Restoration of E30

[cklim]

Hi to all Sifus,I'm newbie to FORUMS here, & need some advices from sifu2 regarding restoration of my E30.Here are my story - I bought myself a 1986 4 doors E30 320i (Manual) in 1997. Since then I was fed up with the excessive free-play in the rear axle (not sure whether u all having the same problem?) :angry: .Last week I finally replace it with a used one with very minor free-play (good conditions), but another problem turn up, the car lost its top speed - for example I usually travel in 5th gear with engine speed at 3,000rpm, my car can do 120km/h, but after installing this used axle, my car can only do about 100km/h even with the same engine speed & gear selection.Here are my questions:1. Could it be due to the difference in axle ratio?2. If yes, this used axle could be from which model - 318i or 325i?I've also replaced all ball-joints, stabilizer-link & anti-roll bar bushes together with 2pcs lower arm bushes from Super Pro (PU type brought from Hokomoto Racing), but squeking sound appeared whenever I cross a bump . After performing a thorough inspection, it's confirm that the sound came from the 2pcs lower arm PU bushes:1. Has anyone experience this before?2. What should I do to prevent it from happen again when I reinstall it?I intend to replace my engine from M20B20 to M20B23 since the existing engine having leakage problem (engine oil flows to air-filter), my mechanic told me it should cost around RM2.5K - RM3K (half cut 323i with manual gear box, excluding labour fees). My questions:1. Is the price reasonable?2. Shall I take the rear axle as well so that my vehicle speed could return to normal?Kindly provide your opinions. And I'll keep you all update on the restoration progress.Thank you all in advance. Sorry guys, the REAR AXLE i've mentioned should actually call DIFFERENTIAL.

 

[skar19]

i sent you a message, we can meet up and talk about your E30's problems.

 

[fabianyee]

I assumed u have replaced the 3.73 rear diff ratio with 4.10.... a lot of ppl actuall do this to get better acceleration when driving in town.... u'll feel better torque and u don't lose much in consumption...

as for the PU bushes, put it some grease to prevent squeking...

lastly, come for TT and get all your questions answered...

 

[2cents]

Originally posted by cklim@May 1 2005, 01:57 AM
Hi to all Sifus,

I'm newbie to FORUMS here, & need some advices from sifu2 regarding restoration of my E30.

Here are my story - I bought myself a 1986 4 doors E30 320i (Manual) in 1997. Since then I was fed up with the excessive free-play in the rear axle (not sure whether u all having the same problem?) :angry: .

Last week I finally replace it with a used one with very minor free-play (good conditions), but another problem turn up, the car lost its top speed - for example I usually travel in 5th gear with engine speed at 3,000rpm, my car can do 120km/h, but after installing this used axle, my car can only do about 100km/h even with the same engine speed & gear selection.
Here are my questions:
1. Could it be due to the difference in axle ratio?
2. If yes, this used axle could be from which model - 318i or 325i?


I've also replaced all ball-joints, stabilizer-link & anti-roll bar bushes together with 2pcs lower arm bushes from Super Pro (PU type brought from Hokomoto Racing), but squeking sound appeared whenever I cross a bump . After performing a thorough inspection, it's confirm that the sound came from the 2pcs lower arm PU bushes:
1. Has anyone experience this before?
2. What should I do to prevent it from happen again when I reinstall it?


I intend to replace my engine from M20B20 to M20B23 since the existing engine having leakage problem (engine oil flows to air-filter), my mechanic told me it should cost around RM2.5K - RM3K (half cut 323i with manual gear box, excluding labour fees). My questions:
1. Is the price reasonable?
2. Shall I take the rear axle as well so that my vehicle speed could return to normal?

Kindly provide your opinions. And I'll keep you all update on the restoration progress.

Thank you all in advance.


Sorry guys, the REAR AXLE i've mentioned should actually call DIFFERENTIAL.

Loss of top speed, ur 320i spinning 3,000 rpm on 5th at 120kmph, hmm...sounds like u had a 3.45 (like mine) in the beginning, I suspect. B)
In a change to a higher ratio, I would expect a loss of top speed at the same revs but a better pick-up at lower speed driving.
I hope u did experienced bettr pick-up at low speeds. :blink:

Can u share with us how much u paid for those PU bushes please?

 

[cklim]

U guys are right! i've gained better torque with this differential, now i can even go up a slope with 4th/5th gear :nyehehe: .

But on the other hand, the engine will revs above 3,000rpm when speeding above 100km/h, which is very noisy, and i also worry on high fuel consumption if travel a lots on highway . By the way, my original diff is 3.45, as mention in my manual.

