new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

A

absolut

Member
hi, am a newbie when i comes to bm,
got some questions to ask...
got a e36 320 recently, pls help answer some fo my questions

what do i have to look out for, major issues.
1. do i need to change the gear box if the mileage is above 200k, or just wait for it to spoil
2. where can i get parts? replacement parts or mods
3. what mods can i do to it, AC, M3 kits still available, if so, where can i look for these
4. where to service and how often and how much does it cost on the average?
5. what petrol to pump? 92 ok? or need 95 and above?
6. what the fuel consumption like?
7. any tips for anything regarding e36 320

thanx for all the advice.......
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

While waiting for e36 bros to ans, i'll take the one on immediate issue:

5. what petrol to pump? 92 ok? or need 95 and above?

95 & above
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

absolut said:
hi, am a newbie when i comes to bm,
got some questions to ask...
got a e36 320 recently, pls help answer some fo my questions

what do i have to look out for, major issues.
1. do i need to change the gear box if the mileage is above 200k, or just wait for it to spoil
2. where can i get parts? replacement parts or mods
3. what mods can i do to it, AC, M3 kits still available, if so, where can i look for these
4. where to service and how often and how much does it cost on the average?
5. what petrol to pump? 92 ok? or need 95 and above?
6. what the fuel consumption like?
7. any tips for anything regarding e36 320
[/email]

thanx for all the advice.......
Click to expand...


Hi, Pls see my reply to your questions
Depend, overheating due to leakage, aircon system, gear box etc
1) Just go to specialise workshop and change to synthetic ATF. Do nothing if never breakdown. I change my gearbox ATF on yearly basis or 30,000km
2) Check in the workshop page for supplier, most common is Eng Soon, Goldenlink etc Part sold are mostly OEM and some original. Alternative, you can try your luck for used part from scrapyard at Propel.
3) There are lots of potential for e36 UDM, can for meetup and see for yourself
Check out the Photo Gallery section where there is a e36 meetup photo session by hotstuff (sometimes in June 05 if I remember correctly)
4) Generally, recommended workshops around sin ming ind. -BVO,J4C, Tampines ind. M&Q. Check in workshop page for more info or join in the meetup.
5) Someone has already answer your this question earlier
6) I reckon it should be in the range of 450km to 550km per full tank (60L). Generally, it still depend on your depend driving style and traffic condition (x% highway, y%city)
7) Come for the meetup and you will be able to find out more. PM myself or email to me at [email protected]





Best is that you come personally for the e36 meetup, sometimes also mini meetup in the nite.
There are lots of guru having the e36 heavily modded (exterior la)
Also, you may leave you contact or email where I can advise you more specifically.
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

1. fully agree with john... dont replace unless it is spoilt. just change atf.
2. at 200k km mark, look out for the following if it is not already replaced.
a) alternator
b) air-con coil
c) window regulators
d) wheel bearings (front & rear) - will cause WWII airplane like sound in the car while driving
e) engine & tranny mounts
f) idle valve
g) O2 sensor needs cleaning
h) fuel pressure regulator
i) some other relays in your relay box
j) shocks (should be third set on the car, 70k-80k km per set)
k) brake drums
l) fuel pump
m) some light bulbs in the instrument cluster
n) ABS pump (very expensive)
o) rubber items, like door seals, windscreen etc... look for cracking...
p) washer pump
q) battery, brakes etc...
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

Take your time to understand your car and do take your time with the mods, it is endless. However, put high priority to more critical and safety aspects such as brakes, tyres, radiator, water pump, fan clutch, engine mount and belting (in your case also change ATF). Those were the items I changed after taking over the car as ex owner did not have service records.

As you understand the car better, you will pick up some less than desired traits along the way e.g. alignment, suspension upgrade, replacement of creaky interior parts etc. Also listen for creaky bearings in your alternator, idle pulley and a/c compressor pulley. Your bimmer a/c compressor is likely one of the best there is and it's only the pulley that commonly gives problem.

Soon enough, you will enjoy going to work and returning home regardless of how crappy you think your job is.

