BMW E30 Common Problems What to look out for on BMW E30's
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- E30 Common Problems What to look out for on BMW E30's. Just thought I'd make a video on things to check out on your E30.
More videos to come. Stay Tuned!! 
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Got my first e30 graduating college. Learned to change shocks, bushings, windshield, body parts (like front fenders which simply unbolt) fan clutch, water pump, radiator, dashboard, reset check lights, etc. Still have it and its still a great handling car 30 years later, compared to other cars come and gone. Shifted well, from stop lights it matches most new sport cars for a few vital seconds of acceleration (you can see the other drivers surprise) and mid range although it lacks top speed. btw, you don't need the ix, put high quality 4 snow tires on and it's more maneuverable than SUVs for mountain driving in the winter. It's no wonder it makes a great rally car.
Bless your heart for taking the time to make these videos.. I don't have anyone to show me how to do repairs and regular maintenance & I can't afford to take my '89 325i convertible to a shop every time something goes awry.. I like what I've watched so far. I find your videos informative & your knowledge seems on point. Keep up the good work & keep making videos (God forbid you have any trouble with your BMW!) Thanx!
+Shellan Marie Hoskinson Thank you!
Thanks for the Vid. I bought a 1990 e30 318is ten years ago in original mint condition and i keep it dry stored in Ireland using it when I'm there on holidays.I do have the electric window issue you mentioned, thanks for the tip on that. even has the original Blaupunkt stereo and there is always a cassette of creedence clearwater in there ha. I had to replace the tyres because of perishing, had the timing chain and tensioner replaced because it was noisey, thats all. I am delighted you young guys have an interest in these e30's, their shape and interior is timeless and hopefully it will become a classic one day.
Great comment. Currently restoring a 325i Touring, and looking forward to driving it soon.
Hi, Rachael here, my E 30 is a 1990, with virtually no rust, clean straight body, the car has 160,000 miles with the usual maintenance jobs having been done , such as new timing belt, water pump, all fluids changed, steering boots, front control arms, and mount bushings,as well as new strut inserts. I enjoyed your video, it was well done, thank you.
Rachael Kean Thanks!
The E30 is great to work on and has a big following all over the world. Seems a lot of young lads have taken to them--a good one will last for ever. Good helpful video.
You really have to love these cars in order to buy one.
great job! very informative. I have a 1990 325i, 60,000 miles. Original owner. luv the car!
You also forgot about the timing belt replacement and water pump! And guibo lol
+Huss Ali timing belt OR timing chain ;)
Jamack P he's right all of the cars has a timing belt and is very serious not timing chain
wear on the camshaft and rocker arms dif tear
Huss Ali Yes get the timing belt fixed! My father's broke when we were on our way back from FL to IL 25 years ago. Had to rent a uhaul truck with a trailer. All the valves got bent and it ended up costing a couple grand to fix it.
Excellent video. Perfect for someone like me who's going to check one out later today
good dude, low key, not riced out, informative video.
One of the best cars I ever had
I had one that lasted me 1/2 million miles. I used it to commute from LA to SF once a week. The engine was still original and unopened the day I donated it to charity. As much mileage as I put into it, I never neglect to change oil and at the rate the mileage logs up, I change oil every 2 months. While mechanically it is a wonderful car, however electronically it sucks big time. It was an era when BMW tried to copy the Toyotas and Hondas in electronic gadgetry and in combination of German engineering logic, it mucks up what would otherwise be a wundercar. Firstly, the service indicator never works. Within the first year I had it (I bought it new), the service indicator gone haywire. The circuit board was replaced, the memory enable batteries were replaced and none of the fixes to it was permanent. I finally given up trying to fix it. There was a joke among BMW owners at the time : "On-going service is mandatory for servicing the service indicator, so that the service indicator can tell you when to service your car. " Pretty ironic German engineering design if you ask me. And then the power windows, locks, and anything that has to do with electronics will fail prematurely and costing a fortune to fix. Now I have an E90 and the electronics algorithm has improved a lot both in logic and design. But then, it has evolved into a a big heavy, unresponsive car even though it is still a 3 series. However, it still retain the German genetic engineering. Why can't they simplify things ? A simple cabin temperature control turned into a gizillion switches and nobs with none of the logical thought behind it. I don't know. Perhaps Germans know best : "Vee thoughjt of everything. Vee give you all the options with all the switches so that you cannot blame us for anyding that does not work. Vee know best ven it comes to design and engineering.".