I paid RM230 for 2pcs lower arm control bush (PU type), but was very disappointed with the squeking sound. Will send for greasing after come back from outstation.

i'll be more than happy to join u guys for TT :yahoo: but i think the only place i know is Mc Donald at Centerpoint (my wife lives nearby ma!). Will give u guys a call b4 going over. Thanx 4 the comments. See U.

Regards,
CK

 

[Fuhrer]

Originally posted by cklim@May 1 2005, 09:16 AM
but i think the only place i know is Mc Donald at Centerpoint (my wife lives nearby ma!). Will give u guys a call b4 going over. Thanx 4 the comments. See U.

Regards,
CK

how many other wives you got?! :nyehehe:

 

[cklim]

how many other wives you got?!

I got two! 1 is my UDM, the other 1 is real wife, juz registered but not yet staying together ma...! Hee hee...!

 

[jeffreyewe]

Originally posted by cklim@May 2 2005, 12:09 AM

how many other wives you got?!

I got two! 1 is my UDM, the other 1 is real wife, juz registered but not yet staying together ma...! Hee hee...!

phew..that was a close call.

btw, welcome to the club.

 

[Jules]

Cklim,

I am also running SuperPro......on a few places, one of which is on the front lower control arm as well.

When you installed the bushes, I hope you used the white grease which came with the bushes........if you have not, pls remove them and spread liberally some rubber grease!

Installed mine in Dec last year....no sounds to date as you mentioned. Fingers crossed.

 

[cklim]

When you installed the bushes, I hope you used the white grease which came with the bushes........if you have not, pls remove them and spread liberally some rubber grease!

I did inform my mech to use the white grease, but not sure whether he apply it. Anyway i plan 2 reinstall it sometime nex week, & will make sure this time he taruk grease kau kau :lol: !

Regards,
CK

 

[tyke]

Originally posted by cklim@May 1 2005, 09:16 AM
U guys are right! i've gained better torque with this differential, now i can even go up a slope with 4th/5th gear :nyehehe: .

But on the other hand, the engine will revs above 3,000rpm when speeding above 100km/h, which is very noisy, and i also worry on high fuel consumption if travel a lots on highway . By the way, my original diff is 3.45, as mention in my manual.

I paid RM230 for 2pcs lower arm control bush (PU type), but was very disappointed with the squeking sound. Will send for greasing after come back from outstation.

i'll be more than happy to join u guys for TT :yahoo: but i think the only place i know is Mc Donald at Centerpoint (my wife lives nearby ma!). Will give u guys a call b4 going over. Thanx 4 the comments. See U.

Regards,
CK

well me and a bunch of mates do gather at mcdonalds centrepoint regularly to just chill out!its mostly us e30 owners(weirdly enough)
oddly enough,we were there lastnight till 2am(it rained pretty heavily so we had to wait it out!

 

[chlai28]

Originally posted by cklim@May 1 2005, 01:57 AM
Hi to all Sifus,

I'm newbie to FORUMS here, & need some advices from sifu2 regarding restoration of my E30.

Here are my story - I bought myself a 1986 4 doors E30 320i (Manual) in 1997. Since then I was fed up with the excessive free-play in the rear axle (not sure whether u all having the same problem?) :angry: .

Last week I finally replace it with a used one with very minor free-play (good conditions), but another problem turn up, the car lost its top speed - for example I usually travel in 5th gear with engine speed at 3,000rpm, my car can do 120km/h, but after installing this used axle, my car can only do about 100km/h even with the same engine speed & gear selection.
Here are my questions:
1. Could it be due to the difference in axle ratio?
2. If yes, this used axle could be from which model - 318i or 325i?


I've also replaced all ball-joints, stabilizer-link & anti-roll bar bushes together with 2pcs lower arm bushes from Super Pro (PU type brought from Hokomoto Racing), but squeking sound appeared whenever I cross a bump . After performing a thorough inspection, it's confirm that the sound came from the 2pcs lower arm PU bushes:
1. Has anyone experience this before?
2. What should I do to prevent it from happen again when I reinstall it?


I intend to replace my engine from M20B20 to M20B23 since the existing engine having leakage problem (engine oil flows to air-filter), my mechanic told me it should cost around RM2.5K - RM3K (half cut 323i with manual gear box, excluding labour fees). My questions:
1. Is the price reasonable?
2. Shall I take the rear axle as well so that my vehicle speed could return to normal?

