318ti.org forum

Go Back   318ti.org forum > Garage > Personal bios and Introductions

Notices

Personal bios and Introductions A short personal history.

.
» Recent Threads
1999 M-Sport For Sale
12-31-2023 05:10 PM
Last post by Coop540iT
03-23-2024 06:39 PM
1 Replies, 102,509 Views
Once again 318ti owner...
03-20-2024 12:39 PM
Last post by two30grain
03-22-2024 02:04 PM
1 Replies, 65,539 Views
What brakes do I...
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
Last post by huirtera
03-20-2024 03:27 PM
0 Replies, 62,768 Views
Reply Share/Bookmark
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 01-22-2014, 11:19 PM   #1
robertdeutsch08
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6
Vehicles
iTrader: (0)
Thumbs up New ti owner in Louisiana

Hello all, new ti owner here from central LA. Picked my Hellrot '98 ti with M-tech up for 300 bucks off a friend that bought it with the intention to fix it up, but never did. It had a problem with overheating although it never really got that hot - always shut down before anything major could happen, so he replaced the water pump and that didn't fix the problem...so it sat there until I picked it up. It has a few issues I've got to work out before I'll be able to drive her (probably a head gasket - I've already scoured the forum and written down all the other bits I should attend to while in there - and I'll be restoring the front of the car from a good bit of sketchy workmanship after what appears to be a wreck at the front passenger side of the car). I'm replacing practically everything in front of the radiator - bumper, bumper reinforcement, new bumper shocks, headlights and fog lights, a/c condenser and fan...I'm sure you get the point. When all that is finished, I'll probably paint it flat black and leave it at that.

From what I've read, they are pretty awesome cars and I'd hate to see it go to waste, so I decided to dedicate a little time and $$$ to slowly but surely get it back to good order. If I fall in love with it, I'll probably move forward with an engine swap (once college is over) - I'll debate between S50 or LS1 when that time comes though. I've got big plans, but for the time being I'll enjoy the 30+mpg everyone is always talking about; It'll be much better than my H3!

I'll try and post a few photos if it will let me, but seeing that I'm a noob here - I may not have that privilege just yet, but we will see.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version Name:	IMG_20131213_165625.jpg Views:	145 Size:	20.3 KB ID:	14658   Click image for larger version Name:	IMG_20131213_165638.jpg Views:	137 Size:	19.8 KB ID:	14659   Click image for larger version Name:	IMG_20131213_165648.jpg Views:	144 Size:	20.3 KB ID:	14660  

Click image for larger version Name:	IMG_20131213_165702.jpg Views:	136 Size:	9.9 KB ID:	14661  
robertdeutsch08 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2014, 02:15 AM   #2
740isport
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 315
iTrader: (1)
Default

Welcome to the sandbox. What were the symptoms of overheating, just the gauge or steam pouring out from under the hood. If just the gauge, could be as simple as the cooling system not being bled properly. If there is air in the cooling system, it will super heat the sensor and cause a false reading of overheating. The sensor could be bad also. With absence of steam I'd look here for all the cooling system issues.

But I am not ruling out head gasket, I am simply saying that would be my last thing to look at.
740isport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2014, 02:56 AM   #3
robertdeutsch08
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6
Vehicles
iTrader: (0)
Default

Currently I'm going off of what he described to me (he's a trustworthy friend) and part of his description was the inherent white smoke from the tailpipe. The oil doesn't look milky but it might have not been run enough to actually get enough in there. I still need to get some papers to check the coolant for presence of combustion gasses. I haven't removed the radiator yet and since I'm going to replace the fluids, I'll be draining it all in the near future and getting a good look at it.

I forgot to mention in the intro that I have yet to actually be able to crank the car because he was going to trade it for another vehicle and the person he was going to trade with lost the key - so I'm waiting for the title to come in (in my name) so I can go to the dealer and order a new one from the vin. If it weren't for EWS I'd already have one - but...

I also plan to go ahead and change the trans filter and fluid while I have it on the lift (luckily my cousin owns a shop and has given me access to the lifts on the weekends as needed) and I'll use his equipment to vacuum the coolant system and replace everything. Of course a new t-stat and I'll verify the new water pump he put on it, new belts, and the plastic coolant hose on the back of of the head will get replaced also. I read about some other hoses in/around the intake manifold that may need addressed but I'll have to read up on it more and educate myself a little better. I've already downloaded the Bentley manual and I'm waiting for the Haynes and Chiltons manuals to get here so I have a basis of comparison between them.

I had a 2dr grand am in high school that did exactly what you described though. Got a bubble at the sensor and misread the temp. I'm going to go through as many things as possible while I'm into it anyway. Still debating on which head gasket kit would be the best one to get when I order it...Ive seen the VR, Cometic, Fel-Pro, etc...I was gonna go with the Fel Pro because I used one for an intake manifold gasket on another car I had and it was MUCH better quality than the OEM GM gasket...I've been scouring the forums for comparisons on that.
robertdeutsch08 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2014, 07:01 AM   #4
BMW_Hatchback
Moderator
 
BMW_Hatchback's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 3,220
iTrader: (1)
Default

Welcome to the sandbox, can't wait to see what you come up with
BMW_Hatchback is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2014, 02:05 PM   #5
teetime4one
Senior Member
 
teetime4one's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SW Florida
Posts: 4,275
Vehicles
iTrader: (6)
Default

Welcome to the Org
$300 is a great deal for a sport model in any condition. Good to read you're ambitious about this project. You've got the right idea...just replace as much as you can and it'll be fine.
Keep us posted!
__________________

Sean
1995 Active
teetime4one is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-2014, 03:12 PM   #6
740isport
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 315
iTrader: (1)
Default

Go through this thread http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16068 on the cooling system. It'll show you all the hoses and the two plastic pipes that need replacing. I'm in process of the same on my 97 (not head gasket though) and rebuilding the entire cooling system.

Congrats on the purchase and keep us informed.
740isport is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-02-2014, 05:43 PM   #7
robertdeutsch08
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6
Vehicles
iTrader: (0)
Default

Well as of now, I have gotten the key, bumper, bumper reinforcement, bumper shocks, rad/condenser support, fogs, relocating the battery to the rear - battery box on the way, also a condenser, all the filters (cabin, engine air, oil), new plugs, bumper brackets, and a few other things. still have to get a thermostat, the two cooling lines that are suggested to be replaced, trans filter kit, head gasket kit, head bolts, a valve cover bolt (one is missing - hmmm, glad i'm opening this thing up). I'll prob be ordering those from pelican parts being that it's one of the most suggested I see when researching. Once I get those, I'm gonna order a viper alarm w/ remote start.

Since I got the key, I was able to crank it - surprisingly enough it started right up even after sitting for over a year (threw some sea foam in the gas a few days before - don't know if that actually helps but it was worth a shot). Definitely a head gasket issue, but the job seems straight forward enough and I'll tackle that when I take it to the family shop. At least I can drive it up on the trailer now.

Weird thing though, when I have my OBD plugged in and look at the diagnostics (I have one of those bluetooth ones that's like 11 bucks on ebay linked with my phone and the torque app - I highly suggest it - works excellent) - It doesn't show a misfire or anything and I figured it would throw some kind of code if coolant was getting into a cylinder and it was idling kind of rough - but I probably didn't run it long enough.

Got the driver's door window fixed - stupid clips. But it's coming along. Also trying to find a thread that sort of explains what people do when they use the transponder in the ring and tuck it behind the steering column. I'll probably be doing something of the sort when I wire up the keyless/remote start, I just haven't seen a post where someone actually shows how they did it, and I'm not gonna start a new thread for something I'm sure exists somewhere.
robertdeutsch08 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-02-2014, 05:53 PM   #8
1996 328ti
Senior Member
 
1996 328ti's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 9,356
Vehicles
iTrader: (1)
Default

That's what I love about these cars.
Everyone of them is a project car.

You will probably find you are not alone in whatever you find that needs fixing.

Good luck!
__________________
...steven
BMW CCA #146825
1996 BMW 328ti • 2003 MINI Cooper S • 2016 M235i
www.bmwcca.org
1996 328ti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2014, 02:16 AM   #9
slammed_ti
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: maine
Posts: 19
iTrader: (0)
Default

good luck great price on the car!
__________________
live.. sleep.. dream.. bmws
slammed_ti is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2014, 03:31 AM   #10
BlackBMWs
Senior Member
 
BlackBMWs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 2,451
Vehicles
iTrader: (7)
Default

Welcome and good save on the car. Nice to save it from the salvage yard. Good luck!
__________________


1998 318ti Sport - "Cali" Schwartz II/Schwartz sport interior, Cali top
1998 318ti Sport - "Max" Schwartz II/Schwartz sport interior, S52
1997 318ti Sport - "Tiny" Schwartz II/Schwartz sport interior
1995 318ti Active - "Blanca" Alpineweib III/Schwartz leather interior

Other Current Bimmers: 2006 530i / 2000 2.3L Z3 / 1997 1.9L Z3 / 1999 540it

1997 318ti Sport - "Huera" - RIP
1995 318ti Active - RIP
1995 318ti Sport - "Tiny" Sold
1994 325i Sedan - "Jade" - Sold
1991 318ic - "Bert" - Sold
1985 635csi sold
1984 533i "Max" Sold
1984 318i sold

BMWCCA #160411

SUPPORT 318ti.org! CLICK THE LINK ABOVE!
Hosting a forum like this is not free. 318ti.org is one of the best BMW forums on the web because it is member supported, not vendor supported. The cost to become a Supporter is a nominal $10.00... A YEAR! DO IT! NOW!
BlackBMWs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-01-2014, 04:02 AM   #11
robertdeutsch08
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6
Vehicles
iTrader: (0)
Default

Thanks for the warm welcome guys. Won't be much longer now hopefully and I'll have her on the road. Just ordered head gasket kit, head bolts, new belts, trans filter kit, coolant hoses, thermostat, and a nice slew of other stuff from Pelican Parts. Also just picked up some headlights on ebay. Finally have 2 keys, a stereo, sub, and amp - and might I add that just ONE Alpine 10 in that hatch sounds like I could rattle the window back off the track! I'll be carrying it to my cousins shop within the next few weekends and tearing it down.
robertdeutsch08 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2014, 05:10 AM   #12
jca
Senior Member
 
jca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Wichita Falls, Texas
Posts: 1,364
iTrader: (1)
Default

Central Louisiana? Alexandria, perhaps? Did grad school in N.O., and my son lived in Baton Rouge for awhile. Welcome to the site. John
jca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2014, 02:44 PM   #13
robertdeutsch08
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 6
Vehicles
iTrader: (0)
Default

Impressive. Most are clueless when you mention louisiana. They think we live and drive in houseboats and airboats lol. I live about 45 mins west of Alexandria in leesville. Most military families are familiar with it because of ft. Polk but otherwise it's sort of a blip on the map. I'll be driving to Alexandria daily starting in August for an accelerated BSN second degree program there. That's one of the main purposes of getting this car done (correctly).
robertdeutsch08 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-12-2014, 03:04 AM   #14
ryivnx
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Riverside, CA
Posts: 12
iTrader: (0)
Default

Whoa, $300 for M tech?! Where do you guys find cars this cheap.. In SoCal they run for at least $1500 in that condition. Congrats though
ryivnx is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Unsuspecting new ti owner! Bluefish Personal bios and Introductions 18 04-25-2012 05:08 AM
Need Advice - What do you think about a 4 owner car? arinborn I'm thinking about buying a ti. 7 08-04-2010 10:18 PM
95 318ti clubsport 101k on body,95k on motor. 4th owner. no rust xunearthhxcx US and North America 21 03-18-2010 11:22 PM
New Owner erniep Lounge 4 04-19-2005 07:17 PM
98 318ti 5speed 93k 1 owner cali top leather active pkg metalic blue $8000 OBO chucky US and North America 3 10-17-2004 12:32 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:29 AM.


.
Powered by site supporters
vBulletin Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©1999 - 2024, 318ti.org
© vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.2
[page compression: 125.32 k/147.90 k (15.27%)]

318ti.org does not warrant or assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information or products discussed.