Haha
Couple of incorrect things you mentioned. First, these early BMWs take very well to R134 conversions and it's a very easy and affordable upgrade. Next, the rear main seal shop time is only several hours. Unless you go to a shop that charges $300-400/hour in labor, it wouldn't come close to a $3000 repair. More like $500-800. Lastly, the failure point on these window switches is not caused by heat off the transmission. It that we're the case, the switches would get too jot to even touch. These switches develop carbon on the contacts within the switch and lose continuity. A non working switch can almost always be repaired by taking it apart and cleaning these contacts really well.
I don't know what he is talking about. Putting 134 in this system is very easy. I did my clutch in 10 hours. Shop wanted 700. I should have paid the shop for that price. Wasted a full Saturday.
He is absolutely correct. the R134 runs at high temperature and the AC compressor us unable to handle it. i had R134 filled but in less than 1 year the AC compressor went kaput. too high pressure. i had two Seiko Seiki replaced and both caused the same rupture. Eventually i went to another AC shop and the experienced mechanic told me the old system is unable to take the higher pressure and went on to put R12 which is the right one.
Billings Bimmer Billings eh? I just moved from there. You probably know Mark on 18th and 6th. ? Bmw specialist and genius haha sorry random
Billings Bimmer I noticed on the low side line that runs along the fender a 134a fitting, I agree with you about the cost and why things don't work I've Been an ase master tech for 30 years
a proper 134a conversion will make changes to the compressor. Don't know if you can even get R12 anymore. No longer mfd; any left is unobtanium.
Another horror to watch out for are the so called 'jacking points' just behind the front wheelarches.
They were never meant to be used as jacking points in the first place with the following consequence: they'll have rotted through and give the driver and passenger wet feet.
It's something I missed when I bought my 325iX Touring and am currently busy cutting it out and welding in new metal.
Thanks for this video. I bought my first e30 2 months ago and you basically nailed it with all the issues I have. Luckily my car is completely rust free!
Great Video, My 1984 e30 316 Carb: no power steering, no AC, manual trans, no power windows, no radio, euro specs, pretty much not too much to go wrong.
Wish I had seen these things before I bought my e30 but I bought it for a steal so I'm not too upset
Relatable. E30 gang though.
i had 4 e30s fuel pump is common but easy diy .glad you have this video.
I would also check the battery tray, normally it's rusted maybe even into the shock tower
I have been working on an 86 325e since my father Bought it in 1988. These cars are awesome and it is amazing how long they last. However if you are not a very good mechanic or have access to one with e30 experience you should not buy one. These cars have an intermittent no spark from the coil after 25 years that even the best bmw mechanics I know and including myself have not been able to track down. I'm not talking simple no brainier trial and error tests. I'm talking checking pins on the brain and serous troubleshooting from the Bentley electrical manual. If you own this car I seriously suggest investing in the Bentley manuals.
Have a stumble like this on my E28, very similar design. Found a schematic and wow, interesting to see all the tricky analog components that create the shaped drive signal to the coil. There are two such interleaved circuits, so it's possible to ID which one has a failing component by which cylinders misbehave. Easy to say, not so easy to do! First try re-flowing all the solder joints in the ECM. At some point, buying a known good ECM may be the best route.
My 87 325i had intermittent no spark and no fuel pump. After the second computer had the same problem, I found a single small red wire flaky connection on the positive battery terminal that happened to be the main hot for the computer. It was cutting in and out with movement and vibration.
The BMW E30 is my dream ! I would do everything for her to run ! Can't wait to buy one !
John, having owned BMWs 45+ yrs, it's easy to see that the 'sweet spot' in performance, longevity and cost is in the E28 and your E34 fiver. That said, I'm now working on a '91 325iX. My 300k (mile) E28 is starting to get rough; if something major goes it'll be bye-bye.
@john jay Lol! By ''rough' I meant the body is becoming shabby; it runs well.
i'm gettin a '91 325i E30 these couple of days.. car's been driven by a mother and has only 78,xxx on it, such a blessing!
it has three dead window motors though apparently.. these things are hard to replace .. other than that, we're lifting the car first to check for under car rust as well as potential leak.. wish me luck!
also, mine will be one of the ONLY manual E30 sedan where i live.. which is awesome =)))
switches, not motors
Hmmm I bought a BMW 325e has a noteworthy oil leak. It could be the rear main seal... This video helps. I just drove it 140miles and it was smoking underneath from the leaked oil but it did not drain critically and there was plenty of oil left. It might need a replaced gasket and I bought it from a college student who probably knows as bunch as I do about it, very little. This will be an adventure!
It idols perfectly though and has a lot of power, and besides the oil it runs fine. He said he drove it 5x a week but not as much as I plan on driving it.
Good tips, just need a little better lighting!
thanks for posting this. its nice to help out other enthusiasts
What a wholesome, handsome young man you are.
Great video man I found a mint 318i only 71K been garage since forever cleaned her up bought a new battery she started right up I just have to get a intake boot soon
I picked up a 89 325i running but leaking coolant pretty bad for $400.
Expenses so far:
Radiator
Fan clutch
Timing belt
Right and left side control arms and bushings
Right and left inner and outer tie rods
Water pump
Heater & AC blower motor
Fun little car to work on :)
Angel GarciaEnjoy it!!
9087877060
I dont have my phone right now. Sorry
Next edit should include a short blip about the rear subframe. All in all, most of the important stuff was well covered!
the main thing i watch for is rust and signs of previous rust repair. every mechanical thing can be fixed or upgraded easily, but the bodywork is a real pain and expensive to be done right. in my opinion e30s are pretty common and it's much easier to find one without rust than to take a rotten one and restore it.
Looking forward to your rust repairs. I have similar rust spots on mine.
buying an e30 today thanks for the tips man!
good shit man, thank you. I am planning to buy one of these cars and this was really helpful.
very informative vid. I have a e30 bmw 1986 model 320i car turns but wont start. have replaced the wiring harness and the computer box. need advice to fix it. lovely car
Great video. I wish I saw this before buying my e30
Y?
Yung man thanks I bought my car it is 1985 325e 24 years ago I bought it in 1993 until now I'm driving it
Thanks for the info. I found this video a great resource foemr future buys.
I've been looking for a e30 in my area as my first car
And?
The988 this was 3 years ago guy I’ve gone trough 28 bmws 😂 add my tiktok @camdentaylor6
@@camdentaylor68 Wow 28..
. You sure have great taste in bmws haha
The988 thanks man
@@camdentaylor68 btw what do you recommend as a starting bmw? which E30? i wanna work on cars and learn mechanical stuff tho
Thanks Man i have a nice e30 original and this video show me so many things. 😉
Great videos, hope to see more from you in the future
Sump gaskets (x2)
power steering res leaks
clutch cap breaks
fuel line from filter
fuel line above tank
bushes.
thank you for the vid i wish more ppl made informative vids this through..
Great videos man! Any way you could do crank position sensor and/or alternator replacement? Those are also good ones for the e30.
im looking at a 318 vert in san diego. im told its more reliable than the 325 and it has less electronics that would go to crap. thanks for the tips
Helpful video, im trying to find an e30 to buy as well. Thank you.
RCFlyingBoy2009 Go for it! Drives like nothing else...
