Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 29

Thread: My new E30 convertible, some good some bad.

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Ocala, Florida. USA
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 325ic

    Thumbs up My new E30 convertible, some good some bad.

    Hello guys, I haven't been on in a while since my 92' 325i. Now I just traded my Monte Carlo 01' for a beautiful custom e30 convertible.

    I love the style, look and ability of the BMW e30. It has some issues. I bought it yesterday and just got back from Advanced Auto with some goodies.

    The vehicle has a very high idle. I was told the idle sensor on top of the motor needs changing, so I purchased one off ebay and it should arrive soon, so that should be fixed.

    The a/c I was told worked when I bought it, all though on the ride home, it did not come on at all. As I went to fill it up today for the first time, I get back into the car and noticed the a/c bluish greenish light came on as well as the circulation a/c orangish light came on. I got extremely happy and turned the a/c switch on 1-2-3-4 and it all blew fine, just not cold. YES! I was happy. I drive it over to advanced auto, turn it off and then turn it back on and the a/c doesn't work again. Turn the car back off and then back on and it works again.

    My father feels there is a short somewhere, which makes sense... I just don't know where to start looking. I would like to have the a/c work all the time.

    Another problem is the fact of no work tachometer or odometer. I did not realize the odometer did not work until I got home and noticed the same mileage. So that was left out by the seller and a overlooked mistake on my part before purchase. Is there a fuse? a plug? something that might have went out that caused the tach and odometer to stop working? The gas gauge and the speedometer works fine.

    I would love to show you guys pictures here soon, as I am about to take quite a few. I would appreciate any help.

    Thank you all in advance!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Nebo, NC
    Posts
    2,545
    My Cars
    '84 320i & 633, 87 325e,
    Quickliter,

    Congrats on your purchase.

    But please believe me when I tell you that you need to get out of the habit of shopping at Advance Auto for anything but fluids and Bosch filters (at least for BMWs). Ditto eBay for critical electrical and fuel systems parts . . . and most other parts upon which you absolutely need to depend. The company I've used lately is ECS Tuning, but there are many BMW parts specialists out there.

    Buy new odometer gears form odometergears.com and your od will probbly work; not sure about the tach.

    Jeff
    Last edited by BMWtyro; 06-01-2012 at 02:02 PM.
    1984 320i Baur TC2 5-Speed Opalgrün (Jeff's)
    1987 325e Sedan A/T Zinnoberrot (Dawn's)
    1984 633 CSi 5-speed Bronzit (Ours . . . if she says so)


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Ocala, Florida. USA
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 325ic

    Thumbs up

    Thanks so much. I agree on the advanced auto parts mentioning. I purchased plenty for the Monte Carlo there, but not again. I did some research on those odometer gears... thank you for that input!

    Here are some pictures of my new purchase!

    Let me know what everyone thinks...






  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    San Antonio, Texas
    Posts
    525
    My Cars
    1987 Zinnoberot 325ic
    I smell bar-b-que.........

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    North Fork, Ca
    Posts
    217
    My Cars
    1986 325es 5-speed
    Quote Originally Posted by OnMy2ndE30 View Post
    I smell bar-b-que.........

    ‎"The nice thing about these cars is that they are mechanically like legos - they really just snap together once you get the right parts."

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Jackson NJ
    Posts
    904
    My Cars
    1997 328i c M trim
    Nice !
    This car is AWESOME !!!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Ocala, Florida. USA
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 325ic
    So you guys have jokes? I thought this was a supportive forum and a community with respect for others? I just purchased the vehicle... have you asked my plans? or given advice or suggestions? Instead you smell BBQ? Nice, thanks guys for the non-support
    1987 E30 CONVERTIBLE... fully customized and ready for turbo charged power enhancement!


  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    morton, IL
    Posts
    53
    My Cars
    1991 325i
    I like the color and it beats the crap out of my bronzo 91 vert.

    I have been using Pelican Parts, BavAuto, and PartsGeek for things and it just depends on who has what at the time i need it. They've all been great.

    I would get the Bentley Book for your car. Mine has been just fantastic as a resource and includes your wiring diagrams.

    Here is a link to the wiring diagrams online http://wedophones.com/BMWManualsLead.htm

    It isn't clear from your post so I have some questions that might spark some thought

    1. Does the fan blower work as expected?
    2. Does anything on the instrument panel work? Fuel guage?


    I have a 1991 convertible where the spedo works, but the tach does not. I haven't even started looking into it because I have some many other....opportunities.

