Red Rooster PROJECTS

[Zdaneman]

I haven't posted in a while since my 88 325 is has been running smooth! I seem to have all the bugs worked out so far. 87K to 110K with no issues

I just finished replacing the clutch system (preventative) and Bilstein shocks on all four corners and she handles like a rail!

I've got new seats and a carpet kit to install now. The last carpet kit I did was in a 1965 Shelby GT350. I've got the step plate/ door plate removal tools but I'm still a little concerned on how to use them. Everyting else in the interior I've had out before and shouldn't be an issue. Any tips?

Also how tough is it to replace heater control illuminator pannel? I've got the parts on hand and figured I'd just do it all while replacing the carpet!

I've been told to replace the timing chain about every 50K as preventative measure? Whats the real deal?

All in all I'm pretty happy with my red rooster!

Zdaneman sends

 

[Big Daddy]

I've been told to replace the timing chain about every 50K as preventative measure? Whats the real deal?

You have a timing belt, not a chain and yes it should be replaced every 50k.

 

[E30m42cab]

Man, you've got to cut that floor mat... it can't be sitting on top of the pedal like that.
What's wrong with your heater control panel?
I've never done a carpet before... Joseph should be able to tell you, he just did his carpet.

 

[Doughnut]

Carpet removal is even sexier in the coupes.
Easy stuff:
-Remove front seats,
-Remove centre console,
-Remove centre pillar panels,
-Remove speaker kick panels.
Harder stuff:
-Pop the accelerator out of its seat at the bottom, it will seem as though your going to rip the plastic and damage it, so if your not sure, you can take off the snap ring at the top of the accelerator and lightly force it off the shaft instead.

You can get away without removing the door frames lower plastic sills (if thats what your talking about) to remove carpet, but you should definiently remove centre pillars to ease intall of new carpet.

Check for rust under the floor pans sound/heat installation while you have the carpet up, maybe even fish oil it if you have the chance.

Good to see you back and posting.

 

[Zdaneman]

All,

Gee...glad to see you guys aren't cutting me any slack on the mis cue...I know its a belt! Are you sure you haven't spent any time on an A team!

Ok, next project a belt!

Heater control pannel is working fine...except no lights! So I have the illuminator plate and bulbs from bavarian autosport to replace it. I've checked its the bulbs but since I'm going in I just wanted to replace the assembly.

Ok, how do you get the carpet up under lower plastic sills without removing them?? I want to make this look right.

Yes, the floor mat has been cut, it was the first thing I did once the previous owner (I like to call Mr. Shade Tree...took the cheap way out on everything on the car...to include using plactic ties to hold the under dash in place under the steering wheel instead of getting the 1.20 each plastic screws !!) I'm in the process of getting new floor mats with 325is on them.

Man I love this car! I just wish I could find an 88 M3.

Thanks for the tips!

Zdaneman sends

 

[Zdaneman]

Here's the other toy!

When I'm not fooling around with the 325 is I try to spend as much time on the track playing with this ELenore!

My second baby...99 ZRX 1100 with cams, pistons, Ohlins, race tech fork kit, and loads of other mods. This is a custom paint job my brother and I did. I once owned a 1974 900 Z-1....I could kick my own arse for ever letting it go for a 94 900ss Ducati track bike! Oh well, live and learn!
Goal this year is 8 track days on the bike and one in the BMW!

 

[E30m42cab]

Man I love this car! I just wish I could find an 88 M3.

Yeah... joint the club
Sweet bike!

 

[Zdaneman]

Thanks!

You should see my old 74 900 Z-1 its still looking awsome too!

I did locate one 88 M3 that was all stock with10K one it! A doctor owned it in GA and it was a true garage queen. It was on e-bay and got bidded up to 32K last time I saw it!!!

Man, it was sweet![bmwdance]


Zdaneman sends

 

[E30m42cab]

damn... 32K... I wish I had 35K. I'd rather have that for $32 grand than a 2002 M3 with 100,000kms. I only see 1 or two E30 M3's a year around here. I usually follow them around and drool for a while.

 

[Big Daddy]

I know its a belt!

Than why'd you ask

 

[AWD_Guy]

Than why'd you ask

he didnt ask.

 

[E30m42cab]

I've been told to replace the timing chain about every 50K as preventative measure? Whats the real deal?

Oh, but he did.

 

[AWD_Guy]

Oh, but he did.

You assumed he was asking if it was a chain or not, he wanted to know the real deal behind the change intervals.

Yeah, I'm anal.

 

[E30m42cab]

No, he asked if the chain needed replacing, so we told him "it's a belt" that needs changing every whatever thousand miles. It's better that we tell him it's a belt incase he didn't know the real deal.
Damn Ottawa people. You must be in politics.[unsure] ...or a sens fan!!

Could be worse... you could be a Leafs fan

 

[Doughnut]

Ok, how do you get the carpet up under lower plastic sills without removing them?? I want to make this look right.

Simple,
Pull the carpet straight out from under the sill, it has tabs on the carpet that are cut from factory, removing the plastic sills is a PITA, carpet can be removed from under them reguardless of what other people say, are you going to make be take photo's of pulling it out?


Oh, and big daddy - Of coarse the m20 has a chain.... don;t be such a poo head

 

[E30m42cab]

Joseph, I think he's more worried about getting it back under without making it look like a half-ass job.

(A lot of people don't know this, but the M20 actually has 2 cams, and the vavles are self adjusting!)

 

[Doughnut]

Joseph, I think he's more worried about getting it back under without making it look like a half-ass job.

(A lot of people don't know this, but the M20 actually has 2 cams, and the vavles are self adjusting!)

Scotty son, the carpet slips in from under the sils and sort of "clips" in place by the sandwiching of the plastic sill, it looks sexy - from factory look.

My m20 has 3 cams!
So sucked in to all you "2 cam guys" * My tongue is out and flapping!!*

 

[Dan0384]

I'm with joseph, if you can do it without removing the seals, then that is the way to go. I completely broke one of mine, and all of the plastic clips on the other when trying to do my carpet last year. I also removed the back seat cause I was replacing the piece that goes under that. That thing just pops right on out tho, nothing real tough.

 

[E30m42cab]

I would be tempted to rip the sills right off, break all the tabs and spend the money on new tabs and strips. Make 'er look tight! Right from the showroom.!

3 cams Joseph? You must have 5 valves per cylinder.

 

[Big Daddy]

No, he asked if the chain needed replacing, so we told him "it's a belt" that needs changing every whatever thousand miles. It's better that we tell him it's a belt incase he didn't know the real deal.
Damn Ottawa people. You must be in politics.[unsure] ...or a sens fan!!

Could be worse... you could be a Leafs fan

Exactly!