Looking to buy one. Ill know what to look for now 👍
+Elliot J Harris Make sure you also check the fluids not just under the car in the car, try and take it for a drive does it feel right is there a smell from the exhaust, does the transmission fluid smell like burnt toast things like this are common to look for as the engines and trans can be pretty old and burn a lot of fluid and transmission fluid that's freshly changed and smells after 1000 miles could mean the trans or something inside is seriously wrong.
+Elliot J Harris also watch out for pistons in the hood lift going out they aren't that expensive to fix but they get in the way of trying to do other repairs on the car yourself so they are a pain in the A that should have been taken care of before getting the car.
I'm looking for a two door atm, got a tourin with a 2.7 custom engine and lim slip different etc that I wanna swap over 😊 can't wait too find a two door to buy
Appreciate the info, thanks!
I have 325i e30 done with new rings oil pump crank polished,cylinder new valve new oil switch.but still have low pressure after long running
I really enjoy your videos and they have been really helpful but I have to ask why is it that some of your videos are done at night and with a flashlight?
Thanks for making the video!
Thanks, very informative
hay i am thinking of buy in a garage kept e30 as my first car do you think ill have lots of rust with on that is garage kept
+the lich king Where is it located?
Durham NC
Doubtful on rust down there.
E30Source thank you
if you wouldn't mind i would like to see how you fix the rust spots, I myself have some rusty fenders
Great video thanks of posting going to sub
Oh if your speedo drops out. Pull out the sensor and clean it before replacing it!
Thanks for the video, very helpful. I am not buying one, I own one and need to keep it running, so your suggestions help with maintenance. One problem I am mystified by is the uneven idle. Once car warms up, idol goes from 750 rpm to 1250 rpm and back constantly, any ideas why?
+Brad Roberts ICV (Idle control valve) or AFM (Air Fuel Meter) may be dirty or broken. I have a video on ICV cleaning.
Very helpful video! I just bought an e30 in November, so this video is useful! I have some body rust too unfortunately! Currently I have an engine coolant leak that comes out once connected to the engine block. I am not sure if its a seal, or thermostat housing or something? It comes out almost as fast as I pour it into the radiator. Any ideals?
First determine how high up the leak is. If it's hard to see, look underneath to see if it's dripping from the water pump. Means the internal seal is leaking, and the bearing will be going soon. One thing I'm sure Dan Cronin would say is to always do water pump and timing belt together!
Good job. Thanks.
Hey buddy i bought a 1989 325i conv.running I did the oil change and i try to reset the service son message went in RUclips and learn to do the jumping the 7 and 19 pin but i couldn't find the port next to the oil dip stick. So i jumped the port in the firewell think ing that one was the right one..and after that car wont start..next day i found the right port was tucked under did the pin deal and message was reset but car now won't start.i change the relays fuses crank sensor fuel pump two ECU that i order on ebay coil unit and there is no spark few electric mechanics had told me that i need to replace the wire harnesses im very frustrated what do you think i need to do now...
I bought a Euro spec 85 325e low mileage no rust but the crank position sensors are stuck in the bellhousing! guess I'll have to melt them out with a blowtorch
Great vid thanks
Nice video brother, why not show a film of how you fixed the rust? Would be good to see. I have a sedan, a coupe and a convertible but like the drop top the best.. and NONE have a cracked dash! Lucky pixies. Still they all look good. Peace.
+VHSpal Thanks!
so the rust is not all that common only on ones that were neglected. bmw spent a lot of time and money on rust proofing. especially on the under side. so just keep your eye out and you'll find one with out rust. now the price is going up on these cars so if you want one get it now! and one more thing take a good look at the motor mounts!!!!! its very common for them to go bad and when they do the engine will bounce around and the throttle linkage will hit the hood denting it from the inside. but there simple and cheap to replace.
good video good detail
Is there a "sweet spot" of years to buy and not to buy or configurations to buy and not to buy? 2 dr vs 4dr? And if the shock mounts rusted, is it a deal breaker?
