Ask the Car People.SM


BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

30250 messages,  Last post on Mar 24, 2013 at 11:51 AM

You are in the BMW 3-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 2986 of 3026

#29847 of 30250 Re: E30s [sunilb] by roadburner

Dec 05, 2007 (11:56 am)

Replying to: sunilb (Dec 05, 2007 10:31 am)
So, I'm contemplating picking up an E30 (specifically a 318is)... anyone have any experiences with these? Anything I should look out for?
 
Great cars. A LOT of BMW for the money. The M42 engine had a problem with what BMW calls the "profile gasket" , but any cars that suffered from than problem should have had the gasket replaced with the upgraded part years ago. The E30 318is didn't come with a lot of electronic gadgets, which is a plus when you are dealing with a 16-17 year old car. Most all parts are still available from BMW and there is a lot of aftermarket support as well.
 
Both cars have power steering leaks, with the owner of "b" saying that the steering rack might need to be replaced because of this.
 
I'd be more surprised if they didn't leak a bit; BMW P/S leaks are often due to bad hoses or connectors, which can be custom made locally at any shop that sell parts for and/or services hydraulic equipment. Several Roundel advertisers rebuild racks if you wind up needing one.
 
In any case, the best advice I can give is to have both cars inspected by a good BMW tech who knows E30s. My gut reaction is to go with the 200K car, but I still think they both need to be checked out in order to make an informed decision.
 
It's funny that you brought up the E30; some poor sod up the road from me has a 1991 318i four door that he has spent a ton of money(rebuilt engine, clutch, radiator, and so on) on and now wants to get out of. The guy isn't mechanically inclined, didn't have it checked out, and wouldn't take any advice. The body has a few dents and the red paint is faded. I think I can get it for under $1500. I just might have found my new track rat...

#29848 of 30250 Re: E30s [sunilb] by fedlawman

Dec 05, 2007 (10:49 pm)

Replying to: sunilb (Dec 05, 2007 10:31 am)
Good advice from Roadburner.
 
I have nothing to add except...you didn't mention what model years the cars you're looking at are from.
 
A pre-1991 318i has the older M10 engine. The M42 engine offered in MY1991 gave the 318i performance that rivals the E30 325i - definitely the vintage you want.

#29849 of 30250 Re: E30s [fedlawman] by sunilb

Dec 05, 2007 (10:56 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Dec 05, 2007 10:49 pm)
good points, roadburner... will keep them in mind (as an aside-- I spoke to a local indy mechanic and he indicated that a new steering rack will be $700 plus labor!)
 
I am looking at the 1991 version of these cars (I'm not sure I can bring myself to buying a car without at least one air bag).

#29850 of 30250 Re: E30s [sunilb] by roadburner

Dec 06, 2007 (9:44 am)

Replying to: sunilb (Dec 05, 2007 10:56 pm)
(as an aside-- I spoke to a local indy mechanic and he indicated that a new steering rack will be $700 plus labor!)
 
FYI, Pelican Parts sells a rebuilt E30 steering rack for $430.50 and Bavarian Autosport has a rebuilt unit for $400.00+core.

#29851 of 30250 Garage door opener 2003 325 by sjthomas

Dec 07, 2007 (4:50 am)

Hello,
Supposedly I have a garage door opener and I do see a sticker in my trunk that it is pre-wired for this. I am not sure exactly how to use this option as I moved into a home with garage.
 
Do I need to put extra parts so that I can use this option?
 
Thanks,
Steve.

#29852 of 30250 Re: Garage door opener 2003 325 [sjthomas] by shipo

Dec 07, 2007 (5:21 am)

Replying to: sjthomas (Dec 07, 2007 4:50 am)
Yes, you need to buy what is referred to as a UGO (Universal Garage Opener).
 
Click on my user id and send me an E-Mail and I'll send you all of the particulars.
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#29853 of 30250 Re: Garage door opener 2003 325 [shipo] by pat

Dec 07, 2007 (5:28 am)

Replying to: shipo (Dec 07, 2007 5:21 am)
Why not post the details here for everyone?

#29854 of 30250 Re: Garage door opener 2003 325 [pat] by shipo

Dec 07, 2007 (7:45 am)

Replying to: pat (Dec 07, 2007 5:28 am)
Q: Why not post the details here for everyone?
 
A: Because I don't know how to post PDFs here in the TownHall.
 
As for the "meat and taters" of what I had to say:
 
BMW sells four different transmitters for the E46 3-Series, the "Lighting Package", the "Universal Transceiver" for cars with a sunroof, the "Universal Transceiver" for cars with no sunroof, and the "Universal Transceiver" for Convertibles. As BMW had stopped shipping cars without a sunroof to the U.S. by 2003 I assume you don't have one of those models. Said another way, my bet is that you're looking for the 82111470125 flavor of the UGO which is available from the following two BMW dealerships that I know to sell accessories online (there may be others I just don't know about them):
http://www.circlebmw.com
http://www.pacificbmw.com
 
Best Regards,
Shipo

#29855 of 30250 Re: Garage door opener 2003 325 [shipo] by gordonwd

Dec 07, 2007 (11:14 am)

Replying to: shipo (Dec 07, 2007 7:45 am)
I picked up one for my '04 on eBay and it was a pretty easy self-installation. The wiring connectors are tucked right up in where you install it, so you can have it operational pretty quickly.

#29856 of 30250 Re: Garage door opener 2003 325 [sjthomas] by roadburner

Dec 07, 2007 (11:49 am)

Replying to: sjthomas (Dec 07, 2007 4:50 am)
Here's a good write-up of an UGDO DIY installation.

Messages Page 2986 of 3026

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement