Bodywork and a couple of other things

Post Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:16 pm

Hello, I just got my first bmw last friday, a red, 92, 316, Touring. Its a bit Tatty, with rust along the bottom of the rear valance, a small hole in the front left wing, and on the sills surface rust is starting to break through, still solid though. I've already changed the front wheel bearing (what a racket it was making) and of course this has uncovered a noise from the rear (bearings i hope).
so can i ask a few questions to see if anyone can give me some pointers
My speedo isnt working, but i havent been underneath to check the sensor, so i wont ask about that.
I think its supposed to have central locking, but i havent been behind the front right speaker so i wont ask about that either (probably need a map and a compass if it has).
My exhaust is just hanging on at the back (couple of jubilee clips), and i got a quote the other day so i definitely, definitely, wont ask about that.
anyway

1 - Are the front wings welded, or can i get them off with spanners.

2 - Same with the rear valance, can i remove it with spanners.

3 - The rubbing noise from the back only seems to be there in a straight line, especially when braking, the exhaust seems to be well away from everything so i dont think its that. any ideas

Cheers
I just found the site today and read about the meet on Sunday, think i'll throw the weans in the motor and go for a run up the loch.

Post Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:23 pm

Welcombe to the zone! Speedo and central locking problems have been covered many times before, and are both simple fixes.
Front wings unbolt easily. Rear valence is part of the bodyshell.
Rubbing noise: You have rear discs on this, with drums inside for the handbrake. Handbrake shoe retaining pins have been known to pull through the backplates.

Post Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:24 pm

1. A socket set.

2. No treat and fill or cut and weald.

3. Bearing..

Post Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:36 pm

Thanks guys, coudnt find any articles for them bits. and the best people to ask, are the people who know.
I think i'm going to like this car, i have to say though i'm a bit embarrassed driving it around just now, it says 325i on the tailgate, and its only a wee 16.

Cheers

Post Tue Oct 10, 2006 9:39 pm

Just crawl along and pepole wot know. just dont race.....

Post Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:05 am

Hi and welcome plenty of help and advice on the zone.

Post Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:39 am

If your worried about the cost of an exhaust, assuming that it's a 92 with cat, cheapest place i found for the catalyst middle/front section was guy called "catman" on th'interweb- about Ãƒ”šÃ‚£200 cheaper than kwikfit delivered!!! Back pipe and box shouldn't be too much.

Post Wed Oct 11, 2006 7:43 pm

Hi Paddyr Where are you based?I got a good deal from SDL in Glasgow for a full exhaust for my wifes 96 Compact,its a wholesaler though so do you know someone with a connection to the motor trade.

Post Wed Oct 11, 2006 9:22 pm

Central locking? Take the right side kick panel out, and the speaker, then get the black oblong central locking ECU, (it comes out attached to its gold coloured mounting bracket) if this all looks in good order (no water dripping out) Follow the red/black wire from the module up toward the door pillar, then find the other red/black wire (coming up in a small bundle from under the footwell carpet) cut these two wires and short them together with a good soldered or crimped connection.
This just removes a legth of wire from the curcuit that has a known dodgy connector in it.
If that dont work let us know.

Ha ha, look at me, finally being able to pass on some knowledge.

Post Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:53 pm

Cheers guys, couldnt believe it, the noise from the back end was down to the big 30mm nut being loose. Horsed it up sounds cool now. now going to have a look at the central locking and speedo.