Kindly provide your opinions. And I'll keep you all update on the restoration progress.

Thank you all in advance.


Sorry guys, the REAR AXLE i've mentioned should actually call DIFFERENTIAL.

Hi all BMW seniors, sifus and taikos,

I'm actually really new to this forum. Of course as with anyone in here, I've a liking for BMWs... especially the older ones like E30s, E36s.

Question is... when are the E30 owners planning to meet up because I would really like to catch a ride in 1 and maybe ask about the car before making "attempting" to buy one...

I've already had a drive in Mr. Woo's E36 328, other 325s and 318s... now want to know what an E30 feels like.

Thanks...

 

[Alvin]

Dude

Just come for Friday TT session. Quite a number of sifus with their ride will be there.

 

[Zoggee]

Originally posted by Alvin@May 11 2005, 12:46 AM
Dude

Just come for Friday TT session. Quite a number of sifus with their ride will be there.

or drop by for Puchong TT(unofficial) for test drive.. h34r:

 

[chlai28]

Originally posted by Alvin@May 11 2005, 01:46 PM
Dude

Just come for Friday TT session. Quite a number of sifus with their ride will be there.

Sorry lah bro... what time is the TT on Friday normally?

 

[tyke]

chlai28,
welcome to the family! :yahoo:
dude...official tt is held on fridays and is currently in SHOWRU mamak,
its next to the MAS trainning centre in kelana jaya.ppl normally gather there around 9pm onwards.
do pop by and meet the family!
alternatively,u could join us e30'ers & e36'ers in mcdonalds centrepoint in bandar utama on weekdays.we normally meet there from 9pm onwards at least 3 times a week!
on fridays we normally meet at mcdonalds centrepoint for dinner,then we will convoy to SHOWRU around 10.30-11pm.
pm me ur number and i'll keep u updated on the schedule whenever we meet up!
hope to hear from u soon.
thanx and regards,
brad

 

[chlai28]

Originally posted by tyke@May 12 2005, 11:19 AM
chlai28,
welcome to the family! :yahoo:
dude...official tt is held on fridays and is currently in SHOWRU mamak,
its next to the MAS trainning centre in kelana jaya.ppl normally gather there around 9pm onwards.
do pop by and meet the family!
alternatively,u could join us e30'ers & e36'ers in mcdonalds centrepoint in bandar utama on weekdays.we normally meet there from 9pm onwards at least 3 times a week!
on fridays we normally meet at mcdonalds centrepoint for dinner,then we will convoy to SHOWRU around 10.30-11pm.
pm me ur number and i'll keep u updated on the schedule whenever we meet up!
hope to hear from u soon.
thanx and regards,
brad

You got PM. Thanks for the warm welcome.

 

[tyke]

received....thanx for ur pm!shall contact u soon!
:nyehehe: :lol:
regards,
brad

 

[cklim]

First time joining u guys to tt (Showru) on last Friday 20/5/05 :yahoo: , and was really happy to receive advices from sifu-sifu I've spoken to (sorry can't remember most of ur names) :blush: . Besides that oso got chance to view all the nicely done up bimmers. Now i think i dah dirancuni to go for M20B25 instead of M20B23 !! Will wish 2 join more tt in near future.

Currently asking the mechanic to search for a decent half cut together with manual transmission, but have a few questions here:
1. I hardly floor, therefore can i maintain my current M20B20 manual transmission to go along with M20B25 engine? With this combination, what would b the consiquences?
2. Shall i change the current suspension (shock & spring) since M20B25 is a lot heavier than M20B20?
3. Since i hardly speed, can i oso maintain my current brake system - front ventilated disc rear drum?

Thank u guys in advance .

BTW, chlai28, E30 or E36? If got enough vitamin M, get both lah, scare ah !!

Regards,
cklim

 

[fabianyee]

Originally posted by cklim@May 22 2005, 02:26 PM
Currently asking the mechanic to search for a decent half cut together with manual transmission, but have a few questions here:
1. I hardly floor, therefore can i maintain my current M20B20 manual transmission to go along with M20B25 engine? With this combination, what would b the consiquences?
2. Shall i change the current suspension (shock & spring) since M20B25 is a lot heavier than M20B20?
3. Since i hardly speed, can i oso maintain my current brake system - front ventilated disc rear drum?

can use the Getrag 240 (for the M20B20) with the M20B25 but the B25 has a lot more torque so may caused premature wear if floored too frequently..

But I think the yellow submarine is using Getrag240 manual box... hehehehe