E36 Ownership..& my first BMW
Discussion
Indeedy!
I've made the jump from my 1.6 Astra SXi to a BMW 328i (Still keeping the Astra) Basically, the car i've bought, although its an absolute bargain for what it is (LPG Converted also), it does have a few little niggles i need to get sorted.
FOB's first off. Car is FOBless for the meantime, so i need to get that sorted. Im under the impression i can buy a fob off ebay and then get a local BMW dealer to do the deed of making it usable? Any other easier alternative routes to do it? Or just go with that?
LPG Conversion also (I know..on a 328 of all things
), it has a slight fault and has been electrically isolated due to a fault with the camshaft indicator. Basically need to get that sorted. I spoke with a bloke from a local LPG firm that said it could be as easy as a 5minute job or a couple hrs worth of rewiring or something along those lines. So im budgeting a couple hundred to get that sorted. Any thoughts?
Central locking on a rear door has a mind of it's own but i guess i can get that fixed locally. Wing mirrors are a bit noisy when moving them via the buttons on the drivers side within the car. Any idea on how much id be looking to get both fixed?
Aside from the above, it seems absolutley sound. Although, i have to say, I am yet to drive it, insurance is getting sorted as we speak.
But i have to say it's my first step into RWD land and hopefully not my last. Basically, any tips are appreciated as i cant wait to get driving in it. Having said, i am INCREDIBLY respectful of the beast, well aware of its capabilities and to ease myself into it. Why? Well, it's my 2nd car (Been driving since Dec 05 & 20 at the mo), my Astra being my first car. So im gonna take my time and make sure i dont end up being a tosser while i get to grips with it.
Wish me luck and really appreciate any advice and tips given
I've made the jump from my 1.6 Astra SXi to a BMW 328i (Still keeping the Astra) Basically, the car i've bought, although its an absolute bargain for what it is (LPG Converted also), it does have a few little niggles i need to get sorted.
FOB's first off. Car is FOBless for the meantime, so i need to get that sorted. Im under the impression i can buy a fob off ebay and then get a local BMW dealer to do the deed of making it usable? Any other easier alternative routes to do it? Or just go with that?
LPG Conversion also (I know..on a 328 of all things
), it has a slight fault and has been electrically isolated due to a fault with the camshaft indicator. Basically need to get that sorted. I spoke with a bloke from a local LPG firm that said it could be as easy as a 5minute job or a couple hrs worth of rewiring or something along those lines. So im budgeting a couple hundred to get that sorted. Any thoughts?Central locking on a rear door has a mind of it's own but i guess i can get that fixed locally. Wing mirrors are a bit noisy when moving them via the buttons on the drivers side within the car. Any idea on how much id be looking to get both fixed?
Aside from the above, it seems absolutley sound. Although, i have to say, I am yet to drive it, insurance is getting sorted as we speak.
But i have to say it's my first step into RWD land and hopefully not my last. Basically, any tips are appreciated as i cant wait to get driving in it. Having said, i am INCREDIBLY respectful of the beast, well aware of its capabilities and to ease myself into it. Why? Well, it's my 2nd car (Been driving since Dec 05 & 20 at the mo), my Astra being my first car. So im gonna take my time and make sure i dont end up being a tosser while i get to grips with it.
Wish me luck and really appreciate any advice and tips given
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Gad-Westy said:
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
... Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
The noise is an in-built 'feature' of E36 mirrors ... Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
. Jezza noted it on an old Top Gear.Edited by doodlebug on Friday 27th July 12:53
doodlebug said:
Gad-Westy said:
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
... Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
The noise is an in-built 'feature' of E36 mirrors ... Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
. Jezza noted it on an old Top Gear.Edited by doodlebug on Friday 27th July 12:53
Gad-Westy said:
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Gracias GW! I'll give that a go this weekend, fingers crossed i get a good result. Any tips on RWD for beginners I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Aside from trying to hoon it in the wet (Read enough TVR threads and heard enough BMW stories about giving it a bit too much of a kick while in the wet to know i aint trying that anytime soon )http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Program-Your-Own-BMW-Remote-...
thoughts on the above? Anyone had experience with such a system?
& this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E36-E39-E38-3-5-7-SERIES...
thoughts on the above? Anyone had experience with such a system?
& this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E36-E39-E38-3-5-7-SERIES...
Edited by ironictwist on Friday 27th July 21:15
ironictwist said:
Gad-Westy said:
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Gracias GW! I'll give that a go this weekend, fingers crossed i get a good result. Any tips on RWD for beginners I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Aside from trying to hoon it in the wet (Read enough TVR threads and heard enough BMW stories about giving it a bit too much of a kick while in the wet to know i aint trying that anytime soon )kirky88 said:
ironictwist said:
Gad-Westy said:
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Gracias GW! I'll give that a go this weekend, fingers crossed i get a good result. Any tips on RWD for beginners I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Aside from trying to hoon it in the wet (Read enough TVR threads and heard enough BMW stories about giving it a bit too much of a kick while in the wet to know i aint trying that anytime soon )
r5gttgaz said:
kirky88 said:
ironictwist said:
Gad-Westy said:
First off, congratulations on a wise purchase!
I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Gracias GW! I'll give that a go this weekend, fingers crossed i get a good result. Any tips on RWD for beginners I can't help with some of your problems but the rear door central locking sounds like its probably the wiring harness that joins the door to the loom in the body of the car. Everytime the door is opened/closed the wires between the door and body move so eventually they can short or the connections can come adrift. I've not seen how its joined on a saloon but you should be able to remove the rubber cover and unplug the section and have a look for a dodgy connection. Otherwise an autoelectrician could have it sorted in a jiffy.
