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General E30 related discussions -
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innes
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:24 pm

hi guys just got my 1st bmw, making the change from mk1 mr2.
I love the car to drive (325) auto on a 'D'

Its a bit of a mess, only paid £500 for it. Paintwork is generally good inside about 7 out of 10.

Got no owners handbook tho, so need to ask some questions please...

What is the situation with the 'check' lights etc. oh and i also get a red light (circular with 3 squares either side next to hand brake light.

last thing, then engine when pushed in sports or 'e' mode make a very light hiss/tappetty sound, is this normal?
Widge
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:28 pm

Tappety sound is normal, don't know what the hiss is.
Check pannel tells you what needs doing, or if bulds are out, to get rid of the annoying flashing "CHECK" light press the button on the check pannel above the interior mirror. And the light is the Brake pad wear sensor light.
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innes
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:38 pm

cheers mate for the quick reply, opbviously i need to do the brake pads then??? what general mods do people do to these cars (body wise?) only looking at spending £150-200 for now any ideas? (purely cosmetic)
Widge
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:42 pm

Umm dunno about mods. The sensors could just be buggered, but then it could be the wires to the cluster, or could be the pads. Just check them and if they are OK ignore the light.
Adammcf
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:48 pm

The tappety hissing noise could be the exhaust manifold gaskets leaking. Mine did this shortly after I bought it.
Easy job to sort.
Widge
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:50 pm

As long as the manifold studs don't break. :cry:
fuzzy
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 5:57 pm

hi mate,most folk dont do to much to the e30 cosmetically,usually just alloys or clear indicators ,lights etc,i think most folk would agree that the looks are best as standard as possible.ive never heard an e30 yet that didnt have a tappety engine so i wouldnt worry to much about that 8)
Widge
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 6:00 pm

Well people up grade to tech 2 kits and stuff, but they aren't cheap and i wouldn't bother.
fuzzy
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 6:05 pm

i see an add for a complete m-tech kit in PBMW this month for £250.thats quite cheap isnt it ? dont they usually go for more?
Widge
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Post Fri Apr 07, 2006 6:14 pm

Yeah but then you've got to fit it and have it sprayed etc... I'm just impatient and skint