I just got a 1987 M3 with 45.000 miles on it. And I have issues to solve, any help you can give would be great!

-The problem is that it's running a little cold...all the time. This means that the temp of the motor is not optimal, so more gas, less power.
Any ideas on what could be causing this?

-Also the brake light check is coming on right after I start the car, then it goes away after a few minutes.....the brakes seem to be just fine.

-And finally I have the German version so I have no clue what the checks are......only the one about the brake light.....


Thanks, and I hope I'll become a regular on this Message Board!

Originally posted by KEEPYOURDISTANCE!
I just got a 1987 M3 with 45.000 miles on it. And I have issues to solve, any help you can give would be great!

-The problem is that it's running a little cold...all the time. This means that the temp of the motor is not optimal, so more gas, less power.
Any ideas on what could be causing this?

-Also the brake light check is coming on right after I start the car, then it goes away after a few minutes.....the brakes seem to be just fine.

-And finally I have the German version so I have no clue what the checks are......only the one about the brake light.....


Thanks, and I hope I'll become a regular on this Message Board!

I can help you with some of those.

First of, what do you mean by running cold? Are you looking at the oil temp, or the coolant temp? The coolant temp should be at the 1/4 tick when driving around normally. Explain a little bit more on this, and I might be able to help you out.

The brake check light is exactly what it sounds like. It is a light to tell you to 'check' your brake lights. When you start your car, in the instrument cluster the 'CHECK' light blinks. If you check the panel above the rearview mirror, it will say brake lights. Simply testing the brake lights by pushing the brake pedal will check them. It is normal.

You can change your computer to read in english, and our units. I think you go to the average miles per gallon (or whatever button it is) and press the button with a pen in the very bottom right. It should change the language mode. The check panel, I could take a picture of mine if you want to see what it looks like.


Post some pictures of your car! Can you give me some details?

Hey thanks for your help.
The coolant temp is running at abour 1/4, but I thought it was supposed to be at 1/2 the way......
What should the oil temp be?

I would appreciate if you took a picture of your computer, it would help me a lot!

Like I said the car is a 1987 E30 M3 with 45.000 miles on it, it's in great shape both interior and exterior. Everything is stock, but the wheels.....racing dynamics.....

I will post pictures probably this weekend when I have the time to take a couple

I just have to say I've had it for 3 days and I absolutly love the way it drives!

This isn't my car, but here is a pic of a computer. Do you also want to see a picture of the check panel (The thing above the rearview mirror)?

http://www.e30m3therealm3.com/gallery/e30m3-interior/toronto_yellow.jpg

Yes please I would like to see the picture of the check panel.
THANKS!!!!!

I luv digital camreas.

Sorry about the picture quality, it was really dark in my garage.

I can translate it for you if you need me to:

Brake Lights / Low Beam
Rear Lights / Washer Fluid
License Plate Lights / Coolant / Check

Also, when fully warmed up, the oil temperature should be around 210. I don't know what it is, because my gauge isn't working on my car. I'll be fixing it shortly though.

So the coolant temp should normaly be around a 1/4 of the way?

and the oil temp is about 85degrees celsius.....or around 185F...

I should think this is normal?

Tomorrow I'll take pictures with my friends digicam and post them for your opinion!

thanks again for your help

Originally posted by KEEPYOURDISTANCE!
So the coolant temp should normaly be around a 1/4 of the way?

and the oil temp is about 85degrees celsius.....or around 185F...

I should think this is normal?

Tomorrow I'll take pictures with my friends digicam and post them for your opinion!

thanks again for your help

That sounds right. The motor, when warm (I think after some spirited driving will reach the 210F mark. I'm not sure what that is on the Centigrade scale) sounds about right. Make sure all your fluids are properly filled.

45k miles isn't very much! It sounds like a nice car.

I would suggest that you change all the fluids (Oil, trans, diff, power steering, brake) just to flush everything, since you don't know the last time it was done.

By the way, what color is your car?

The car is Black.
I'll post pictures as soon as I can

Ok I'm making a new thread with pics of my car....tell me your opinions...
bear in mind I've had it for only a week so I haven't done anything