is my 85 318i supposed to suck this bad?

[SLOWER]

Cap, rotor, wires, plugs, a new o2, and a timing and valve adjustment should be your first step.

Got any links/info on doing a valve adjustment????

nvm, found one: http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/21/32/

[VacMan]

Definitely borrow a timing light and set it correctly. The M10 in my E21 ran like crap if it was even 2 degrees off time. You can rent one from Autozone for free.

[SLOWER]

Definitely borrow a timing light and set it correctly. The M10 in my E21 ran like crap if it was even 2 degrees off time. You can rent one from Autozone for free.

sweet, i need a walkthrough on how to do this though.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Ok, I guess I should have said it, also buy a Bentley Manual.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=B390

[SLOWER]

Yah, I will when I can afford it. Ive actually got the digital copy but need to find a mac proggie to open it.

Did a valve adjustment today to no avail. That leaves me with o2 sensor (a pricey little fucker), dist. cap and rotor...

[Farbin Kaiber]

What about the wires? And did you find out what plugs you have?

Just buy the book, it will be worth it'w weight in gold and prevention of busted knuckles.

[Jaxx_]

Yah, I will when I can afford it. Ive actually got the digital copy but need to find a mac proggie to open it.

Did a valve adjustment today to no avail. That leaves me with o2 sensor (a pricey little fucker), dist. cap and rotor...

distro cap and rotor can be had for less than $15 out the door. go to advance and have them hook you up. I just bought a rotor button for $6 and change iirc...( http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=169772 )

[SLOWER]

Do you really think it could be the rotor? Ive turned the distributor all over the place and nothing helps. Leds me to think timing isnt the problem...

Also, where is the o2 sensor located on this beast? I was thinking about trying to clean it and see if that does anything for me, just for kicks.

[Farbin Kaiber]

LOL.

Timing is surely a problem, as said above, even two degrees off can cause havoc, Most o2 sensors are found in exhaust manifolds.


Ive got five dollars that you will end up blowing your m10 like e30trooper did when he didn't listen to me.

[Rampelsauce]

Haha, funny thread. Also very informative. When I got my 84 318i, I was like, crap. M10s are as slow as dirt. Plus Im a loser because I got one with the 3spd auto. Lame. My distributor is out of alignment too, but I didnt know that could cause a major malfunction. And x2 on the bosch platnum 4's. Lame plugs for lame people who think the most expensive product is the best for your car. What the mfg or a well respected tuner recommends is the right plug. Usually the two agree.

[SLOWER]

Right, but I've moved the timing tiny amounts at a time to no avail. Anyways, I went and bought a cap and rotor, but my light is busted. So I'll have to call around and see if I can find one to rent. Napa and Autozone dont rent...lame.

Checked the plugs theyre Champion N11YC

[Farbin Kaiber]

Lol.

Champion Spark Plug / CHAMPION / N11YC
Description: CHAMPION SPARK PLUG
CHAMPION / N11YC
Pack Size: 4
Replaces (OEM): CHAMPION N11YC

Fits Models:
CLUB CAR GOLF CARTS -- with Kawasaki 9 and 11 HP OHV engines
EZ-GO GOLF CARTS -- with Robin EH35C engines
HONDA GAS ENGINES -- 4.0/GX120, GXV120, 5.5/GX160,GXV160, 6.5/GX200, GXV200, 8.0/GX240, GXV240,9.0/GX270, GXV270, 11.0/GX340, GXV340, 13.0/GX390, GXV390, 18.0/GX610, GXV610, 20.0/GX620, GX640, GXV620, GXV640, 24.0/GX670
KAWASAKI GAS ENGINES -- 4.0/FE120D, 5.0/FC150V, 5.5/FE170D, 6.0/FC180V, 8.0/FE250D, 9.0/FC290V, 9.5/FE290D, 11.5/FE350D, 13.0/FC400V, FC401V,14.0/FC420V, 17.0/FC540, 18.0/FH531V, 19.0/FH601V, 21.0/FH641V, 23.0/FH680V
Type: Standard
Origin: U.S. Made

Part No. 130542

Swap them out for the correct plug. Also, gap them correctly. Also, a small dab of copper anti-seize on the threads is handy, not a frigging huge blob, but a small dab.

[Jaxx_]

Do you really think it could be the rotor? Ive turned the distributor all over the place and nothing helps. Leds me to think timing isnt the problem...

Also, where is the o2 sensor located on this beast? I was thinking about trying to clean it and see if that does anything for me, just for kicks.

I've seen rotors pass with visual inspection and gone over the entire ignition system only to come back to replace the rotor and rough idle issues gone away.


It's cheap, just do it.

[SLOWER]

I've seen rotors pass with visual inspection and gone over the entire ignition system only to come back to replace the rotor and rough idle issues gone away.


It's cheap, just do it.

word I went and picked some up. didnt help so far, but i need to get a timing light.

LOL @ my sweet N11YC's. Fuckin NAPA

[Fidhle007]

Also keep in mind that you drive the slowest BMW known to man at 6000 ft. It's going to run like shit anyway and if a Bentley manual is too pricey for your broke ass perhaps this is not the car for you. I hear Civics are really cheap these days...