First Post To r3vLimited & my first car

[momah0ney]

Hey guys so i've been browsing this forum for quite a while and have an affinity for bmws.. all bmws.. but especially e30s. I finally made the purchase of my first car, paid for with my own hard earned cash, an '84 e30 325e. I want to start restoring it and improving it wherever possible, but i'm a little low on funds and knowledge and tools. She's an old timer sitting on 280k miles and the odo is a little iffy so it could be more. Any ideas where to start? at home i have basic tools and have some knowledge around an engine bay from helping my uncle out with his cars. Any input is helping me out, im hoping to be an e30 expert when it's all said and done. btw in the photo i had taken my seats and center console out and was steam cleaning the carpets.

[M Dialed]

Nice, First advice I can give you is make sure your fuel level never goes below 1/4 tank.

[momah0ney]

Why's that? My guess would be something to do with the fuel pump.

[dashboardmonkey]

The FIRST thing you need to do: GO BUY A BENTLEY MANUAL. Read it. Do a timing belt, water pump and thermostat. Then, bushings, ALL of them. Brakes, yes, those are important. Then maybe you can start with a little modding. Chip for DME will make a world of difference for the ETA. These cars are fun to play with.

[cutsham]

The FIRST thing you need to do: GO BUY A BENTLEY MANUAL. Read it. Do a timing belt, water pump and thermostat. Then, bushings, ALL of them. Brakes, yes, those are important. Then maybe you can start with a little modding. Chip for DME will make a world of difference for the ETA. These cars are fun to play with.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=164030

Free!

[dashboardmonkey]

The PDF is cool. I have it too. But, nothing beats a paper copy. You can have it handy for reference WHILE working on your beloved e30. A good thing for a nOOb. ;)

[momah0ney]

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=164030

Free!

Perfect thanks so much.

Could someone please explain the 1/4 gas tank? Is that a real thing? Also, in second and third gears, while I'm driving there is a ticking that happens at probably 1/4 second intervals, any ideas?

[kid325e]

Fuel Pump - The pump actually gets "cooled" off via the fuel that surrounds the pump. Any lower than 1/4 tank and the pump won't be fully submerged under fuel anymore. Without the fuel to cool it, you could potentially be looking at premature failure of your fuel pump. Just replaced mine last summer. Easy enough, but if you can prevent it, why not right?

Ticking - The M20 engine is known to be a rather "noisy", most will say that the ticking is due to the injectors, that's just how they sound. I can't say whether or not that is true. Mine isn't THAT loud. Thinks to check would be valve clearances/valve adjustment, Or you could just turn the music up.

[Cabriolet]

good start man. that's similar to my first e30.
i have tons of tools and knowledge, if you need a hand, i'm close by.

[momah0ney]

Ticking - The M20 engine is known to be a rather "noisy", most will say that the ticking is due to the injectors, that's just how they sound. I can't say whether or not that is true. Mine isn't THAT loud. Thinks to check would be valve clearances/valve adjustment, Or you could just turn the music up.

Yeah i've been told it's got something to do with the valves. I do turn the music up but then i just rattle through the lot at school looking like a goon -___-

[Nick's e30]

Mine's noisy, has been for the past 50k or so I've had her and she's fine!
Welcome to R3V!

[iamsam]

is the body straight and rust free?

I would echo what people have said and go ahead and do t-belt and water pump, then do all of the bushings, any bad ball joints, shifter bushings, etc. Also just clean the car up the best you can and try to keep it that way, you will be more motivated to put work into your car.

When you are done with all that, then look into springs and shocks (bilstien sport and H&R is a popular combo) and then find some nice 15x7 or larger wheels.

After that, look for a more powerful motor to swap in.

[ohthejosh]

R3v has certainly changed lol. First off welcome, and secondly NEEEDS MOAR LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW. LOL.

Lucky for you Los Gatos is close to a lot of e30 owners that are friendly and have extensive knowledge on working with these cars. Check out the regional subforum for meets and such.

Also if you are looking for local parts or help join the norcale30.com forum also ;) have fun man see you around!

[YosemiteSam]

Looks like a nice car, I'll keep my eyes open for you around town; I drive a late model delphin 4-door. Welcome. Also you should start coming to this if you can http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=257291 A lot of the guys in this area, me included, frequent that meet so it's a good place to meet the local crowd.

[blunttech]

Sweet dog dude. Is he lowered?? he doesnt look to be at stock ride height Welcome