Try to get a 1988-1991 325i/is coupe. And its not easy to repair broken or rusted shock mounts.
awesome guy thanks
e30s or 328 (which i have), from this time, unless you kept it in a garage its entire life, the dash is most likely cracked
+ROM CHOMPA Agreed
Would checking engine compression be a good idea?
Wish I noticed this video before I bought mine. Haha...
Never hammer directly on a seal... Use a flat board, or seal driver puck.
+Peter Lindvall Yes I typically use a socket.
thank you for the advice 👍👌
You know, as cool as E30's are, these are definitely passion cars. For someone who's used to driving Toyota's, looking at all of the trouble's he highlighted and the costs mad me cringe. It sucks because trying to find a cheap, PRACTICAL, RWD, manual car is nearly impossible and the E30 is one of the cars that fit that description.
No, they are totally worth it. Keep searching, good ones are out there...
+Unbearable Pain I'm with you, I'm used to Toyota, Honda, and Subaru, all companies that are know for making low maintenance cars. I personally would never own one of these cars as a daily driver, though I am considering one for a project street car.
Excellent daily driver. DD'd mine for a year in the blistering heat and driving snow- no problems.
E30s were never a high maintenance car! But the newest are nearing 30 years old, so can't be compared, particularly for driving performance, to (rusted-out) econoboxes.
are these the same things you want to look after with a e21 or e23?
what happen if your boot air crack/leak?
Do you know what would cause the engine to jerk when I turn the car off? I've had some belt squeal recently, so I went to replace the v-belts and it turns out that my bracket is broken and the bolts that mount to the engine block actually broke off inside the block... I'm going to hope i can get them out, but I believe this happened due to the engine jerk when turning the car off..
Well...this video in 2020 will discourage anyone from buying e30 for a reasonable price. Most of them have oil leaks, rust, cracked dash, not working odometer etc. If you willing to spend 10000$ + X amount of $ for service in the dealership then this video is for you. Even the one in the video have no cracks in the dash because its from the north, and with that being said, there are buckets of rust. Go on the south and you will have less rust or no rust and cracked dash, cause the sun bakes it and even if your replace it, it will crack. You are lucky even if you find the e30 today for sale and you are lucky if its still running. AC is easy and cheap to fix or convert to r134a. Rust is fixable in most of the cases, if not then dont buy it!!! Thats the only issue with e30 IMO. If you dont want to work on e30 yourself, which is the part of the whole fun of owning one of them , then it will cost you a fortune to fix or maintain it cause shops in America are stupid expensive. For example AC compressor replacement: 4bolts, one connector, recharge, took me 2,5 hours, bluetooth speaker and 6pack of beer and the job is done. Compressor costed me around350$. And the shop asked for 1300$.
Guys im looking forward to but a 1984 BMW e30 318i should i buy it i searched if there are pro lems on Google nd it said that the lower gasket or cover blowing out unexpectedly so im thinking about it wat u guys think??
i got a leaky rear main seal. not looking forward to replacing. its slow enough a leak to get by.
update on how its going? im looking to buy one in good condition only leaking rear seal
Hello. where i can find the RPM/ Tachometer wire other side ? where it gone from the Tachometer ? thx
if I were to do a auto to a 5 speed swap but have a shop do it. how much could it cost?
+airDarryl It really depends on the shop, seriousness etc..
I have a problem with fuel pump wiring volt.. There is no current what so ever.. My car wont start.. Sometimes it fix by itself lol...
aditya isfahani did you fix it and how?
hey mate i have a a 320i e30 that i cannot get going i haave put new spark plugs in fuel pump works but would have a clue what elese it would need. would would you thnk?
Where did you find the speed sensor the goes on the back of the diff I need ine
Good video.
Bro where are you located ? I’m in NJ also
Where do you find that speed sensor for $10
thanks bud
can anyone help me I have bmw e30 316 coupe 2 door windows won't open when car door are shut. but when door are open windows will open would really appreciate any help to solve this problem cheers
Hello, I have a 1988 325i, my speeedometer does not work however the rpm and the temp and the gas gauges are working fine, so I was wondering if you have any idea whether its an electrical problem or just the speed sensor, if you can send me a link to check where i can buy the sensor! thank you
Ahmad Sh Also, my odometer does not work neither!
