far4ngn

Welcome

Is it possible to remove the clear plastic that covers your instruments in an E30 (looks glued on) or can I buy a 2nd hand cluster and swap the gauges?

Hi Looking for some Grey or Black car mats for an E30. Regards Paul

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Yup the standard thin black one. How much?

Guys Anyone have a facelift lower lip spoiler for an 1990 E30? Regards Paul

No I'm fussy and only want one key for the car the locking actually works, but I don't like different keys for the locks. Good idea about the S/H ignition switch Hotwire...I'll ring a few locksmiths.

The next installment...BMW are struggling to find the correct part. They have the part number and they have taken pics of the lock...but 4 options available. They will only import one lock at a time, so it could be two months to get it fixed (worst case). They quoted $1200 to replace all my locks!!

BMW advised that they can get me the exact key match for the ignition 130 bucks from Germany...arrives in 2 weeks.

Well after trying to push all sorts of small metal pieces into the ignition, it finally turned and I could start the car. Problem was I couldnt get the ket back out and it would only turn back to the Aux position. This morning after reading several articles on the internet...if your key gets stuck waggle the steering wheel and move the key...hey presto, key released. Problem now is I'm back in the same postion only getting to Aux then unable to turn further. After much help from David (Silver Fox), I tried to remove the barrel again this time with a bent over paper clip, thinking that the last few things I've tried may not be strong enough and low and behold the lock slid out. I tried the screw driver in the hole it left and the ignition can be turned, car starts etc. So its purely the mechanical barrel. I've looked over this and it has a plastic slider that should (I believe) move out as the car is turned, so allowing the move from Aux to start. Appears that this small plastic piece refuses to move in and out by rotating the key, without my assistance... so somewhere something must help it move either a spring in the barrel or something in the housing..hmm? Anyway, car is back together...good excuse for another clean whilst I play with the lock

No tow cost all part of AA...thanks goodness

Did you finally sell it?

Did you get all the faults the Botany Motor works guys identified fixed?

My daughter today called to say that she was stuck at the local shops and her car keys wont turn in the ignition. First thought the steering wheel lock.... but when I got there the steering wheel lock works fine and it'll turn to the first click so the radio comes on then you cannot turn it any further. I tried the backup set of keys, same issue.. the AA tried and the recovery guy! So after getting the car towed home and dumped in my garage, I'm wondering what I can do to get this fixed. I only want one set of keys (yeah I'm picky) so if I need to replace the ignition lock, can BMW supply a matched barrel or do I need to change ALL my locks? Or any other tips I can try? Its a 1990 BMW E30 318is.

Guys Just looking at the LSD out of the e30 318is and it's labelled at 3.64, searching the internet suggestes that this has been replaced from the 4.10...but I thought the latter was only from an E30 M3? Do I get it fixed or go searching for a 4.10...the info below sounds as if a 3.64 is better anyway. From the M42club.com: If anything it makes it that much more fun to drive because you can beat on it for longer in first and second gear without having to shift all the time. You won't notice a drop in acceleration but you will be able to run second gear all the way to 63mph vs 55mph with 4.1. Driving on the freeway is much easier on the ears and you pick up a couple of MPGs. I'm keeping my eye out for a 3.64 lsd now. I think BMW intentionally hampered the car from the factory with the 4.1 in order to differentiate it more from the 6 cyl and justify the price difference.

Yes, difficult decisions, do I get the respray and let it become a garage queen or do I get a newer car with all the new gadgets, safety features etc. I keep buying any bits that I think I need to replace or look worn so it keeps me interested I was also wondered about buying a M325i, both cars get go for some silly prices. I initially listed mine, but on the amount of feedback I think I put it on too cheap... but I thought I'd go low because of the open diff (the original is on my garage floor..a bit noisey) and what I thought was an average body. But looking around the body is in really good condition even with the few dents it has. The thing that makes me want to keep it is that there is supposedly now less than 20 left. Had a guy asking all about it again today, so people are still interested without the use of Trademe.

My heated rear screen doesnt function at all and neither does the aircon, both circuits are driven from the same moulded switch and although it illuminates to say its working neither system does anything. Any idea on the best way to check the wiring or the relays?

Guys Some friends are looking to buy an X5, any idea what they should look for in a 2002 car? Just wondering if a Jap import will be ok? cheers Paul

Guys The LSD off the 318is was removed last year, I've still got the part (its was noisey) and wondering if I can get it overhauled and where in the Wellington region? Cheers Paul

Do the height adjusting headlights still work? My passenger side headlamp doesnt move and I've fixed it into position until I find a new air/vacuum powered actuator. **Not sure how these work So I need the plastic barrel actuator that is attached to the back of the headlamps... wow hard to describe something when you not sure what it is hehe!

I had around 550 hits in a week and loads of questions, so I took it off for my own sanity. The more serious guys who were interested have all my contact details if they want to get in touch. In the meantime, I'm going to take the sheets off it and start to use it more, whilst I save for that full respray. It's a great car to drive and I don't want it falling into the wrong hands Oh dear... I think I've become attached to my car!

How much for an Eyebrow spoiler to suit an E30? Plus will the Front strut brace fit an E30 1990 318is? If so I'll order a front and rear strut brace, polished if possible

Sorry guys tried attaching a pic of the alloys, but it says that the Upload failed.

Thanks guys, not sure if I want to sell it, it's a great car to drive.. but if it doesnt sell it'll be getting a full respray.