Must have been mad!

[Paperman]

Just bought myself a 350i after scrimping and saving for some time. and guess what, the heart ruled the head and I've bought a wrong'un.

Can't afford to get a pro to do the work so hoping there is anybody willing to help a relative novice get his wedge working with some on line tips?

[rev-erend]

What problems do you have ?

[streaky]

We were all 'novices' once. Some of us still are

[nick heppinstall]

We'll all do our best to help Nick. Where are you in the country ?

[Graham]

Post yer probs and we'll see what we can do.


we've been through most probs and fixed them between us..


some details on the car would be good as well we may be able to find some history...


oh yes and where are you Uk doesnt help much


G

[york33]

It's not a wrong 'un, just perhaps a more challenging one than you'd hoped for As others have said, post your problems, details, (TVR)pictures, etc and you'll get some moral support and advice.......

[njhucker]

The good thing about a 350 is it is simple technology.
What exactly is wrong with it?
Things like worn Uj's, steering joints. gearlever seals, handbrake problems, are the sort of things which make a car seem like a wreck, when they are easy to fix.
Give us a list and we'll tell you what to do first to make it fun. and then what to do to finish it off.

Unless you have serious chassis problems, almost anything can be fixed bit by bit.

[wedg1e]

Paperman old chap, get yourself across to www.tvrwedgepages and look at some of the stuff on there. If it doesn't fire you with zeal and patriotic fervour, maybe you need a BMW...

I've had two wedges and apart from a respray, I've done everything ele (including engine rebuild, transplant, chassis repairs, electrics) myself. And I'm as thick as a whale omelette.

Ian

[waynester]

Thick as whale omlette ha ha! Thought i was the only one.
I bought an '89 350i this year as well, and that was far from perfect ( heart over head +V8 noise an all that). Anyway this forum is the best start you can make. All the chaps on this forum are helpful and knowledgeable. Without it i may have bought an MX5 by now!! Maybe not.
Anyway, at least it's winter so time is on your side. Buy the wedge bible by Steve Heath, good read and very helpful.

Wayne.

[Paperman]

Thanks, the first problem is it now won't start but I've tracked that to the coil so changing that and the plugs etc at the weekend.

What is more concerning is that the drive shaft is rubbing on the exhaust and it'll soon wear thorugh and make a hole in the exhaust. What do I need to do, Change the rear shock absorbers or could the exhaust just be hanging too low and need tying up further underneath.

By the way live in Ipswich. Will post a picture of the car on the site. Again, thanks for any help.

[andymadmak]

Exhausts on wedges run a tortuous path.
Assuming you don't have mind numbing vibration from the back end (ie, a knackered drive shaft) then I'd say you just need to realign the exhaust.

Also on the "no start" thing, make sure you don't have an imobiliser on there that you don't know about!
I'm not being silly, wedges will often have several alarms/imobilisers fitted as various owners over the years try to protect their babies! Often, the old ones are not properly taken out and this can lead to some bizarre wiring/starting issues.

Next problem please...... :smile:

Andy 400se

[nick heppinstall]

andymadmak said:

I'm not being silly, wedges will often have several alarms/imobilisers fitted as various owners over the years try to protect their babies! Often, the old ones are not properly taken out and this can lead to some bizarre wiring/starting issues. Next problem please...... :smile: Andy 400se

Don't I just know it !

[streaky]

andymadmak said:

Exhausts on wedges run a tortuous path. Assuming you don't have mind numbing vibration from the back end (ie, a knackered drive shaft) then I'd say you just need to realign the exhaust. Also on the "no start" thing, make sure you don't have an imobiliser on there that you don't know about! I'm not being silly, wedges will often have several alarms/imobilisers fitted as various owners over the years try to protect their babies! Often, the old ones are not properly taken out and this can lead to some bizarre wiring/starting issues. Next problem please...... :smile: Andy 400se

Whilst tracing a problem with the electric aerial, I found two old systems. Took them out and the weight loss improved the acceleration and top speed immeasurably .

Still, it was two fewer lots of wire to worry about!

Streaky

[terence]

The exhaust (new stainless system) rubbed the drive shaft on my 350i when i bought the car. The only way I could get enough clearance, to be happy with, was to cut off one of the flanges and both rear hangers, position the exhaust where I thought it should be then reweld the bits back on. Bit of a pain but well worth it in the end as originally it di not even exit the rear of the car squarely.

[Paperman]

Yeah there is another alarm on it but I made sure its not affecting anything and the car started ok until tuesday when it just died.

But as I say traced it to the coil. I'll have a good look underneath as well and try a) re-aligning or b) just giving it a good thump and seeing what happens!

Thanks again will let you know how I get on.

[ralph dodds]

I had exactly the same problem with the exhaust but the exhaust was up as high as it goes. In my case replacement rear springs/ahock absorbers was called for but even then it's not fully cured with 4 up (mine's a +2). It'll be getting a set of ride height adjustables this winter.

Ralph