I've been interested in a E30 for awhile along with an impreza 2.5rs(98-01). I know just about everything about the impreza, but im still learning about the e30. So I have a few questions. What are the major problems if any with the cars? How expensive is it to fix the tensioner problem I hear about so much? What kind of gas milleage do you guys get? What do you guys think I should do? Any helpfull links?

Thanks,
Tony

you 're talking about the E30 M3, right?

Well, I could go on and on....

The E30 M3 is one of the most reliable cars I've ever come across. Come to think of it, most of the BMW's I've seen are extremely reliable. Most of the problems come when people track higher-mileage cars and stuff starts to go--old stuff.

But for street cars, the worst problems are the timing chain tensioner rattle, oil leaks from the oil pan and front of the engine (timing covers), poor idle/off idle performance from maladjusted CO, dirty injectors, vacuum leaks, worn cap and rotor, old plug wires, old spark plugs, etc etc.

Most common E30 M3 problems are the front timing cover oil leaks, timing chain tensioner rattle, and vacuum leaks. All the others are regular maintenance problems.

Gas mileage is around 14-18 city and 22-25 highway. But why do we care about gas mileage driving a de-tuned racecar?

yeah sorry im talking about the e30 m3.
thanks for answering my questions.
does replacing the tensioner fix the problem or is it one of those things you just keep repl;acing?

thank you

Mine has been really reliable! It only let me down once.

The tensioner is not big of a issue. I have had my car for 8 years now, I am only on my second tensioner, and that was replaced when we rebuilt the engine.

What happens is the timing chain rails wear and people don't use the proper oil. There is extensive talks about this just about every where.

Just about every problem I have seen on a E30 M3 is from lack of maintaince!!!

Put in the tensioner from the E-36 M3 and you never have to worry about it again. Simple, relatively inexpensive fix and upgrade...

:redspot

Originally posted by Edgeman
Put in the tensioner from the E-36 M3 and you never have to worry about it again. Simple, relatively inexpensive fix and upgrade...

:redspot

It's not a fix at all. The stock tensioner spring will start to shorten at the end of it's life. The E36 part does not use a spring, so it will in theory last longer.

While the chain will have better tension on it with a new tensioner (stock or E36) the chain and rails will still be worn out. Just because you have no rattle, doesn't mean everything is ok.

My engine went on track due to the chain jumping a few teeth on the crank. While it made no noise at all, my rails and chain were worn out.

They do last a long time, and the E36 tensioner seams to work well, only time will tell if it's actually better then the stock one.