Getting Your e30 Roadworthy

Catching Up on Three Decades of TLC

In a world of ultra-reliable Toyota Camry’s that seem to go 150k miles before needing an oil change or air in the tires, a 30+ year old German car doesn’t necessarily seem like a logical choice for reliable daily transportation. To the surprise of many, the e30 BMW 3 Series is a stout little performer that can handle the rigors of daily driving. In this guide, we’ll cover the common maintenance and wear items to get your non-M e30 roadworthy and feel like you’ve turned back the clock.

Timing is Everything…and Some Water

m20

If there’s one thing you hear time and time again when it comes to e30’s, it’s to change the timing belt immediately if you can’t confirm when it was last replaced. This service is specific to the M20 6-cylinder car, and as the name implies, the belt keeps the engine timed properly. Due to the interference design of the m20 though, belt failure can cause the pistons to contact the valves which can cause some serious engine damage and a whole lot of headaches. The general rule of thumb is to replace the belt once every 4-5 years, or after 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). During the timing belt replacement, it also makes sense to replace the water pump and other associated cooling system components (thermostat, radiator, hoses, etc.) as you’ll have to refill and bleed the system regardless.

While a shop can certainly knock the timing belt replacement out in short order, it’s often worth the cost savings to tackle this job yourself if you’re the DIY type. For the typical shade tree mechanic, the timing belt replacement is a classic weekend project and generally costs around 200-500 dollars depending how overboard you decide to go on your parts order. Not the most exciting project, but arguably one of the most crucial jobs to keeping your M20 powered e30 alive and healthy.

M42

Being the tail end of e30 production, the M42 powered 318 cars feature the more advanced DOHC 16-valve 1.8-liter engine. And with a little persuasion, can have performance hot on the heels of the 6-cylinder cars. Unlike the M20’s timing belt, the M42 cars use a timing chain setup. While a timing chain isn’t likely to snap like a timing belt, they do require attention to keep your 318i or 318is running reliably. The plastic chain guides can become brittle over time and as the miles add up, which can cause the engine to skip timing if they fail. Another commonly overlooked timing component on the M42 cars is the idler sprocket, which should be replaced at the same time (BMW later did away with this in 1994 in favor of an updated design with an additional chain guide). Also check the camshaft sprockets for wear. If the teeth are sharp, the sprockets are worn and should be replaced (new gears have square cut teeth).

With most e30’s having high mileage, it’s strongly encouraged that the timing components be replaced (shards of plastic in the oil can be indicators of chain guide failure). Around 100k miles is when the timing chain is likely due for replacement, so if you don’t have any service records, it’s better to replace it sooner than later. Parts for the M42 tend to be more costly than a 6-cylinder car, so budgeting closer to $1,000 dollars or more is advised, especially if you choose to refresh the cooling system in the process (similar to the M20 powered cars).

The Steering Committee

In its day, the e30 was touted for its nimble and playful handling, but the 1980s were a very long time ago! If your car is like many examples, chances are the steering feels sloppy, or worse…marks its turf everywhere it parks. Leaking power steering systems are a common problem with e30s, but thankfully the fixes are straightforward.

The easy leaks can be fixed in the form of replacing the old, seeping power steering hoses (the high pressure, the feed, and return lines). Don’t forget to change the fluid reservoir, as it has a built-in filter that’s probably seen better days.

Racks on Racks

The more troublesome leaks can come in the form of blown steering rack seals. The cost-effective way to deal with a bad rack is to purchase a rebuilt unit and exchange your core in return for as little as 200 hundred dollars. As an added bonus, the rebuilt rack will come with new dust boots and fresh tie rods. Installation can be a bit clumsy, but certainly doable on jack stands in the driveway. While not completely necessary, if you’re going through the trouble to replace the steering rack, it’d be smart to replace the control arms and bushings if they’re worse for wear, ensuring you get the most out of your refreshed steering system and alignment.

Brake it Before You Break it

Ricky Bobby may ‘just wanna go fast’, but being able to slow down is equally as important. In good operating condition, the e30’s stock brakes are quite potent, but make sure the system is up to the task. Pads and rotors are cheap and easy consumables that can help restore braking performance but don’t forget to inspect the brake lines as well. If the rubber lines have any cracking, they should be replaced from a safety concern. There are a total of 6 flexible brake lines on the e30. The front lines and outer rear lines are easy to replace, while the inner rear lines can be difficult to access when the rear subframe is in place.

Fresh Fluids

If your e30 is overdue for some TLC, then take the opportunity to flush all the vehicle’s fluids to give the different systems a fresh start.

·       Engine Oil & Filter

·       Engine Coolant

·       Brake Fluid (and clutch on manual transmission cars)

·       Differential Oil (check if your car has an open diff vs a limited slip unit)

·       Power Steering Fluid

·       Transmission Fluid (manual or automatic)

*While not immediately necessary, a tune-up would be a great way to restore any lost performance to your vehicle (spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, and oxygen sensor) in addition to flushing the fluids.

Ditch the Tired Rubber

Last, but not least, make sure your tires aren’t past their prime. Not only do you want the most grip at your disposal, but old tires can be a large safety concern should they fail at speed. While low tread depth can be an indicator of tire life, it’s also important to check for sidewall cracking or date codes indicating a tire is over 10 years old. Since the e30 typically comes equipped with 14-inch and 15-inch wheels, new tires are quite affordable.

Up and Running

Using the tips, your tired e30 3 Series can reliably be put back into action. While the e30 serves as a great platform to personalize and modify, having a solid foundation to build upon can set you up for success and save some headaches down the line.