Advice needed on e36 318i

[pharoah]

hi all,1. can't quite make it out but i hear crankling sounds when i drive over humps. this is on and off. it feels like my wheels are about to come off. think of a time when rims had covers. your advice? 2. i have an oil leak somewhere and haven't had time to do a thorough check at the workshop yet. however, i just discovered that my power steering fluid seems to be running out faster than expected. i just filled up the container like 2 months ago, and yesterday, it was half full. any advice on how fast is it supposed to run out? 3. i need to change my headlamp glass panel. not sure if it's the right term but because of a recent accident, one glass panel look new and the other looks foggy. looks pretty weird. where would you recommend that i change it? 4. my air-conditioning makes a lot of noise and i've been given differnent opinions, that it's too loud, and it's normal. anyways, more importantly, it's cold enough after hours, even freezing. but not during the daytime when it's friggin hot. is this normal? should i be changing something, like, repumping of the gas or something? will be grateful for any advice.

 

[awyeah]

Bro,

I had some similar problems when I got my 318i(M).

1. can't quite make it out but i hear crankling sounds when i drive over humps. this is on and off. it feels like my wheels are about to come off. think of a time when rims had covers. your advice?

>>Is it coming from the shocks/suspension? If not, get your bodies bushings/mountings replaced and tightened. Also send you car for lubrication.

2. i have an oil leak somewhere and haven't had time to do a thorough check at the workshop yet. however, i just discovered that my power steering fluid seems to be running out faster than expected. i just filled up the container like 2 months ago, and yesterday, it was half full. any advice on how fast is it supposed to run out?

3. i need to change my headlamp glass panel. not sure if it's the right term but because of a recent accident, one glass panel look new and the other looks foggy. looks pretty weird. where would you recommend that i change it?

>> If you want original bmw ones, you can find them at chop shops, near old klang road, in puchong, shah-alam, klang, kajang etc. If you want to replace the new ones then there are car accessorie shops in Sunway which have all the head, tail and fog lights, but they are the taiwan made ones. In my case I got mine cleaned by the mechanic, the front ones, they looked very clean. Thinking now, to replace the tail lamps with the white-red lamps.

4. my air-conditioning makes a lot of noise and i've been given differnent opinions, that it's too loud, and it's normal. anyways, more importantly, it's cold enough after hours, even freezing. but not during the daytime when it's friggin hot. is this normal? should i be changing something, like, repumping of the gas or something?

>> I had somewhat a similar problems. In my case the aircon fan was not working and the wiring of the motor was loose in which, I had to replace the relay also. After that my fan was blowing faster and the cooling was excellent anytime. For the cooling you might need to get the compressor checked.


will be grateful for any advice.

 

[pharoah]

Hey bro, thanks for your reply man. do see my replies after yours...

Bro,

I had some similar problems when I got my 318i(M).

1. can't quite make it out but i hear crankling sounds when i drive over humps. this is on and off. it feels like my wheels are about to come off. think of a time when rims had covers. your advice?

>>Is it coming from the shocks/suspension? If not, get your bodies bushings/mountings replaced and tightened. Also send you car for lubrication.


i think it's coming from shocks/suspension alright. my mechanic told me recently that my arm brush (or something) is loose or should change or something like that, could this be the reason?



2. i have an oil leak somewhere and haven't had time to do a thorough check at the workshop yet. however, i just discovered that my power steering fluid seems to be running out faster than expected. i just filled up the container like 2 months ago, and yesterday, it was half full. any advice on how fast is it supposed to run out?


Any ideas on this?


3. i need to change my headlamp glass panel. not sure if it's the right term but because of a recent accident, one glass panel look new and the other looks foggy. looks pretty weird. where would you recommend that i change it?

>> If you want original bmw ones, you can find them at chop shops, near old klang road, in puchong, shah-alam, klang, kajang etc. If you want to replace the new ones then there are car accessorie shops in Sunway which have all the head, tail and fog lights, but they are the taiwan made ones. In my case I got mine cleaned by the mechanic, the front ones, they looked very clean. Thinking now, to replace the tail lamps with the white-red lamps.


the bmw ones i assume are all second hand ones. where did you get yours clean? did it take long?
i would recommend the tail lamps with white-red lamps bro mine came with it and it looks much better.


4. my air-conditioning makes a lot of noise and i've been given differnent opinions, that it's too loud, and it's normal. anyways, more importantly, it's cold enough after hours, even freezing. but not during the daytime when it's friggin hot. is this normal? should i be changing something, like, repumping of the gas or something?

>> I had somewhat a similar problems. In my case the aircon fan was not working and the wiring of the motor was loose in which, I had to replace the relay also. After that my fan was blowing faster and the cooling was excellent anytime. For the cooling you might need to get the compressor checked.

what is this relay thingie that you're talking about? I think my fan is alright, always pretty much working, it's the cooling. but that's the thing, why is it only cold when sun goes down? i guess it's probably the compressor problem?


will be grateful for any advice.