    Hope this helps

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    huntsville, alabama
    Posts
    414
    My Cars
    1986 325es
    Quote Originally Posted by Quickliter
    So you guys have jokes? I thought this was a supportive forum and a community with respect for others? I just purchased the vehicle... have you asked my plans? or given advice or suggestions? Instead you smell BBQ? Nice, thanks guys for the non-support
    I don't think that they were trying to insult you at all, just poking fun. I mean no offense at all when I say this, but if you posted this car on r3v it would be about 10x as much flame. All in all, looks like a good pick up. The interior is mint and you can throw some sweet, slightly less chrome wheels on there lol. What are your plans for it?

  10. #10
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    TX...blows
    Posts
    788
    My Cars
    1997 M3
    Lol ahh man this guy is a lil sensitive. Whoever said forums were supportive anyways lol?? They're usually more for info and helping getting ur head straight on the car game...to each his own but it's good to have thicker skin when u post pics of the whip

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    New Zealand
    Posts
    1,313
    My Cars
    545i, 740i, 320i
    The chrome wheels, magenta metallic, colour matched trim and the LED fog lights aren't to my taste. They are all correctable though.

    If it's been well maintained and you got it at a good price, then I'm sure it'll be a fun project!

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Nebo, NC
    Posts
    2,545
    My Cars
    '84 320i & 633, 87 325e,
    Quikliter,

    I didn't get the attempted "humor" at first; I now suppose that it must have to do with your screen name. Hmm.

    Let it roll off as best you can . . . there are a lot of good, well-intentioned and well-informed people here. Just for starters, seek out thejlevie, richardodn and RomeoMike for good advice and correct answers -- also, don't hesitate to use the "Search This Forum" button. It can't hurt to seek out a BMW club in your area as well; they usually have at least one member who can give you a pretty accurate diagnosis just by listening or taking a test drive.

    As far as the high idle speed goes: yes, it could indeed be a sensor. It may also be the result of a vacuum leak (including such a leak in the crankcase) or a faulty idle control valve, although in my limited experience those problems are often accompanied by surging or rough running. Does your car exhibit either of those symptoms?

    I'm going to agree with Cheyne regarding the mods, but that doesn't mean that I have any disrespect for you or your car. IMHO ElDon has provided some great advice and resources to move you toward solving your problems. And BimmerGuru is right about R3VLimited -- that is why I usually stay over here.

    Jeff
    1984 320i Baur TC2 5-Speed Opalgrün (Jeff's)
    1987 325e Sedan A/T Zinnoberrot (Dawn's)
    1984 633 CSi 5-speed Bronzit (Ours . . . if she says so)


  13. #13
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Ocala, Florida. USA
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 325ic
    Hey guys, I appreciate the responses. I understand the tougher skin comment... I just didn't expect the humor, but I am open minded and can accept it.

    I did get the car at an amazing deal of a trade for my Monte Carlo.

    The car is in good shape and I have already fixed quite a bit of the minor problems.

    I replaced all fuses under the hood and two of them were blown. Upon replacement, the tachometer and mpg gauge both work now. All lights on dash have came on now. Even my computer near the radio is on and working. ONE QUESTION ABOUT THE COMPUTER IS THAT IT IS IN EURO TYPE, IS THERE A WAY TO SWITCH IT OVER TO MPG AND MPH AND TIME IN AMERICAN STANDARDS? THANKS

    The a/c now comes on everytime I start the car correctly as the fuses must have had a hand in fixing that as well. Very good find.

    I appreciate it guys and all of the comments. I will be receiving my new idle sensor here on Tuesday and I will see if that fixes the high idle.

    Thanks again.
    1987 E30 CONVERTIBLE... fully customized and ready for turbo charged power enhancement!


  14. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Nebo, NC
    Posts
    2,545
    My Cars
    '84 320i & 633, 87 325e,
    Quickliter,

    Don't overlook relays as possible culprits for inoperative circuits. There should be seven or eight in the fuse panel, and as many as three more beneath the little black cover on the left fenderwell. If you buy a Bentley's E30 manual, it will tell you what they all do . . . maybe . . .

    And I say that because your question about the ECU (computer) leads me to wonder: is your car a Euro version? If so, Bentley's will be only so helpful when diagnosing / repairing Euros (ask me how I know!).

    As to your question: unless the car itself is indeed Euro-spec, what leads you to beleive that the compputer is? And are the speedo / MPG guage in miles or kilometers, and gallons or liters? I'm not certain what (if any) influence the ECU has upon the speedo / MPG gauge, but I believe that the three-digit code which you will find on the ECU itself (which is located above the glove box) may tell the guys on BF who are more hardcore than I what the spec is -- assuming that it hasn't been tampered with to install a performance chip. So many variables . . .

