Back again, back again

I'm curious why the forum keeps erasing me and my username

Ah well, I'm back and I've got a new bane to my existence that I'd like to share with you; Matilda.
[attachment 102 smaller.JPG]

This will be my third E30 and hopefully the best, though at this juncture, I must say that I'm not too optimistic.
Anderson Cooper 16 is pretty hard to beat, and even in her hayday, Helga was a beauty.

Here's a list of things I've come to find out that is wrong with Matilda;

Leaky steering rack
All metal fluid lines rotten
Both rear CV boots ripped
Front engine crank seal oil leak

and this doesn't even get into the cosmetics, though dent wise, she's clean.

Pain in the ass? Or ridiculous obsession? Both really.
My mechanic quoted me for roughly $1500.

I paid $800 for her.

What do you guys think?
Can I knock off some of these costs?
How hard is it really to replace a steering rack and fluid lines?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/26/2010 07:57PM by bam_loves_his_bmw_325.

You don't need power steering
I've been running 3 years without it, and the only time miss it is when I'm holding coffee and trying to back out of my driveway.

Good luck! Welcome back and keep is posted

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1989 - E30 - M20 - Manual. Approximately 270,000 miles
2000 - E46 - M52TUB28 - Manual. Approximately 110,000 miles

If your mechanic can do all that for $1500 including parts and labour, I would go for it.

Otherwise you can probably do the work yourself and save $1000.

Not entirely sure but I believe the only task that would benefit from a special tool is removing the rear axels and that is just a puller that you can rent.

What other issues do you have to look after?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/27/2010 07:39AM by Archeo-peteriX.

The steering rack is a manageable job. just need time and patience. there are write-ups around, do a search.
if you find use the E36 rack even better.
anyone can get used to driving without it, but that's the human condition. you'd be fine driving an Isetta if that's all you had.
you do want power steering. and make sure you fill it with ATF when you do it. much better than regular fluid.
she looks good. mine looked like that when i got it, but without the bulky spoiler.
have fun.

Quote
bam_loves_his_bmw_325
I'm curious why the forum keeps erasing me and my username

PM sent. (Summary: It's not erased -- you have two usernames with different spellings. )

__________
Dave
'91 325iX