 

[awyeah]

Hey bro, thanks for your reply man. do see my replies after yours...

1. I think you should get your mechanic to check your suspension and shocks. If there is no oil leak from the original bmw ones then I suppose they should be fine. Another good way is to send your car for full inspection. It will not cost you a lot. Full inspection will reveal what are the damaged/broken parts that need to be replaced. There are some shops in old klang road which do it.

2. I haven't encountered such a problem with the power steering fluid so far. However while going over 100km+ my steering was sometimes wobbly and shaky. The alignment of the steering was out. Also in most cases the steering rack might be crack if it shakes a lot at high speeds.

3. Yes the bmw ones are second hand, since parts for the e36 are not manufactured anymore (unless ordered from auto bavaria, which is burning money). However you need to search chop shops in order to get good clean pieces. I got my front lenses cleaned from Sunway, depends it will cost you around 100-200. It does not really take that long.

4. The relay powers the fan motor I believe. If your aircon cooling is alright, and aircon fan is working alright, then I suppose you need to get your compressor checked.

However, if you are stuck/idling in daytime traffic for long time (and the cooling becomes less), rev the engine at higher rpm to check if the cooling improves, if not then have your compressor checked. The reason is, because the engine rpm of the 318 is lesser as compared to 325, 328, the cooling also decreases when your are idling.

 

[SkyEvo]

bro, for your air condition problem I think its your compressor bearing that is making the sound..

I think your compressor is in its failing condition that's why aircond become less cold during idling..I've faced same situation before decided to replace the compressor including the cooling coil since its leaked

hope this helps:wink:

 

[pharoah]

thanks very much for your reply bro. i haven't logged in soon enough but i'm glad i did.

1. any rough idea how much/long the full inspection will take?

2. hmm, perhaps my alignment is out too. but when you say alignment of the steering wheel, it's not the same as the wheel alignment is it? will it be separate checking for both cases?

3. sunway sounds good, can you kindly pm me the shop address if you can?

4. well, when it's mid day when it's the bloody hottest, my AC kinda blows hot air for quite a while before getting cooler. if i understand you correctly, as long as the ac can churn out cold air (despite when it's not hot outside the car), it is most likely the relay problem and not the compressor?

1. I think you should get your mechanic to check your suspension and shocks. If there is no oil leak from the original bmw ones then I suppose they should be fine. Another good way is to send your car for full inspection. It will not cost you a lot. Full inspection will reveal what are the damaged/broken parts that need to be replaced. There are some shops in old klang road which do it.

2. I haven't encountered such a problem with the power steering fluid so far. However while going over 100km+ my steering was sometimes wobbly and shaky. The alignment of the steering was out. Also in most cases the steering rack might be crack if it shakes a lot at high speeds.

3. Yes the bmw ones are second hand, since parts for the e36 are not manufactured anymore (unless ordered from auto bavaria, which is burning money). However you need to search chop shops in order to get good clean pieces. I got my front lenses cleaned from Sunway, depends it will cost you around 100-200. It does not really take that long.

4. The relay powers the fan motor I believe. If your aircon cooling is alright, and aircon fan is working alright, then I suppose you need to get your compressor checked.

However, if you are stuck/idling in daytime traffic for long time (and the cooling becomes less), rev the engine at higher rpm to check if the cooling improves, if not then have your compressor checked. The reason is, because the engine rpm of the 318 is lesser as compared to 325, 328, the cooling also decreases when your are idling.

 

[pharoah]

hey man, thanks very much for your advice.

actually, at night when my a/c is great, it's cold air even during idling. so you're saying the sounds comes from having an old compressor? any idea how much a new compressor will cost?

bro, for your air condition problem I think its your compressor bearing that is making the sound..

I think your compressor is in its failing condition that's why aircond become less cold during idling..I've faced same situation before decided to replace the compressor including the cooling coil since its leaked

hope this helps:wink:

 

[awyeah]

thanks very much for your reply bro. i haven't logged in soon enough but i'm glad i did.

1. any rough idea how much/long the full inspection will take?
3. sunway sounds good, can you kindly pm me the shop address if you can?

I go for mine at bimmer auto, Mr. Selvam. He is good with Diognosis and cheapest rate in Klang Valley. The workshop is infront of the ktm railway track, Jalan Railway in PJ.

