New to e30's New problems

[Habs35]

I just recently picked up an '89 325i and being the perfectionist I am, I need to get a few problems fixed ASAP. Unfortunately, since I'm new to e30's I'm also new to the common problems and I don't have a clue where to start with problems I've already noticed.

The first is;
When the A/C is on, water leaks into the passenger side floorboard area, right next to the console. Why? and how do I fix this? It also seems that I'm getting a lot of condensation on the undercarriage. It left a puddle yesterday????

The second;
The seats need some manual help when I try and bring the seat back up. Is there a fix for this, what are the common causes?

The Third, and most annoying;
The sunroof crank handle hangs down. How do I get it to stay up?

Yes I tired a search and I'm sure the answer is on here, but apparently I need suggestions to narrow down the results, which I'll gladly take.

Thanks in advance.

[Restoman]

#2 go to Stricktlyeta.com and go to the tech articles. Replace those shocks.

#3 get a new crank for $25 new or go to the classified section to pick up a slightly used one.

[aworthybrother]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44798

sunroof crank

I just recently picked up an '89 325i and being the perfectionist I am, I need to get a few problems fixed ASAP. Unfortunately, since I'm new to e30's I'm also new to the common problems and I don't have a clue where to start with problems I've already noticed.

The first is;
When the A/C is on, water leaks into the passenger side floorboard area, right next to the console. Why? and how do I fix this? It also seems that I'm getting a lot of condensation on the undercarriage. It left a puddle yesterday????

The second;
The seats need some manual help when I try and bring the seat back up. Is there a fix for this, what are the common causes?

The Third, and most annoying;
The sunroof crank handle hangs down. How do I get it to stay up?

Yes I tired a search and I'm sure the answer is on here, but apparently I need suggestions to narrow down the results, which I'll gladly take.

Thanks in advance.

[a3ternus]

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=44798
sunroof crank

#1 a common problem as well...You might wanna search for it! ;)
N.

[Julien]

there are 3 tubes to take the condensation out of the hvac block.. one behind the unit two on the side. Take the console out and see if one of them is broken (rubber) or just not plugged in right)

[kellie]

To add to what redbull 325is said, the puddle on the floor is perfectly normal. It's just the condensation draining off of the evaporator.

[CorvallisBMW]

To add to what redbull 325is said, the puddle on the floor is perfectly normal. It's just the condensation draining off of the evaporator.

Well, I wouldn't call it normal. It didn't do that the day it was driven off the lot. But yes water condensation is part of the normal operation of the Evaporator/AC system. It's supposed to drip out the bottom of the car, but it sound slike you have a plugged/torn/missing drain line.

[kellie]

Well, I wouldn't call it normal. It didn't do that the day it was driven off the lot. But yes water condensation is part of the normal operation of the Evaporator/AC system. It's supposed to drip out the bottom of the car, but it sound slike you have a plugged/torn/missing drain line.

Er...I meant the ground. Not the floor of the car.

[Habs35]

Thanks for the help. I've finally got the time tomorrow to take it into my buddies shop to look it over completely. I had a PPI done, but I still want a tech I know to check things out with me. I'll probably have the time to get most of my list fixed too.

All in all, my problem list isn't that bad. So far it stands as;
A/C leaking-sounds like an easy fix
sunroof crank-will buy a new one
Seats recline issue-new struts easy
The lights behind the clock and some console controls are out
small tear in the shift boot-new one
PS seat is missing the plastic handle cover for the seat back to rock forward. -junkyard
shift knob is loose and wobbly-ebay or new OEM one
The DS door gasket has a small tear in it-easy
PS fog light lens is cracked

That is it for the minor stuff, and if the PPI results pan out tomorrow then I'm good to go on mods.
Speaking of which, does anyone have any experience with the Bav. Auto springs? I've been thinking of picking up their bilstien sport/ spring combo for suspension, but I haven't heard anything about their house springs.

[kellie]

Before you go too crazy with mods, how old is the timing belt? When was the coolant/brake fluid/trans and diff fluid/oil/spark plugs changed last? Valve adjustment? If you found a car that's completely up-to-date on all of that stuff, you definitely beat the odds.

[CorvallisBMW]

Before you go too crazy with mods, how old is the timing belt? When was the coolant/brake fluid/trans and diff fluid/oil/spark plugs changed last? Valve adjustment? If you found a car that's completely up-to-date on all of that stuff, you definitely beat the odds.

Very good advice. I would do a good tuneup before worrying about the little cosmetic things. And def check the timing belt, it's $50 in parts to replace it yourself, or $2000 if it breaks and you fubar your engine.

[Habs35]

I beat the odds, the PO had the timing belt, plugs, oil, and tranny fluid changed before I bought it. There is still a few issues that came up today at my buddies shop that I am going to address before I spend any money on mods. Unfortunately I don't have time, nor the space, to do the work myself, but the upside of working all the time is I can afford to have the work done.

Here is what we found today, if any of this is cake, let me know, because if I can find the time, I would be more willing to do the easy stuff myself.
Belts=Cake, I know
Selector/output seals on the tranny
Low pressure power steering hose is leaking
Steering rack coupling needs to be replaced
tie rods at the rack are worn out

[NC325iC]

the rear tranny seals arent too terribly hard especially if you have a lift and air tools, youll need a 30mm socket to get the flange off though