Fixing up an E36

[Van]

Hi guys I am new to the forum and though I do not own a BMW my father on here has a Z3 and my receptionist has an E36 3.1.?

Which leads me straight to the first question, how can I determine what model it is? It has a 3.2.3 badge on the back but its a 4 cylinder engine.

Secondly, is there a dedicated scrapyard/second hand spares suppllier for BMW's? I am helping her fix up the car and need to somehow get hold of the following items at non BMW prices:

Reasonable steering wheel
Drivers door
Ribbed air pipe at very top of intake manifold/plenum chamber setup, where the airflow meter possibly sits? Its full of holes and throwing idle right out the window.

Thanks in advance!:clap:

 

[Jandre]

Hey Van

On the e36, it is either the 316i or the 318i.

I noticed you are in JHB.

On this forum is a gentleman by the name of Gizmo. He is our resident BMW guru.
Let him assist you with all your enquiries. The man has build up quite a positive reputation around here.

I drive a e36 318i and in the last year have done an extensive repair/ upgrade on this car.

 

[///M_POW]

If i remember correctly...

The E36 did come out in 323i :mmm: not sure if it was 4cyc or 6cyc thou...

 

[Jandre]

323i was the detuned 325i. Was a 6 cyl.

 

[sykotic]

ya im also guessin the 323 is a 6 cyl.
and i agree with jandre, speak to Gizmo, al the bmw parts at vw prices lol

 

[Jandre]

VW prices?? Gmmppfff!!!

VW is just as expensive. lol

 

[sykotic]

lol haha! when i had my golf 1, getn parts, both mechanical and cosmetic wer really cheap!! look at the price of angle eyes for a golf and bmw lol!! i think they increase the price of things just coz its a bmw!! im sure they charging me a few cents extra for fuel too

 

[Jandre]

My GTI 5 has a camshaft clatter. VW wants 21k to fix it.

 

[Gizmo]

If it has a narrow cyl head, its a 316i (8 valve). If it has a wide cyl head, its a 318i (16 valve).

Has it got a driver's airbag?
Driver's door can be got from a scrapyard, Bemow's, Auto Fever, Electron ect.
Take the airflow meter rubber boot to the agents and get a new replacement, they aren't that expensive.

 

[Van]

Thanks Gizmo do you have contact details for Bemow's or Electron? Manged to find Auto Fever.

Pretty sure it has an airbag as there is a constant SRS light on the dash..

Will check the head tomorrow.

Thanks!

If it has a narrow cyl head, its a 316i (8 valve). If it has a wide cyl head, its a 318i (16 valve).

Has it got a driver's airbag?
Driver's door can be got from a scrapyard, Bemow's, Auto Fever, Electron ect.
Take the airflow meter rubber boot to the agents and get a new replacement, they aren't that expensive.

 

[Van]

Soooo its a 3.1.6:bawling: oh well, Now I actually feel that the car is pulling quite healthy as long as we keep that pipe blocked up.

Next question, the housing that holds the thermostat on the block seems to be leaking water, I found another housing like this one lying in the boot with a thermostat in it... which means one of two things, either these things give trouble in some way other than the gasket that needs fixing... or the previous guy who worked on it was just a tool, or he didnt have the right one:mmm: or something... Is there any known issues with that little housing or can I just go ahead fix it?

Gizmo I managed to find a contact list with all the mentioned scrappys thanks. Hope they'll have a steering wheel though..

 

[bmw328]

Hello Van,
Is it a black plastic thermostat housing or a cast-iron housing?

Black Plastic Thermostat housing - M43 Engine (94-99) In the e36's
Cast Iron Thermostat Housing - M40 Engine (92-93) In the e36's (Used in Boxshape as 318i)

If its the plastic model, They are used to breaking, But not a issue, Just get a replacment at any spare shop (Take sample).
* PS = Don't overtiten it! They crack & break for nothing.

 

[Van]

Thanks 328, Yup its the plastic one. Will get another and tighten without "breakening" it

Hello Van,
Is it a black plastic thermostat housing or a cast-iron housing?

Black Plastic Thermostat housing - M43 Engine (94-99) In the e36's
Cast Iron Thermostat Housing - M40 Engine (92-93) In the e36's (Used in Boxshape as 318i)

If its the plastic model, They are used to breaking, But not a issue, Just get a replacment at any spare shop (Take sample).
* PS = Don't overtiten it! They crack & break for nothing.

 

[andrewbuch]

Hello Van,
Is it a black plastic thermostat housing or a cast-iron housing?

Black Plastic Thermostat housing - M43 Engine (94-99) In the e36's
Cast Iron Thermostat Housing - M40 Engine (92-93) In the e36's (Used in Boxshape as 318i)

If its the plastic model, They are used to breaking, But not a issue, Just get a replacment at any spare shop (Take sample).
* PS = Don't overtiten it! They crack & break for nothing.

Unless you had the m10 engine in it Like me

 

[Van]

Thanks so far guys. I have contacted the scrappys but there's one other thing I'm looking for. In the place of the fog lights they had these clip in plastic covers, I am missing the left one on the car, does anyone have these lying around from a fog light upgrade or something? If it could be Alaskan Blue that would be even better! But not a train smash as there will be some painting done on the car anyway..