    If you plug your VIN into this site it will tell you (among many other things) what country your car was originally built for: http://www.rubmw.ru/vincode/eng/

    While the site itself is Russian, all of the info which you will need is in English. Please let us know what you discover!

    Jeff
    1984 320i Baur TC2 5-Speed Opalgrün (Jeff's)
    1987 325e Sedan A/T Zinnoberrot (Dawn's)
    1984 633 CSi 5-speed Bronzit (Ours . . . if she says so)


  15. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    San Antonio, Texas
    Posts
    525
    My Cars
    1987 Zinnoberot 325ic
    Look man, sorry about the "humor". You need to understand something. Alot of us guys are purists when it comes to these cars. They are the last "true" enthusiast BMW and they are getting harder and harder to find in good shape without any riced out mods. I am finding (I don't know about anyone else) that the younger JDM ricer guys are starting to get ahold of these cars and perform "mods" to them because they are less expensive to buy. They will put body kits and funky paint and then expect the purists to like them. I personally don't like your car. Sorry, but you wanted input. I love a clean E30 with simple tasteful mods. Lowering springs and oem body kits with factory colors. It is ultimately your car. You obviously love it and that is all that matters. Just make sure you have all of the maintenance up to date, ESPECIALLY the timing belt. Otherwise you are gonna have a really expensive piece of yard art. Kick that pig and have some fun with it!!!!

  16. #16
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Ocala, Florida. USA
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 325ic
    Alright guys, here is some answers to the questions and responses.

    My speedometer and everything as gauge wise is in American standard. MPH and MPG

    now the computer next to the radio that I got to work after replacing the fuses turned on as Kilometers and Liters and the such which is ALL in European standard and I would like it to be American. I thought maybe they had the possibility of switching back and forth, but I guess not now. I will check the VIN on that website tomorrow morning and let you know what I find out.


    I completely understand the purist of these cars. I know what I have as in terms of the quality of the BMW experience. I plan to keep this car beautiful. I may change the paint and a few other things to my liking personally, but for now my personality is completely outgoing and the outgoing paint scheme fits that well. I thank you for the timing belt comment. This morning a hole finally blew in the fuel line and I had a nice 4 hour walk to get things fixed, but I find out it was the original 1987 hose, so I had to fix that for sure and now the car even responds better as no air is getting in the fuel line and no fuel is leaking out as it was.

    Thanks again
    1987 E30 CONVERTIBLE... fully customized and ready for turbo charged power enhancement!


  17. #17
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Nebo, NC
    Posts
    2,545
    My Cars
    '84 320i & 633, 87 325e,

    Very important

    Quickliter,

    Replace every inch of that ancient fuel delivery hose and pressure regulator hose with fuel injection-grade hose ASAP -- and clamp it on tightly! I prefer to use the BMW Genuine brand, but Gates SAE30 R9 (printed in white on the hose) is my second choice.

    NEVER use hose which reads "SAE 30R6" or "30R7"; it is not rated for FI pressures and is not resistant to the ethanol which is now blended into the gasoline -- it shouldn't even be sold anymore.

    If you need more info regarding the fuel delivery system, please let me know.

    Jeff
    1984 320i Baur TC2 5-Speed Opalgrün (Jeff's)
    1987 325e Sedan A/T Zinnoberrot (Dawn's)
    1984 633 CSi 5-speed Bronzit (Ours . . . if she says so)


  18. #18
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Location
    PNW
    Posts
    637
    My Cars
    '87 325e ~ 1990 325i
    Quote Originally Posted by Quickliter View Post
    So you guys have jokes? I thought this was a supportive forum and a community with respect for others? I just purchased the vehicle... have you asked my plans? or given advice or suggestions? Instead you smell BBQ? Nice, thanks guys for the non-support
    Whoa! One small joke and you're already putting your tail between your legs? Come'on. They are supportive. Let's not throw ourself a pity party.
    Last edited by Boisebimmer; 06-05-2012 at 01:39 PM.

  19. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    norcal
    Posts
    5,881
    My Cars
    a few e30s
    Quote Originally Posted by Boisebimmer View Post
    Whoa! One small joke and you're already putting your tail between your legs? Come'on. They are supportive. Let's not throw ourself a pity party.
    Hey hey now, read the rest of the thread. Dude calmed down, its all good now. "cant we all just, get along?" hahaha

  20. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    464
    My Cars
    87 325iC, 00 M Roadster
    Quote Originally Posted by Quickliter View Post
    Alright guys, here is some answers to the questions and responses.

