havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 Hi guys , I have a bit of a problem.my car wont start unless pushed.Its been parked for a while and i got it off my grandad for free ,its a e30 4 door.It started the first few times but no it wont start unless push started.I got the car of me grandad after about six months in storage.I dont even hear the car trying to start.I just gotta keep alternating the gas and the clutch while car is moving to jump start it .And it always dies out when the revs go below 1500 its always dies.Please some diy advice is needed.Selling it off is not an option,This car has sentimental value for me.Its never gonna get sold, Please help .I reckon the starter motors f(*&^%).But im not sure. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phatputer 3 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 the dying below 1500 RPM is odd, and could be unrelated, check for any rips / tears in the air intake piping Does sound like the starter motor has gone, The obligatory, what year / engine do you have? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 the dying below 1500 RPM is odd, and could be unrelated, check for any rips / tears in the air intake piping Does sound like the starter motor has gone, The obligatory, what year / engine do you have? this car is a 1984 e30 4 door .The funny thing though is that i have to tuen the key AND press a buttone next to the handbrake to get it started.Even then it wont start?Im lost,I dont know what to do what do you reckon i should look for? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nath 134 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 What actual model s it? e30 is just a shape.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 What actual model s it? e30 is just a shape.... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=308631242that should help you identify it.Its the exact same car.This is my first bmw so im pretty lost??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Linden 0 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 Doesnt let us know what engine etc though, whats your number plate? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cale 36 Report post Posted August 13, 2010 320i..? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 14, 2010 320i..?oh yup it is.320i ...completely standard engine and stuff. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 14, 2010 oh yup it is.320i ...completely standard engine and stuff.i really hope its not a big problem.The car started the first few times.But after i parked up it wont start unless push started .It always dies out when i come to a stop so i have to keep revving it to keep it alive. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
_Matt_ 42 Report post Posted August 14, 2010 battery/alternator? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacko 2158 Report post Posted August 14, 2010 (edited) My money is on the battery being totally shagged, like totally toasted, betya its well below 12V. And the alternator cant keep up with running the engines electrics and try to charge a dead flat battery below 1500rpm, so the ignition etc/ cuts outs. Pinch a battery out of another car and see if it solves it. Edited August 14, 2010 by Jacko Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bellicose 9 Report post Posted August 14, 2010 My money is on the battery being totally shagged, like totally toasted, betya its well below 12V. And the alternator cant keep up with running the engines electrics and try to charge a dead flat battery below 1500rpm, so the ignition etc/ cuts outs. Pinch a battery out of another car and see if it solves it. This. My E34 did same. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cliffdunedin 8 Report post Posted August 14, 2010 +1 to what these guys said^^^ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 i tried a battery out of my uncles car and it starts fine now.Shot for the advice cuzzies.One Thing though,After i put the old battery back it worked fine??? A bit strange to be honest??? I also have a lose exhaust gasket .What tools will i need for it?? Does anyone know where i can get tool boxes for bmw cheap. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 A socket set. I prefer 1/2" drive. because 3/4" drive's are kind of a bit weak. You only really need specialised sockets. like e-torx, sometimes. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 (edited) Okay cool ill get it. One quick question ,Im new to this project car thing and to be honest .This e30 will be my first ever one, heaps of people tell me that theyre sh*t expensive.I learn quick,How do you guys know so much about your cars and like diagnose stuff and how to replace and clean up everything? Are there any books lol?? Ill be posting pics of my new purchase.1984 320i 4 door e30 ,It looks pretty hoarty but runs(apart from the battery) What should i do first ?? Im guessing rust and dents? then interior? I want to bring the dead looking thing back to life ,But i dont want attention from cops so no tinting and stuff like that but might lower it and fit some sexy deep dishes. Would really like a few pointers and help with my car If any off you guys live near hillsborough auckland.Hit me up ,Im really keen to watch and learn,especially the use of tools? Edited August 15, 2010 by havak Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
antil33t 90 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 Oooh yes, Haynes/Bentley are the best things you can get as an E30 Owner, there are PDF's around... but they're worth their weight in gold and I reccomend spending the 70 odd dollars... I'd definately get on that rust ASAP. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Forrest 35 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 Buy this too, just as helpful as a manual, but get both. http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E30-Restoration-...9309&sr=8-1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jacko 2158 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 (edited) I have a copy of the haynes manual you can have. I just got the bentley manual which is much more detailed, so doubt Ill look at the haynes again. Im in Onehunga, throw me a PM for addy and you can pick it up. Edited August 15, 2010 by Jacko Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cliffdunedin 8 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 (edited) This is a very handy site as well http://www.bimmerdiy.com/dir/e30 Also, just googling and reading up on things esp main issues with e30's etc will help you realise when things do go wrong! Edited August 15, 2010 by cliffdunedin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
havak2tone 0 Report post Posted August 15, 2010 http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-series-...vice-67616.html i found this lol. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