Cheers and welcome to the club.
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

Hi guys,
Anyways, welcome to the club for those who just joined us. I've never met up with you guys who own E36s, but keen to do so. Lots of questions need to ask. I drive a Manual 318. Changed the Timing Belt, Brake Pads/Drum/Disk/Shoes. And Inserted KN Filter. Changed the V-Belts too. Thinking of Changing the Shock Absorbers and Clutch Assemblies. Anyone got recommendations for the Shock Absobers.

Really keen to meet up with you guys. When's the next meeting huh? let me know leh.
Chioa
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

You can try to organise a outing and post it here ...
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

the e36 m20 is rated for 95RON, so 95 is ok and 98 maybe "excessive"

Yeah you should do a fluid change for your car to keep your car and records a ref point.
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

Has had 3 previous E36 ( 318iS, 320 and 328 ).
No problems with 318iS. In both the 320 and 328, the radiators leaked at about 40K km and needed replacements. The 328's battery exploded ( yes, exploded ) without provocation. This is likely to be a one off thing.
In both the 320 and 328, the window washer fluid reservoir cracked, also at about 40K km.

However, as the rest said, no real need to replace anything yet unless it's broke.
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

yky said:
Has had 3 previous E36 ( 318iS, 320 and 328 ).
No problems with 318iS. In both the 320 and 328, the radiators leaked at about 40K km and needed replacements. The 328's battery exploded ( yes, exploded ) without provocation. This is likely to be a one off thing.
In both the 320 and 328, the window washer fluid reservoir cracked, also at about 40K km.

However, as the rest said, no real need to replace anything yet unless it's broke.
Click to expand...

having said that the almost certain thing tht needs regular changing would be the brake bulbs....E36s have this uncanny want of always blowing their bulbs :whattheh:
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

Probably due to the way you drive and brake :furious: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

I had a fair share of brake bulbs blowing since E30, I got a particular right bulbs that simply likes blowing up and on investigation, the bulb holder seemed to be at fault. That 2 metal pieces that connects to the casing that were recepticle for your electricity is likely to have worn and causes "arking". After replacing it, problem gone at least till now >1.5 years liao. I have also sourced for some stainless steel strips which I bend to shape and inserted over the other bulb holders. They seemed to work.
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

yky said:
Has had 3 previous E36 ( 318iS, 320 and 328 ).
No problems with 318iS. In both the 320 and 328, the radiators leaked at about 40K km and needed replacements. The 328's battery exploded ( yes, exploded ) without provocation. This is likely to be a one off thing.
In both the 320 and 328, the window washer fluid reservoir cracked, also at about 40K km.

However, as the rest said, no real need to replace anything yet unless it's broke.
Click to expand...


Bro.. can give me more details on your 318IS?
Email: [email protected]


thanks
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

Yes, the brake lights seem to have a mind of their own. Thanks for the great tip, will look into the bulb holder for more clues!

Btw, I am running a 318iS. Wonderful car with a few niggling problems...to add more excitement to your mundane motoring...haha
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

GTV6 said:
Yes, the brake lights seem to have a mind of their own. Thanks for the great tip, will look into the bulb holder for more clues!

Btw, I am running a 318iS. Wonderful car with a few niggling problems...to add more excitement to your mundane motoring...haha
Click to expand...

actually i think the bulbs are ok, just the stupid connection.
i just twist and turn and its back to normal again but after a while it doesn't work.
got tired of doing that, can't be bothered with it nowdays
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

Hello...

Sorry to add on to this tread but i have a little problem too. I just changed all the belts in my E36 318is coup. The fan, radiation and air con izzit? Anyway the problem is now i have a wierd vibration when i start up the car. Feels like the belt is misaligned and i dunno, not turning properly? But then i open the hood and it looks fine. The thing is this only happens when the engine is cold and just starting up. After warming up for 10 minutes or so then it becomes alright so i have idea what the heck it is. Any idea?
 
Re: new E36 owner...some questions, pls help

As your E36 320i uses the M50 engine, it is very common for the water pump to break as the water pump uses plastic impellers. it is wise to get that changed.
 
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