microswitch, but then again I wasn't looking. See the way it works is the antenna has a plastic toothed bit coming out the bottom (imagine unwrapping gear into a long piece) that fits into a gear inside the mechanism that's driven by the motor. So I always assumed it just did a certain number of revolutions of the motor. Could be wrong though. Try sending 12v to the antenna wires directly and see what it does.

Image of the antenna plastic bit: https://i.imgur.com/Ku0qtOK.png


I'm embarking on swapping to an E46 clubsport purple tag rack on mine. I thought it was relatively simple but turns out you need to change a fair few things. My only issue with my car when I got it was the steering was too slow (4 turns to lock). E46 one is 3 turns. Gotta swap the tie rods though, new knuckle (a user here called DanThe makes a custom one) and a few other things I forget.

Just remembered, I have my old one in the garage in bits. I'll take photos tomorrow and have a look for any microswitches.

[91318issilver]

Ok great! I'd really appreciate that.

[onthames]

Ok great! I'd really appreciate that.

Hi there, sorry for delay

[Vez010]

Nice car, congrats to you and your son. Should make a great little project and you’ll have some quality father/son bonding time on top!

Best of luck with it.

[91318issilver]

Hi, thanks for the pictures.
What model did your antenna come out of? I ask because the housing looks completely different than the one we have. I will attach a picture of one like ours.

[onthames]

Hi, thanks for the pictures.
What model did your antenna come out of? I ask because the housing looks completely different than the one we have. I will attach a picture of one like ours.

88 325i SE
Is yours plastic? I think they are the same inners, different casings.

[91318issilver]

[img]

20210608_052108.jpg

[img]
Yes mine is plastic. Very different inside and out.
This picture is from an ad on Ebay, not my actual unit.

[91318issilver]

Nice car, congrats to you and your son. Should make a great little project and you’ll have some quality father/son bonding time on top!

Best of luck with it.

Thank you! We are really enjoying it. Every time I drive it I like it more and more.

[onthames]

[img]20210608_052108.jpg[img]
Yes mine is plastic. Very different inside and out.
This picture is from an ad on Ebay, not my actual unit.

Think they work in a similar way though. Small cog on a microswitch (like you predicted). take it apart!

[91318issilver]

Will do. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it!

[Blanca]

I have a standard Hirschmann antennae and it works well, at least with a named brand you can get the parts like masts and motors.

Just do not OIL the mast, crap clings to it and jams the sections, a wipe with a cloth with a little silicone is good.

Try to keep it kosher, OEM parts and standard spec',. Bolt on goodies and 'upgrades' might seems good but knock $$$ of the value.

(Reminds me, need to get some chrome screen surround trims).

[91318issilver]

I couldn't agree more on keeping as much OEM parts on it as possible. I've always been a firm believer in that . I am very happy my son wants it as original as possible too. With the exception of the few performance upgrades it has like the poly bushings, sport springs, upgraded pads and rotors, exhaust (very nice, mellow sounding too) and the MarkD chip and the 15" basket weaves and tires. All of these help improve the driving experience and are easily removed later if decided. The interior is the blue cloth and overall pretty good. We need to replace the side bolsters on the drivers seat on the left side as it has worn through. I found the replacement fabric already and the foam parts are still available too. It will get a repaint sometime down the road as well. All in factory colors.

20210527_080952.jpg

This fabric (in this color) was very difficult to find.

[91318issilver]

I have a standard Hirschmann antennae and it works well, at least with a named brand you can get the parts like masts and motors.

Just do not OIL the mast, crap clings to it and jams the sections, a wipe with a cloth with a little silicone is good.

Try to keep it kosher, OEM parts and standard spec',. Bolt on goodies and 'upgrades' might seems good but knock $$$ of the value.

(Reminds me, need to get some chrome screen surround trims).

Very nice sedan you have.

[onthames]

I couldn't agree more on keeping as much OEM parts on it as possible. I've always been a firm believer in that . I am very happy my son wants it as original as possible too. With the exception of the few performance upgrades it has like the poly bushings, sport springs, upgraded pads and rotors, exhaust (very nice, mellow sounding too) and the MarkD chip and the 15" basket weaves and tires. All of these help improve the driving experience and are easily removed later if decided. The interior is the blue cloth and overall pretty good. We need to replace the side bolsters on the drivers seat on the left side as it has worn through. I found the replacement fabric already and the foam parts are still available too. It will get a repaint sometime down the road as well. All in factory colors. 20210527_080952.jpg This fabric (in this color) was very difficult to find.

Where did you find the fabric?

[91318issilver]

Online, let me look through my emails, I'll get you that information. They seemed to have a wide variety of the OEM materials.

[onthames]

Online, let me look through my emails, I'll get you that information. They seemed to have a wide variety of the OEM materials.

