My 316 Needs Reworking

[KutloM]

Hi, I just inherited a very troublesome E36 1992 316i with 400k on the clock. With that said I'm certain we all know I need help. Here are some issues I need looked at. I live in Pretoria, so please refer me to any reasonable place in and around here.

1) Whenever I fill tank past half the car starts smelling like petrol.
2) Wheel alignment (or my suspension PERIOD) is a moer, car shakes all the time. Malas cant help coz i dropped it
3) Few accidents so i need a good panelbeater
4) Where can I get door panels? They keep coming off when closing th door (not a hit with the ladies that). The electric windows are also in trouble, the back ones dont work completely. the front ones go where they want to. I press up they go down and forward.
5) Also please let me know where I can go for nice extras (lights, sound, engine mods)

PLEASE:excited:

 

[gpgold]

Hi KutloM.

For number 1....I would check that your seals on your fuel tank are sealed correctly. This link should help with that: http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/101-Projects-31-Fuel-Pump/101-Projects-31-Fuel-Pump.htm

For the rest, search the forums to find out where to get your parts, perhaps you need to have your chassis straightened or at least checked....I know on Gumtree, the okes are sometimes stripping their e36's so you may find parts there, otherwise try your local scrap yards.

As for number 5, I would suggest sorting out the cars issues before worrying to much about performance mods, etc...just my R0.02

Good Luck with your project!

 

[BMW M]

Windows that go where they want to sounds to me like the General Control Module. They are not to expensive to replace. :thumbsup: With regards to the suspension, take alook at the lower control arm bushes, they can cause vibrations at virtually any speed, aslo a easy DIY if you have stands, a gear puller and a tiny drop of vaseline. As for the rest, I'm sure the guys will soon be able to help with contacts or solutions. Good luck! Those 316i are strong motors.

 

[moranor@axis]

i dont want to be a let down but... are you sure you want to keep this car?
i would fix what i can cheap then sell and buy a 6 cyl instead least with a 6 cyl it will be worth the effort you will be putting into it

 

[Jandre]

Okay, here is my take on your car.

lower control arm bushes will affect steering and braking quite a bit. You will probably have a serious shudder on the steering wheel when braking hard.

The easiest DIY test is to jack up the front of the car, thus having the front wheels free. Try and see if you can move the wheel forwards and backwards with your hands.

With regards to the windows, I had mine repaired last month. My rear windows did not work. testing all the switches revealed that they were fine, so I ended up having the window control module repaired.

two weeks ago I also found my drivers side window sticking, wanting to go up and down when you press the up button, and dipping forward on its track. I took the door card off, only to find out that my window winder mechanism is completely shot. I have the spare lying in the garage, just waiting to be fitted.

In your neck of the woods you can try places like Bemows, Auto Fever etc. Don't know their contact details, as I am in Cape Town, but I am sure you will find it.

What colour is your interior?

If the door panels are in good condition, I would suggest going to the nearest dealer and buying the door card clips that holds the doorpanels in place. These break off easily when the guys remove the doorpanels. For some stupid reason they dont replace them with new ones.

Silly actually as the only cost something like R3 each.

I replaced all mine, and my doorpanels fit like a glove.

Good hunting.:thumbsup:

 

[Raybimmer]

Are you going to work on the car yourself ? If so then you will take a weekend to sort out most of these items .

With a door panel off which seems easy, you should see small white clips that turn into the door panel and then pop into the door as you push the panel on . Buy about 25 clips - About R2.00 each at dealer !!
You can also check the two arms of the window at the bottom rail , there is a white sliding pieces with a wire clip holding it on , the ball ends of the arms may be out , the clips break frequently . These cost about R40 each .Getting wire clip on is tricky , needs sharp nose pliers .

Front lower control arm bushes check as per Jandre's advice , you may need help if replacing parts , check price of complete arm , may be better to replace complete arm and bush .
Good luck .