New to the m10 engine

[jordanc6853@icloud.com]

I’m about to pick up an 84 318i with the m10. Can you guys give me any ideas about maintenance i need to do other than the normal fluid changes etc. thank you

[82eye]

it's a chained engine so there's not much to do beyond basics. plugs, wires, fluid change, couple filters and you should be good to go. weak areas are going to be vacuum leaks, the dist has been known to cause issues, the only real deep engine issues are chain guides wearing out.

m10s are pretty stout. keep them in tune with regular oil changes and they'll stay happy for many many miles.

[jordanc6853@icloud.com]

Thank you. I appreciate all of the help you’ve given me.

[ZEKTI]

The M10 is easy to work on thankfully and parts are cheap. A simple refresh of the gaskets and timing chain and guide would be possible for DIY. Enjoy the m10 goodness!

[packratbimmer]

Early 1984 M10 cars revved high on start-up and toasted rod bearings. I used to put a new oil pump, rod bearings and exhaust valve guides in mine between 150-175K and they were like brand new after that work and would last well past 250K. The later (late 1984 -1985) cars had a more elaborate idle control relay that prevented excessive revs on start-up. I always shut my car down upon the first start of the day and then "restarted" it to make sure the rod bearings got some lube before running. You will be able to hear the bad rod bearings if your engine already has the problem.

Also, be sure to get oil that supports your cam. I'm not sure if "flat tappet" is the right term here for the M10, but searching those terms will lead you toward a good choice for oil.

[TobyB]

...I have yet to see an M10 that wore out its timing guides... I mean, maybe at 300k they'd be used up, but they're not fragile like an N14...

and yes, flat tappet describes the sliding friction that an M10 rocker 'feels'...

t
has had more than a few.

[e30davie]

I assume the early L-jetronic m10s had the coolant operated idle control valve - like the L-jet that my m20b23 used to have. Junk. no wonder they idled high. take too long to respond if they ever do after 40years.

[packratbimmer]

I assume the early L-jetronic m10s had the coolant operated idle control valve - like the L-jet that my m20b23 used to have. Junk. no wonder they idled high. take too long to respond if they ever do after 40years.

Early E30 m10 cars had a separate module to control the idle control valve - it is located next to the L-Jet ECU.