Cheers! Bare in mind I think even if its OEM fabric it can be hard to match cos your fabric will be faded. Unless you're replacing all of it then you're good.
Ive got an annoying slight tear on my drivers side seat

[onthames]

I couldn't agree more on keeping as much OEM parts on it as possible. I've always been a firm believer in that . I am very happy my son wants it as original as possible too. With the exception of the few performance upgrades it has like the poly bushings, sport springs, upgraded pads and rotors, exhaust (very nice, mellow sounding too) and the MarkD chip and the 15" basket weaves and tires. All of these help improve the driving experience and are easily removed later if decided. The interior is the blue cloth and overall pretty good. We need to replace the side bolsters on the drivers seat on the left side as it has worn through. I found the replacement fabric already and the foam parts are still available too. It will get a repaint sometime down the road as well. All in factory colors. 20210527_080952.jpg This fabric (in this color) was very difficult to find.

What new springs are you going for? I'm going to put a Bilstein 12 pro kit on mine soon. Very good reviews from fellow zoners. Great balance between improved handling but not too stiff and still very comfortable. Lowers by 20-30mm I think.

I made a thread about it and this was someones reply if you're interested:

|
Hey man, I've just installed a b12 pro kit to my 325i.
Simply put, I love it. Much better than the crap that was on It and it's not stupid low that you are praying for your oil sump (although I did put on a sump guard just to be safe). My kit didn't come with the bilstein tool to tighten the strut collar nut. Just used my big ass pipe wrench and gave it the "gut and tight"

I replaced the front top hats, rear strut mounts, rear upper and lower spring pads whilst at it. I also replaced the tie rod ends as well as one was well and truly stuck and I mangled it getting it off. Also I took the opportunity to paint the strut towers/brake shields.

[91318issilver]

Agreed, I will do the entire seats front and back so it all matches.

The car already has the springs and everything mentioned above done. I believe they are KD sport springs, I'm not sure what the spring rate or actual drop is. It does ride decent and handles great. I love driving it.

I sent you a PM . Let me know if you didn't get them (two messages)

[onthames]

Agreed, I will do the entire seats front and back so it all matches.

The car already has the springs and everything mentioned above done. I believe they are KD sport springs, I'm not sure what the spring rate or actual drop is. It does ride decent and handles great. I love driving it.

I sent you a PM . Let me know if you didn't get them (two messages)

Sorry I misread, I understand now that it already has the upgrades

[91318issilver]

Agreed, I will do the entire seats front and back so it all matches.

The car already has the springs and everything mentioned above done. I believe they are KD sport springs, I'm not sure what the spring rate or actual drop is. It does ride decent and handles great. I love driving it.

I sent you a PM . Let me know if you didn't get them (two messages)

Sorry I misread, I understand now that it already has the upgrades

No problem at all.
We were very lucky to have found this one already put together with these upgrades. That is as far as I would take this particular car regarding modifications. I am looking for another e30 for myself and if that one ends up being less original then I won't hesitate to go nuts with performance mods. Just depends on what I find. These were meant to be driven and enjoyed. I'll save a good one if I can though. My son feels the same about this. He wants a 2002 next.....I think we're going to need a bigger garage. Lol!

[onthames]

Agreed, I will do the entire seats front and back so it all matches.

The car already has the springs and everything mentioned above done. I believe they are KD sport springs, I'm not sure what the spring rate or actual drop is. It does ride decent and handles great. I love driving it.

I sent you a PM . Let me know if you didn't get them (two messages)

Sorry I misread, I understand now that it already has the upgrades

No problem at all.
We were very lucky to have found this one already put together with these upgrades. That is as far as I would take this particular car regarding modifications. I am looking for another e30 for myself and if that one ends up being less original then I won't hesitate to go nuts with performance mods. Just depends on what I find. These were meant to be driven and enjoyed. I'll save a good one if I can though. My son feels the same about this. He wants a 2002 next.....I think we're going to need a bigger garage. Lol!

Here's a 2002 I drove behind in my E30 for a little bit!

[91318issilver]

Nice!
Uh, hey, you're on the wrong side of the road......lol!

The e30 picnic is coming up at the end of June. Just before that a group run called the Leavenworth Drive. Look up both on Facebook if you get a chance.

[Blanca]

I couldn't agree more on keeping as much OEM parts on it as possible. I've always been a firm believer in that . I am very happy my son wants it as original as possible too. With the exception of the few performance upgrades it has like the poly bushings, sport springs, upgraded pads and rotors, exhaust (very nice, mellow sounding too) and the MarkD chip and the 15" basket weaves and tires. All of these help improve the driving experience and are easily removed later if decided. The interior is the blue cloth and overall pretty good. We need to replace the side bolsters on the drivers seat on the left side as it has worn through. I found the replacement fabric already and the foam parts are still available too. It will get a repaint sometime down the road as well. All in factory colors. 20210527_080952.jpg This fabric (in this color) was very difficult to find.

Be careful of poly bushes, after a few years they disintegrate and crumble, I have just had to replace all the engine mounts on my VW Eagle SS kit car and they were totally gone and I am having to inspect the suspension bushes now. Back to good old OEM, originals lasted 40 years no bother..