 

[SkyEvo]

hey man, thanks very much for your advice.

actually, at night when my a/c is great, it's cold air even during idling. so you're saying the sounds comes from having an old compressor? any idea how much a new compressor will cost?

same like my situation bro..at night, morning & evening the aircond is working perfectly but at noon the situation worsen..really make you sweat a lot bro.

for the compressor its the bearing that making noise..i've once quoted RM1.4k for new unit but don't know if its the real market price..i've opted for a recond one @ RM550. you may also service your compressor by changing the compressor pulley bearing & top up compressor oil & gas.maybe it will cost you around Rm100++:smokin:

have you check your aircond gas bro? for a 10+ years old car like e36 cooling coil is a major issue. it usually gives way to wear & tear. do check your cooling coil for any leakages. cooling coil usually will costs you around RM350-RM450(new unit) and it requires the dashboard to be remove..

hope it helps

cheers bro..:wink:

 

[Roberto]

1. You're not supposed to lose power steering fluid. There's a leak somewhere, and its probably the oil leak you wrote about. Nevertheless, check your oil dipstick every morning regularly.

2. Older bmws' air cons had this stupid problem, where its freezing at night and only so-so during the day. That, per se, is normal.

3. Noise from the air con could be anything but unless it sounds like something is falling apart (and especially if this is the same noise you've heard ever since you've owned the car), there's nothing mission critical about it. Don't fret, put this on the back burner, just check with different air con and accessories shop guys from time to time. However, a word of advice, when you're doing anything major to the air con blower, also take the opportunity to replace the air con's resistor. Its located in the same place and will cost you the same in terms of labour charges. The a/c resistor is responsible for controlling the blower's fan speed as you switch from 1-4 on the a/c.

4. The sounds you hear over humps...don't bother posting it here. Go straight to the mech and have them hoist up your car and take a good look. Its as easy as that and you'll know straightaway. Then, if ts not too straightforward (eg chamngin a bushing here or a tie rod there is straightforward, changing several tie rods is not straightforward ) there are various strategies around getting it fixed, let us know and we'll help you with the options from the cheapest to the priciest (there are different suspension system kits available with different properties).

 

[pharoah]

i'm sure your advice will help bro. much appreciated. i'll update on the process

same like my situation bro..at night, morning & evening the aircond is working perfectly but at noon the situation worsen..really make you sweat a lot bro.

for the compressor its the bearing that making noise..i've once quoted RM1.4k for new unit but don't know if its the real market price..i've opted for a recond one @ RM550. you may also service your compressor by changing the compressor pulley bearing & top up compressor oil & gas.maybe it will cost you around Rm100++:smokin:

have you check your aircond gas bro? for a 10+ years old car like e36 cooling coil is a major issue. it usually gives way to wear & tear. do check your cooling coil for any leakages. cooling coil usually will costs you around RM350-RM450(new unit) and it requires the dashboard to be remove..

hope it helps

cheers bro..:wink:

 

[pharoah]

you really are my favourite guru roberto. your advice's always scientific. will check on the aircon and bushing (i really think that's the problem) pronto.

1. You're not supposed to lose power steering fluid. There's a leak somewhere, and its probably the oil leak you wrote about. Nevertheless, check your oil dipstick every morning regularly.

2. Older bmws' air cons had this stupid problem, where its freezing at night and only so-so during the day. That, per se, is normal.

3. Noise from the air con could be anything but unless it sounds like something is falling apart (and especially if this is the same noise you've heard ever since you've owned the car), there's nothing mission critical about it. Don't fret, put this on the back burner, just check with different air con and accessories shop guys from time to time. However, a word of advice, when you're doing anything major to the air con blower, also take the opportunity to replace the air con's resistor. Its located in the same place and will cost you the same in terms of labour charges. The a/c resistor is responsible for controlling the blower's fan speed as you switch from 1-4 on the a/c.

4. The sounds you hear over humps...don't bother posting it here. Go straight to the mech and have them hoist up your car and take a good look. Its as easy as that and you'll know straightaway. Then, if ts not too straightforward (eg chamngin a bushing here or a tie rod there is straightforward, changing several tie rods is not straightforward ) there are various strategies around getting it fixed, let us know and we'll help you with the options from the cheapest to the priciest (there are different suspension system kits available with different properties).

 

[pharoah]

ok, latest update.

couldn't take it anymore and simply dropped off my car at the workshop last Sat and was almost 1.5k poorer..

repairs are as follows:
1. front control arm ball-joint (out)
2. front control arm ball-joint (in)
3. anti rollbar linkage
4. front brake hose
5. fan belt tensioner bearing
6. alternator roller bearing
7. vent valve
8. renew front brake hose & bleeding brake fluid.

the mechanic did try to explain but it mostly sounded french to me.
anyways, including service and what not, a grand total of 1,467.00

but wait there's more, i still have to front brake pad and steering coupling which the mechanic said i had to change. it's gonna set me back another few hundreds.

well, the car seems a lot more stable now, doesn't feel as though the wheels can disengage anymore.
hope it's money well-spent, but you be the judge.

1. You're not supposed to lose power steering fluid. There's a leak somewhere, and its probably the oil leak you wrote about. Nevertheless, check your oil dipstick every morning regularly.

