Must-Do E30 Projects

[ELVA164]

I don't know if this falls under 'must-do,' but I think upgrading to euro ellipsoid/smiley headlights is a fairly simple and worthwhile upgrade. I'm getting ready to replace my sealed beams this week I hope.

[frankie591]

E36 window switches. If you haven't done it yet, this is one of the single best interior mods you can do to your car, you will LOVE them.

http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/e36switches.html

We just did my sunroof switch, too.

Did you have to extend the wires at all? I looked into doing my sunroof switch as well but I didnt think I'd be able to solder the switch to such a short wire.

[325ix]

Did you have to extend the wires at all? I looked into doing my sunroof switch as well but I didnt think I'd be able to solder the switch to such a short wire.

Don't solder in a car.

[frankie591]

Don't solder in a car.

This topic has been beated to death. I know how to solder, have soldered thousands of joints without a problem. Soldered in my c101 adapter for my 24v swap, no problems. Soldered in my gauges, no problems. Soldered in plenty of grounds for my car. Soldered in adapters for my sealed beam-ellipsoid conversion, no problems. Never hand a solder joint fracture or snap ever.

[Wergen7]

single windshield wiper. because race car. and because 90's mercedes.

[325ix]

This topic has been beated to death. I know how to solder, have soldered thousands of joints without a problem. Soldered in my c101 adapter for my 24v swap, no problems. Soldered in my gauges, no problems. Soldered in plenty of grounds for my car. Soldered in adapters for my sealed beam-ellipsoid conversion, no problems. Never hand a solder joint fracture or snap ever.

Well, my point was and is that you don't have to solder, so, that shouldn't be a reason not to do the e36 switches.

[bastianshaw]

PS belt remove then drain rack(enough oil will remain in the rack for lubrication, its just a shitty e30 rack anyway) you dont have to drain the rack but it does decrease steering effort at lower speeds, not trying to get off topic here but it is a worthwhile "mod" its free, and can be reversed for free

[bastianshaw]

also chip.

[325ix]

Go ahead and drain the rack but, there are gears in a steering rack and gears need lubrication.

Also, the reduced effort may be true but, if you cant turn the rack with fluid in it you shouldnt be deleting the ps. Its not hard at all to turn.

[TobyB]

the gears in the rack are greased, not bathed in fluid.
At least, the later ones are.

The PS fluid only lubes the gears when the seals fail!

t

[TobyB]

E36 window switches.

because, on my e36, I have to replace one about every 6 months?

They are nice when they work, tho, I agree.

t

[Jand3rson]

Did you have to extend the wires at all? I looked into doing my sunroof switch as well but I didnt think I'd be able to solder the switch to such a short wire.

There's no need to solder, standard butt connectors will work just fine. Heat shrink them if you want for a little extra peace of mind.

[SubDad]

I like jlevie's post on the first page.
If you've got time and money to spare then fix something fundamental that'll keep you moving.

And what is the answer to "What is the purpose of removing the power steering belt?"

[Raxe]

And what is the answer to "What is the purpose of removing the power steering belt?"

Much better steering feel. Going the extra step and removing the reservoir, pump and lines frees up space in the engine bay too.

As for draining the rack, I'm of the opinion you should still leave some fluid in there but squeeze a bit out before plugging it. It's been a few years since fully removing everything and I've had no issues with a partially drained rack.

[SubDad]

And what is the answer to "What is the purpose of removing the power steering belt?" I asked.

Much better steering feel. Going the extra step and removing the reservoir, pump and lines frees up space in the engine bay too.

Ah. OK. Maybe I'll give it a try.
And maybe I'll figure out how to quote other people's posts.