Anyone in San Diego willing to teach me and help me with my 86' 325

[eL_MeXiCaNo]

I bought my first car a couple months ago for $700, a 1986 325. I had the basic done at first (oil change, oil filter, air filter, spark plugs changed). Then it started f-in up on me and had to get the timing belt, water pump, cap and rotor, fan clutch changed (cost me more than the car ). Now I find out I need to change alot of stuff but don't have a lot of money to pay for it (Guy at the BMW place where I took it said I need atleast 2g's with labor and all... just to begin with :(). The car runs and everything but I don't want to wait until the last moment when my car is so f-ed up it will no longer run.

SO I was wondering if someone in San Diego or around here who has a garage/shop could teach me and help me fix up my car. I don't want to get rid of it because everyone I know has a toyota, honda, ford, mitsubishi etc. and I don't want to be like them. Besides I like the old school look of this car, it's a classic. Although it could use some work, I figured if I could fix this car up and make it like new, I should be able to fix any car later on.

So can anyone help this car Newbie without making him bankrupt?

I'd appreciate it, thanks.

[reelizmpro]

I think you should buy a Bentley E30 Repair manual. It'll show you how to do just about everything.

[Dixon]

I second that, I was in the same boat not that long ago. Bentley Manual and search this forum and other E forums you may find a member in your area that will do some repairs that you find to hard for cheaper than a Garage, most Euro Auto garages are a rip off i got quoted over $400 for one rear wheel bearing no thanks mate. good luck!

[eL_MeXiCaNo]

Yea, I heard about the bentley manual, I was planning to get it as soon as I got some money. Only problem is I don't have any tools to work with. Since I need to replace the oil pan, driveshaft, motor mounts and exhaust system (catalytic converter and all) I need a garage/shop with a lift in order to do any and all of those (I think).

I was also hoping to learn how to do a swap later on, I see alot of 1990+ BMW's being sold for parts in san diego and I know I could use some of those parts to make my car go faster and/or look better. But that'll be sometime in the future after I learn about my car some more.

[Alkasquawlik]

I know you can replace the oil pan without needing a lift. It's a bitch but it can be done. ask me how i know.

[eL_MeXiCaNo]

really? are oilpans expensive? Do you need any special tools? do you spill any oil?

[mattdk318i]

damn......

[eL_MeXiCaNo]

damn......

Yea, it sucks being a car newbie with no tools.

[mattdk318i]

its cool, just make sure you drain the oil before trying any oil pan service. We were all newbies at some point.

[Alkasquawlik]

really? are oilpans expensive? Do you need any special tools? do you spill any oil?

I think they run like $80 or so on the forums.
You don't need any special tools.
Why do you need to replace it? If it's cracked, most of the oil should have spilled out anyway and you shouldn't be driving the car. Otherwise, if you just want to replace it, you will need to drain the oil from the pan before attempting to replace it.

[eL_MeXiCaNo]

I think they run like $80 or so on the forums.
You don't need any special tools.
Why do you need to replace it? If it's cracked, most of the oil should have spilled out anyway and you shouldn't be driving the car. Otherwise, if you just want to replace it, you will need to drain the oil from the pan before attempting to replace it.

It's not cracked, well not anymore. The person(s) that had this car before me apparently had it welded and I guess it's kind of leaking. Same with the Exhaust system, they tried to mickey mouse it (covering holes with pieces of soda cans). Just temporary fixes but I want to replace them before those temporary fixes become un-fixed and f-up my car.

[Alkasquawlik]

Ya, then you will want to drain the oil form the oilpan. Once thats done it's just a matter of unbolting the pan and putting the new gasket/pan on. Easier said then done for sure, but it's not complicated to do, just a bitch to get to some of the bolts.

in all seriousness though, get yourself a bentley and go out to some meets. the e30 community is pretty welcoming if youre not a douchebag, so im sure once you get to know people, theyll be more than willing to help you out if they can

[eL_MeXiCaNo]

Ya, then you will want to drain the oil form the oilpan. Once thats done it's just a matter of unbolting the pan and putting the new gasket/pan on. Easier said then done for sure, but it's not complicated to do, just a bitch to get to some of the bolts.

in all seriousness though, get yourself a bentley and go out to some meets. the e30 community is pretty welcoming if youre not a douchebag, so im sure once you get to know people, theyll be more than willing to help you out if they can

Meets? What are those? and when/where do they happen?

EDIT: Nevermind on the meet questions, I got my answer. Thanks for the advice.

[CleanAzzE30z]

Send a private message to Trent. "trent" is his name on here. He knows a ton and is a very very awesome guy. Hes actually a very very good friend of mine.


Mariano