    My speedometer and everything as gauge wise is in American standard. MPH and MPG

    now the computer next to the radio that I got to work after replacing the fuses turned on as Kilometers and Liters and the such which is ALL in European standard and I would like it to be American. I thought maybe they had the possibility of switching back and forth, but I guess not now. I will check the VIN on that website tomorrow morning and let you know what I find out.

    All you have to do it push the "reset" button in the lower corner (you may need to use a pen or other small pointy object).

  21. #21
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Nebo, NC
    Posts
    2,545
    My Cars
    '84 320i & 633, 87 325e,
    Quote Originally Posted by 87iSee View Post
    All you have to do it push the "reset" button in the lower corner (you may need to use a pen or other small pointy object).
    I didn't know this, either. Thanks, iSee!

    Jeff
    1984 320i Baur TC2 5-Speed Opalgrün (Jeff's)
    1987 325e Sedan A/T Zinnoberrot (Dawn's)
    1984 633 CSi 5-speed Bronzit (Ours . . . if she says so)


  22. #22
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Shreveport LA
    Posts
    1,090
    My Cars
    '03 530i 5 sp
    After depressing the reset button, hit the AVG MPG button on the keypad and cycle through until you get MPH. L:100 is in KMH.
    2003 530i -- DD; 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera coupe -- fun car; 1990 325i convertible -- sold; 1974 Porsche 914 2.0 -- sold; 1989 325i sedan -- sold; 1983 633CSi -- sold; 1982 323i -- sold

  23. #23
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Ocala, Florida. USA
    Posts
    18
    My Cars
    1987 325ic
    Hey there again guys!

    Well, it's Thursday. I got my idle air valve yesterday and I just installed it this morning. No fix to the idle problem! AHHHHH!

    As soon as I start the car, the idle automatically jumps to 2500-3000rpm and just stays that way until the car is shut off finally. I don't see a way to adjust the throttle cables that meet at the header. I am in desperate need of a fix here guys.

    I will check the search option on here and see if I can find a fix there, until then...

    ANY SUGGESTIONS?

    With it idling so high, the car drinks gas like a baby to a titty

    I'm stumped.
    1987 E30 CONVERTIBLE... fully customized and ready for turbo charged power enhancement!


  24. #24
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Pittsburgh
    Posts
    464
    My Cars
    87 325iC, 00 M Roadster
    Check afm to make sure it's at least close to spec output voltages.

    Check coolant temp sensor for ecu.

    Check to make sure the new icv is working and not stuck.

    Make sure the throttle isn't stuck open for some reason.

    Always check for vacuum leaks.

  25. #25
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Nebo, NC
    Posts
    2,545
    My Cars
    '84 320i & 633, 87 325e,
    Q-liter,

    I don't know for certain that your problem is a vacuum leak, but it would be worth checking into.

    The M20 engine is quite vacuum-sensitive. Any type of leakage downstream of the air filter, even a cracked intake boot, can create a problem. Also, the crankcase is under sufficient vacuum that it, too, can cause a problem if any aspect of it is leaking air -- so much so that a healthy engine which is running correctly will sputter or shut-off altogether if the oil filler cap is removed.

    The correct way to determine the presence of a vacuum leak is a smoke test which involves forcing smoke into the intake system and watching for it to emerge from a point of leakage. Jim Levie (thejlevie) can tell you how to perform this test; I have never done so.

    If you remove the air inlet tube which runs from the left front panel (behind the headlights) into the air box and then get your hand over the air box inlet, it might tell you something. Under such a condition, I would think that the engine would shut off immediately if it has no vacuum leaks.

    Aside from that, it is difficult for me to guess what the problem might be. One of the legitimate BMW mechanics on this forum should be able to help point you in the right direction, however.

    Best of luck.

    Jeff

    EDIT: 87iSee and I posted simultaneously. He is absolutely correct about the other possible problems which are worthy of investigation.

    One caution: when checking anything electrical such as the air flow meter's output, ALWAYS use a digital multimeter, not the direct-reading type. The latter could zap any number of electronically-sensitive components in your E30!

    J.

    Last edited by BMWtyro; 06-07-2012 at 09:38 AM.
    1984 320i Baur TC2 5-Speed Opalgrün (Jeff's)
    1987 325e Sedan A/T Zinnoberrot (Dawn's)
    1984 633 CSi 5-speed Bronzit (Ours . . . if she says so)


Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •