E36 318is Coupe - Work to be done

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:36

Hi all, lots of BMW experts here, so thought I would ask some questions as they are not a car I have worked on much.

First job to be done is the Side Skirt, drivers side.

Been bodged once too many times so need to replace the Gasket and about 3-4 clips, whilst it is off I need to repair some damage to the paintwork

http://s126.photobucket.com/albums/p115/Galifrey/?action=view&current=100_1279.jpg

Anything I need to be aware of when removing the skirts? Any hidden screws or clips?

Workshop Manual doesnt have anything in about their removal, so thought it best to ask.

The car itself, dent on wing is next job, PDR maybe? shall see.

-westy- · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:37

You're going to make InvaderGIR jealous with those wheels

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:46

He won't be jealous if he sees the ditchfinders the previous owner fitted to said wheels.

-westy- · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:48

Dr Who said:
He won't be jealous if he sees the ditchfinders the previous owner fitted to said wheels.

The previous owner of his car was Muffin`, how do you think he feels?

Joshy · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:48

Can I please be the first to ask...

Why the **** did you get rid of the 205!?!?

ZG002 · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:49

Maybe he wanted something a little more rwd?

Muffin` · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:52

Mail in trust I've got the Bentley manual.

Oh, and nice car

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:55

Joshy said:
Can I please be the first to ask...

Why the **** did you get rid of the 205!?!?

Needed a daily driver and the 205 was just not up to regular 240 mile runs up and down the M5.

Mind you it has to be said, it drives real nice for a 13 year old car, ignoring the slight tramlining due to the dodgy tyres.

InvaderGIR · 26 Aug 2010 at 22:57

-westy- said:
The previous owner of his car was Muffin`, how do you think he feels?

Eagle F1s are good...Muffin just ordered balloon edition.

Not a real fan of the alloys on a none M car personally, so I'm not jealous at all.

Dr Who said:
Needed a daily driver and the 205 was just not up to regular 240 mile runs up and down the M5.

Mind you it has to be said, it drives real nice for a 13 year old car, ignoring the slight tramlining due to the dodgy tyres.

Get on over to http://e36coupe.com/forum and you'll learn lots, they are a decent bunch over there.

Tram lining won't be the tyres, width is about all that will have an effect on tram lining. Bushes are one of the main culprits for it surprisingly.

fonzee · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:00

yes you are, they look far better than your rotating abortions

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:05

InvaderGIR said:
Eagle F1s are good...Muffin just ordered balloon edition.

Not a real fan of the alloys on a none M car

I am, they look ***** great

As this is gonna be a bit of a mule, not used "aggresively" it will probably end up with some Falkens as I rate them for grip/price ratio.

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:07

InvaderGIR said:
Get on over to http://e36coupe.com/forum and you'll learn lots, they are a decent bunch over there.
.

Joined ages ago, they have never authorised my account so cannot even read the forums :-/

InvaderGIR · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:08

Very odd, try signing up again.

Wicksta · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:09

InvaderGIR said:
Get on over to http://e36coupe.com/forum and you'll learn lots, they are a decent bunch over there.

Tram lining won't be the tyres, width is about all that will have an effect on tram lining. Bushes are one of the main culprits for it surprisingly.

Actually I have found different brands of tyres have made big differences to the amount of tramlining with e36/e46s. I've always assumed it's been something to do with the construction of the tyre, especially the sidewall.

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:19

InvaderGIR said:
Very odd, try signing up again.

Or maybe you could ask an Admin to authorise account in the name of Galifrey?

InvaderGIR · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:19

Wicksta said:
Actually I have found different brands of tyres have made big differences to the amount of tramlining with e36/e46s. I've always assumed it's been something to do with the construction of the tyre, especially the sidewall.

I always thought it was width and sidewall but there have been a few posts about changing bushes (I forget which ones) that have addressed tram lining issues. I don't know if they have removed tram lining or just lessened it.

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:20

The tramlining isnt bad, just when crossing a white line for example, it's also been lowered 60mm and 40mm which shifts some weight forward so doubt that helps xD

Anyway, back to these side skirts

InvaderGIR · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:23

Dr Who said:
Or maybe you could ask an Admin to authorise account in the name of Galifrey?

PMed a mod...we'll see what happens.

Dr Who said:
The tramlining isnt bad, just when crossing a white line for example, it's also been lowered 60mm and 40mm which shifts some weight forward so doubt that helps xD

Anyway, back to these side skirts

I've only had it when you can physically see the groves in the tarmac from the lorries, but not badly at all.

As for the skirts...not a clue.

I think from looking at the fixings on realOEM that they are effectivly pop on/off...but that could result in you breaking it...so don't take my word for it.
I take it you have/will be getting new ones? They are cheap enough to get hold of etc.

Dr Who · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:26

I have all new fixings and gasket from BMW which came with the car, or did you mean new skirts?

InvaderGIR · 26 Aug 2010 at 23:27

I meant the skirt, but it's probably good that you've bought the fixings too.