Not sure what's up with your mirrors but as long as you can move them to wear you need them you shouldn't have to touch them again, unless somebody else uses the car. You could take them apart and give them a liberal WD40 soaking and see if that does the trick. Otherwise a trip down to a scrappy should get you a new pair.
Otherwise, enjoy!
Aside from trying to hoon it in the wet (Read enough TVR threads and heard enough BMW stories about giving it a bit too much of a kick while in the wet to know i aint trying that anytime soon )To offer some proper advice. If you're used to FWD, remember that in most FWD cars, when you give it too may beans in a a corner, you'll plough straight on and can normally back off and recover the situation wihtout too much drama. RWD leaves you less options as you'll often kick the tail out and backing off sharply is likely to cause a spin so you have to be much more measured and careful with your inputs, particularly the throttle. On a wet road (or a dry one for that matter) its not impossible to spin a RWD car in a straight line if you have a heavy right foot. I speak from experience. Not all doom and gloom though as there is a lot of pleasure to be gained from finding the balance and the cars limits but just make sure you build up to it slowly and enjoy it!
Thats more like it, thanks again GW
I see myself as having quite a heavy right foot anyway so shall be muy intersante. Spinning in a straight line & speaking from experience? Ouch! :/ Tell me more! I'm intrigued! Assuming thats ok with you of course
Update on the car itself:
The 328's been on the drive for a week now without a drive of any sort. Desperately painful walking past it everyday i gotta say
Just hope the papers for the insurance arrive asap this week.
I see myself as having quite a heavy right foot anyway so shall be muy intersante. Spinning in a straight line & speaking from experience? Ouch! :/ Tell me more! I'm intrigued! Assuming thats ok with you of course
Update on the car itself:
The 328's been on the drive for a week now without a drive of any sort. Desperately painful walking past it everyday i gotta say
Just hope the papers for the insurance arrive asap this week.
ironictwist said:
Thats more like it, thanks again GW
I see myself as having quite a heavy right foot anyway so shall be muy intersante. Spinning in a straight line & speaking from experience? Ouch! :/ Tell me more! I'm intrigued! Assuming thats ok with you of course
Update on the car itself:
The 328's been on the drive for a week now without a drive of any sort. Desperately painful walking past it everyday i gotta say
Just hope the papers for the insurance arrive asap this week.
Errr, well it wasn't in a BMW, it was in a Westfield. Wet dual carriageway in Le Mans, too much power in 4th and the tail stepped out, too much correction and fishtail into the barrier, then spun back across the road and hit the other barrier. Car was a write off, I felt like a berk. You live and learn!I see myself as having quite a heavy right foot anyway so shall be muy intersante. Spinning in a straight line & speaking from experience? Ouch! :/ Tell me more! I'm intrigued! Assuming thats ok with you of course
Update on the car itself:
The 328's been on the drive for a week now without a drive of any sort. Desperately painful walking past it everyday i gotta say
Just hope the papers for the insurance arrive asap this week.
Must be frustrating having the car sat there but it'll be worth the wait.
Gad-Westy said:
ironictwist said:
Thats more like it, thanks again GW
I see myself as having quite a heavy right foot anyway so shall be muy intersante. Spinning in a straight line & speaking from experience? Ouch! :/ Tell me more! I'm intrigued! Assuming thats ok with you of course
Update on the car itself:
The 328's been on the drive for a week now without a drive of any sort. Desperately painful walking past it everyday i gotta say
Just hope the papers for the insurance arrive asap this week.
Errr, well it wasn't in a BMW, it was in a Westfield. Wet dual carriageway in Le Mans, too much power in 4th and the tail stepped out, too much correction and fishtail into the barrier, then spun back across the road and hit the other barrier. Car was a write off, I felt like a berk. You live and learn!I see myself as having quite a heavy right foot anyway so shall be muy intersante. Spinning in a straight line & speaking from experience? Ouch! :/ Tell me more! I'm intrigued! Assuming thats ok with you of course
Update on the car itself:
The 328's been on the drive for a week now without a drive of any sort. Desperately painful walking past it everyday i gotta say
Just hope the papers for the insurance arrive asap this week.
Must be frustrating having the car sat there but it'll be worth the wait.
and about the last point...Lets hope so!
Got my papers through today..5min after i get home from work, I'm back out again for a quick..well, it was supposed to be quick, hr's drive with the 328 and just getting a feel of it.
Honestly! IT WAS AWESOME! I mean i knew it would be an experience seeing as i was coming up from an 1.6 Astra, dont get me wrong, the astra is nippy and has always satisfied me. But this was something else, especially when pulling off an overtake on a dawdling 40 in a 60 driver, that extra oomph was priceless and just soooooooooooo effortless. It's so steady, firm and sure of itself. Totally bowled over! EXACTLY what i needed and seems like it really was a total bargain. £1600 well spent!
Honestly! IT WAS AWESOME! I mean i knew it would be an experience seeing as i was coming up from an 1.6 Astra, dont get me wrong, the astra is nippy and has always satisfied me. But this was something else, especially when pulling off an overtake on a dawdling 40 in a 60 driver, that extra oomph was priceless and just soooooooooooo effortless. It's so steady, firm and sure of itself. Totally bowled over! EXACTLY what i needed and seems like it really was a total bargain. £1600 well spent!
- eyes up new suspension, brakes, rear lights, clear indicators, m3 mirrors and a boot spoiler with brake light*
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