ducatiss

Where did you hear that????? But yes, Bravo is correct.

I cant tell you which wires should or should not be going to your starter but it would be worth checking the wiring underneath the glove box (only if you have been under there during the conversion) as I had the same issue when changing my dash and I managed to dislodge a connection that caused the same issue as you are having.

Stunning!! The nicest E36 I have seen for a while. A very small detraction that is sure to get me shot from some quarters is the number plate surround - imo it would look better with either a motorsport, BMW, or a plain surround. otherwise well done - a very nice looking car. the colour and depth of shine really set it apart.

No and no. Stick with the original plugs and replace them at the recommended interval. As for K&N again I would suggest that you should use the standard BMW fitted Mahle filter as in my experience apart from the extra intake noise, performance gains (especially on a standard engine) are minimal to nil. Here's a link with some interesting info on the subject of filters: http://www.bolhuijo.com/airflowtest/

At last, a nice clean E30 that has been tastefully modified and in keeping with what it is. - Well done!

A decent mechanic will able to diagnose this for you with some sort of certainty. That said, if it it a blown head gasket then it may be worth seeing if you can get a second hand engine for it. The worst case scenario is that the head is cracked or warped requiring expensive repair or replacement. depending on millage covered and general condition of the engine it may not be worth doing.

Glad to hear that you are pleased with the way its handling - as the the last posted said, by dropping the diff you lessen the angle of the drive shafts as well as gain an extra inch or two clearance to help in spring removal. You arent removing the diff as such - just loweing it away from the body of the car. You can get away without doing it but it is a recommended procedure in BMW's own workshop manual. Unbolting the axles is totally un-necessary.

You should always drop the diff when changing your rear springs as you can stress the drive shaft joints if you dont. This is fairly standard practice and not a lot of extra work at all. You may also find that if you are running standard shocks with uprated springs that your handling will quickly deteriorate when you start pressing on. You should really invest in some Bilstein or Koni Sport shocks - the difference will be worth it. Unless of course you are looking for that boy racer look!

Does anyone know if the E30 long range tank has its own fuel sender - if so, how does this work in conjunction with the main tank sender?

Well 25mm is a lot more! The e30 will not handle properly when lowered too much. You will end up chopping out tyres unless you spend $$$ on correcting the camber and risk cracking your sump if you hit something. I looked at your photos and keep thinking that you have the perfect ride height as it is.

Hope you save some of those words for when you have to put the whole thing back in again

My E30 320i seem to use a bit of coolant - probably about 250mls every 500km's or so. It doesn't appear to be mixing in with the oil and there are no signs of head problems. The engine shows no signs of coolant leaks, no leaking hoses. I checked when the system was under pressure. The cap also has been replace and holds pressure. The only place I can think of is in the heater because everytime I turn it on I can smell coolant for 30 sec to a min or so. I have felt around the carpets though and they seem dry. Any ideas?

Thats a VERY tidy E30 - beautiful condition. IMO I wouldn't go any lower - looks perfect just the way it is.

It sounds easy but be prepared to spend plenty of time to get it right. When you get it back togther go slowly when closing your sunroof again to make it tracks properly. You risk tearing your lining if you dont.

I would second Bilsteins all round - best suspension upgrade you can make for the money in my book.

IMO leave em on but more importantly what do you think yourself - after all you are the one driving it?

Not to me - might help to see it direct side on. - though the more I look at it the more I see what you mean.

No don't bother - its not a complex operation at all. Just about any mechanic will be able to manage it, While is very worthwhile doing, I dont think it will cure your problem. I got mine done by the local garage here in Roxburgh!

Mine has a similar vibration as well - has done so for the last 20,000 kms and hasnt got any worse. I did notice that it lessened significantly when I took out my low springs and put in the M-tec ones which raised up the rear a bit.

Possibly yes and you will need to have the diff pulled down for inspection. It is worth checking the joints in the drive shaft beforehand though. Also the other thing to consider is that in the e30 (and Im guessing the e36 would be the similar) is that the driveshafts are not allowed to drop down too far (thats why the diff is unbolted from the body) as they are easily damage by over extending them in terms of angle. It really is a case of looking at all components.

It will be time consuming and fiddly - suggest you buy one with electric windows already.

Everyone will have an opinion on this but here's mine: Bottle Caps only look good in the orginal silver alloy so paint them or clean them but keep em silver. If you dont have a spoiler kit then Mudflaps seem to "fill in" the rear of the car better so from the rear they look better but from the side they dont. Havent really made my mind on that one yet lol.

Actually they should be fine despite being 6cyl springs - depends I guess on what you are used to and personal preference but they are not a hard riding spring at all. What they do require though is a decent shock absorber. Once I had my bilsteins in they were pretty darn good. And dont feel stupid by asking- thats what the forum is here for. Stupid is buying without asking and then finding that they dont fit!!

Good and cheap - not too words that go together I would have thought - why not do it yourself? Learn heaps and save $$$

No not really - could be a sign of water mixing in with the oil (worst case) or simply excessive condensation from lots of cold running. It does warrant investigation however before purchase. BMW's are plentiful - unless you are on a really tight budget you can take your time looking round and getting the best one.