Ahmad Sh if the cruise control still works its not the sensor!!!!!!! its the speedometer itself! you dont have to replace the whole cluster just take the gauge out and swap it out. selvage yard is good for that.
+Ahmad Sh as for the odometer not working that's another problem in and of itself because these are such old cars they have plastic gears and sprockets in the back so you have to look at those and see if they rotted or melted, as for the speedometer it could very well be electrical but you would know if you would tap on the top of the cluster. Does any needs move, if none of the gauges move at all after being tapped it's not the electrical, if your gauges tend to bounce around or ever read 0 that means that it's a gear or a wire fell out or it is indeed the sensor near the differential.
source:
I have an E24 that has the same problem but electrical...
thanks!
Hey man I have had my 1987 325i for about a year now and it's had a oil leak for a couple of months and I believe it is what you mentioned in the video. How would I go about doing this? I need any help and stuff for I love this car and don't want to lose it. Thanks for your time.
+Lucas Marler Depends where the oil leak is. Do you know where it is leaking from?
It's near the front but behind the oil pan right in between if you catch what I'm saying.
I don't follow, I'm sorry.
Agreed^
Hi I love these car , but that may be nostalgia and now I know of a 1987 325 4 door 44k miles with leather
But in realty what is so special about this cars ???
I have a Jaguar XJS coupe 95 which I find fabulous , but try to sell it . That is a special car .
Why do you love yours
Thanks
I have that exact issue with my windows right now! I got in my car, dropped my window all the way down, and brought it all the way back up. Then i slid the passenger window down half way, and it got stuck 1.5inches from the top. No matter how i press the button, it refuses to go the rest of the way up. What do i do?
Grab either side of the glass with your hands and press the button and "help" it slide back up. Then buy a new window regulator and install it.
Thanks!
+E30Source that was months and months ago, and dont judge me because this is my first car so i had no experience with this kind of stuff... but it was actually just the fuse xD haha i restored my e30, it looked just like yours and now i take it to car shows :P after you do the body work on these cars, they look amazing! if you want to see my car just let me know
Sounds good!
this is kinda late but my 325e is smoking alot. PO said it was because he used bigger fuel lines than stock. He was referring to the ones on the bottom. The smoke is a clear color. blue or kinda white. smells strong of unburnt gas. How do i know if its a valve cover gasket or a blown
head gasket?
jesus rueda blue smoke is usually oil burning
jesus rueda I doubt it's your head gasket but Check the oil cap for any milky stuff, or your coolant for any oil in it
Does anyone know how much would it cost to replace the old electric in the whole e30
I want to find a 325 e/i/is and do a 5.0 ford 302 swap in it, and make it all silver, even the trim...
Cool!
did you find one
im having issues with my mass airflow sensor in my 87 325 ,any way to fix without buying a new one?
clean it with brake cleaner and dry it out
Question. My 1987 bmw 325 is accelerating by itself without pushing on the gas pedal. what do you think it is?
ill appreciate any information that you could give me. thank you.
Ronny Barrio Vacuum leaks, ICV, AFM, Torn intake boot, Cruise control getting messed up? Throttle position sensor?
Hi Dan, i have a problem with my e30, car starts fine when its cold outside, but when its warm an sunny dosent want to start, no crank no start, nothing. I already changed engine starter, ignition switch and battery, still the same. I think now it can be some of the relays but im not shure. Any ideas? Thanks
duks1111 fuel pump? Main or fuel relay? Try those
When the dreaded intermittent spark from the coil finally takes hold these cars are basically unreliable. They start one day and not the next. And believe me! You can replace the motronic brain, obc relay, reference and speed sensors on the manual trans, check every ground on the car and every splice point in the harness the fusible link, the fuse box harness and connections and 20 other things and it can still do it.