1997 BMW 318 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Hey
How du i mount my tacho rings in my instrumentpanel.
my car is an BMW 318i E46 from 2002

they will be somthing like this make sure you get the right thickness think it be 16mm http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-T-PIECE-19x16x19-JOINT-WATER-HOSE-PIPE-CONNECTOR-WITH-6-CLIPS-LPG-AUTOGAS-/322585748947?hash=item4b1b9be5d3:g:Q9UAAOSwn-tZDjd5

have the fault codes read filling at a bowser and then having problems indicate EVAP system problems --not venting properly possible cam /s or crank sensor problem in the wiring

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boiybaJkMrI

mass air flow sensor too much air going in so check all air pipes for leak

starter motor

steering pump are common

In the trunk up next to wheel wells. Start peeling carpet out of the trunk walls and you will find it. The rear speaker wires run right to it. Please beware that only the 10 speaker systems have a factory amp. The stock 6 speaker systems run straight off of the factory radio. You can buy a factory amp bypass harness for this model at any good car audio shop. Please find my answer helpful.

from the book the oil pump is driven by a chain from the crankshaft. It is very possible that the oil pump has come loose and thrown/broken the pump chain. It will require a sump removal to check it out. recheck the oil level as what you read may have been a froth level . there is no reason for extra oil unless it was overfilled to start with or there is water contamination ( white /grey oil)

There are numerous videos on line showing how to do this job. if you have a few tools, can be done. The bearings can be removed with a puller, and `pressed' in by reversing the puller (half axel has tocome out first). On my prior vehivcle, I used a fitting piece of PVC, and tapped the bearing in using that as a block. Worked fine. IF you are not mechanically inclined, It is daunting, but, fear is hte mind killer (`Dune' reference there).

What color smoke? White, blue? Blue smoke can generally be pinpointed to bad rings as fuel is get past the piston in the combustion chamber. White smoke could be a myriad of things but usually means there's un burnt fuel in the combustion chamber.

Also check the radiator cap. If the spring in the radiator cap is worn, it is not pressurizing the cooling system properly and therefore it will cause the vehicle to overheat. This is often overlooked and is a cheap repair. Every additional pound above atmospheric pressure that the cooling system is under causes the boiling point of the coolant in the system to raise 3 degrees F if memory serves me correctly. So, if the cap is old it will boil at 212 instead of 230 (for example)-and cause the system to overheat--even though everything else in the system is new/operating perfectly. If this is not your problem you may want to check to see if the cooling system itself is, indeed, holding pressure. You can get a gadget that fits on your radiator from any auto parts store to pressurize the system--after you pressurize it...leave it alone for about 20 minutes and see if it maintains pressure. If it doesnt, you have a leak somewhere. Hooah.

It is likely that the heater core has sprung a leak, or the hoses leading to the heater core have failed. This would cause a loss of coolant that would make the coolant temperature sensor think it wasn't necessary to turn the fan on, and would cause steam to appear to rise out of the back of the engine. If you turn the heater on inside the passenger compartment and get steam through the vents, it's DEFINITELY a heater core breach. Otherwise, check the hoses leading to the heater core and make sure they are still connected and not leaking. Good luck!

check the cable in the alternator ( the most thick) if gave power with the engine off if don't have power connect a cable from alternator to + battery and check if is working.

Try these resources 318is Timing Chain Replacement

Check for spark, at sparkplugs if no spark maybe needs a crankshaft position sensor

check hydraulic fluid level in the hydralic motor pump behind left side trim panel in the trunk.look on side or end of the motor pump assembly.look for screw type check plug. first place rags under the check plug to catch fluid spill unscrew the check plug fluid level should be 1/4 inch bottom of check plug hole if low you need add correct level fluid. then screw in check plug back in place.to bleed air out hydralic system you need helper to hold switch while you raise and lower the top slowly by hand raise and lower top several times to remove air out hydralic system. see if your convertible top will open and close all the way.

You do not lube a throttle bodyYou can use CRC Throttle Body CleanerInstructions are on the can

Check compression and timing. Then check sensors(MAF, oil pressure sensor). Don't crank engine too long. Cranking engine may pour a lot of petrol into your engine oil.

the major culprit would be a slave cylinder.you will find it on your gear box under your car,you will have to jack your car for this.you can either change seals in the cylinder which can be a mission if you don't know how but cheaper or replace with a new one.hope this will help.d