2. Older bmws' air cons had this stupid problem, where its freezing at night and only so-so during the day. That, per se, is normal.

3. Noise from the air con could be anything but unless it sounds like something is falling apart (and especially if this is the same noise you've heard ever since you've owned the car), there's nothing mission critical about it. Don't fret, put this on the back burner, just check with different air con and accessories shop guys from time to time. However, a word of advice, when you're doing anything major to the air con blower, also take the opportunity to replace the air con's resistor. Its located in the same place and will cost you the same in terms of labour charges. The a/c resistor is responsible for controlling the blower's fan speed as you switch from 1-4 on the a/c.

4. The sounds you hear over humps...don't bother posting it here. Go straight to the mech and have them hoist up your car and take a good look. Its as easy as that and you'll know straightaway. Then, if ts not too straightforward (eg chamngin a bushing here or a tie rod there is straightforward, changing several tie rods is not straightforward ) there are various strategies around getting it fixed, let us know and we'll help you with the options from the cheapest to the priciest (there are different suspension system kits available with different properties).

 

[awyeah]

ok, latest update.

couldn't take it anymore and simply dropped off my car at the workshop last Sat and was almost 1.5k poorer..

repairs are as follows:
1. front control arm ball-joint (out)
2. front control arm ball-joint (in)
3. anti rollbar linkage
4. front brake hose
5. fan belt tensioner bearing
6. alternator roller bearing
7. vent valve
8. renew front brake hose & bleeding brake fluid.

the mechanic did try to explain but it mostly sounded french to me.
anyways, including service and what not, a grand total of 1,467.00

but wait there's more, i still have to front brake pad and steering coupling which the mechanic said i had to change. it's gonna set me back another few hundreds.

well, the car seems a lot more stable now, doesn't feel as though the wheels can disengage anymore.
hope it's money well-spent, but you be the judge.

Yes, mostly the bushings and ball joints are one of the common problem for noises throughout. For the squeaks mostly its the seats. Good deal, for that price.

I just had my car shampooed from carpet to roof (inside everywhere) and had the mechanic fix all the noises from the door panels, seats, trunk, its cost me around RM500. The car is really better now.

 

[pharoah]

500 to fix noises and a shampoo?? that sounds steep bro?
i might need to fix my squeaky seats too... how much would that cost normally (from your shop)

Yes, mostly the bushings and ball joints are one of the common problem for noises throughout. For the squeaks mostly its the seats. Good deal, for that price.

I just had my car shampooed from carpet to roof (inside everywhere) and had the mechanic fix all the noises from the door panels, seats, trunk, its cost me around RM500. The car is really better now.

 

[Eggie86]

Hey guys, interesting to read thru your replies on the thread.

Seems as though my family's E36 318i also experiencing almost similar symptoms. Aircon feels hot especially during the day, and engine temperature needle tends to rise when stuck in congestion + humid weather. Checked water levels but seemed fine.

Then, using SMART, whenever go over those uneven surfaces, can feel and hear loud thuds emanating from the floor, especially the rear 3/4s of the car. Could it be caused by the bushes like you guys mentioned earlier?

And there's another thing when I drove it ystdy, the car seems to tramline a lot especially when braking. Alignment faulty? Car's on stock standard rims.

 

[awyeah]

500 to fix noises and a shampoo?? that sounds steep bro?
i might need to fix my squeaky seats too... how much would that cost normally (from your shop)

Bro, I had to replace some interior parts causing the noise, plus some outside window rubbers, I purchased them from bavarian auto. The rest the mechanic fixed, along with shampooing and cleaning.

Seats noises normally are coming because the front seat belt sockets are touching the center console of the front seats. I have some in my car also but its not really that often, unless the wheel goes into a hard bump or so. I am not sure what can be done, however try to take them out and keep them in the sun for a day might help you, OR the other solution would be to replace the foam/cushion in the seat which will be a bit costly.

 

[awyeah]

I have had similar problems in my car. So here are some remedies,

Hey guys, interesting to read thru your replies on the thread.

Seems as though my family's E36 318i also experiencing almost similar symptoms. Aircon feels hot especially during the day, and engine temperature needle tends to rise when stuck in congestion + humid weather. Checked water levels but seemed fine.

>> Bro check if your aircon fan is running properly. I had a similar problem, and my fan was not working.

Then, using SMART, whenever go over those uneven surfaces, can feel and hear loud thuds emanating from the floor, especially the rear 3/4s of the car. Could it be caused by the bushes like you guys mentioned earlier?

>> Yes most of the bushes, ball-joints, mountings might be loose throughout the car, which are the main reason for the noises.

And there's another thing when I drove it ystdy, the car seems to tramline a lot especially when braking. Alignment faulty? Car's on stock standard rims.

>> I used to have a similar problem, check the front brake discs.