E36 M3 first to second change
Discussion
Hi all - I'm in the market for an E36 M3 Evo coupe at the moment, and just had a couple of quick questions:
1. I have now test-driven 4 E36 M3 Evos, all of which, when accelerating hard and hard-ish in first give quite a lurch when you dip the clutch to change to second. This seems to happen regardless of whether or not you lift smoothly off the throttle before dipping the clutch. None of them did this on any other high-rev shift. Is this a case of "they all do that" or potentially something more?
2. I appreciate this is a vague description, but in terms of the VANOS, if the front of the unit looks slightly oily (just very lightly in patches, not like it's been chucking oil all over the place) but all the bolts seem to be in place and the unit is quiet - perhaps a slight grumble when dropping from 2500-3000 rpm, do you think this should be an "alarm bells" moment? Or, given that the car drove well, pulled hard and the VANOS seemed to be kicking in as expected, is it just something to keep an eye on?
3. The rear diff on 2 of the cars I viewed looked slightly damp around either 1 or both of the driveshafts, but I heard no funny noises from the diff in either case - again, does this sound like a potentially-expensive fix? I lack the time/facilities (not to mention talent
) to work on the car myself, so am likely to be using a good indy (Bexley Motor Works are very nearby) for work and servicing.
4. Are there any good indies in the Guildford area that could do a brief pre-purchase inspection for me? Search on here doesn't seem to come up with anything.
I have also joined and posted 2-4 above on e36coupe.com Been doing my research on here, e36 and elsewhere - lots to take in!
Cheers
Neal
1. I have now test-driven 4 E36 M3 Evos, all of which, when accelerating hard and hard-ish in first give quite a lurch when you dip the clutch to change to second. This seems to happen regardless of whether or not you lift smoothly off the throttle before dipping the clutch. None of them did this on any other high-rev shift. Is this a case of "they all do that" or potentially something more?
2. I appreciate this is a vague description, but in terms of the VANOS, if the front of the unit looks slightly oily (just very lightly in patches, not like it's been chucking oil all over the place) but all the bolts seem to be in place and the unit is quiet - perhaps a slight grumble when dropping from 2500-3000 rpm, do you think this should be an "alarm bells" moment? Or, given that the car drove well, pulled hard and the VANOS seemed to be kicking in as expected, is it just something to keep an eye on?
3. The rear diff on 2 of the cars I viewed looked slightly damp around either 1 or both of the driveshafts, but I heard no funny noises from the diff in either case - again, does this sound like a potentially-expensive fix? I lack the time/facilities (not to mention talent
) to work on the car myself, so am likely to be using a good indy (Bexley Motor Works are very nearby) for work and servicing.4. Are there any good indies in the Guildford area that could do a brief pre-purchase inspection for me? Search on here doesn't seem to come up with anything.
I have also joined and posted 2-4 above on e36coupe.com
Been doing my research on here, e36 and elsewhere - lots to take in! Cheers
Neal
Most performance cars lurch when you come of the power subbonly, I know all my e36s did, and so does the e46, with a heavy sports car as soon as you come of severe power garvity is slowing the car down.
As for the diff if it looks like its been leaking from the joints its ok as long as you can be sure its not run low on oil, but if its going to get worse then thats another matter, so tread carfully)
In all my 10 e36's ive never had a diff proplem, just ensured the gearbox oil, and diff oil was flushed at first service / inspection by my specialist, cant undo damage, but ensures youll not do any more going forward.
With the vanos, when the seals perish thats can cause the oil leaks, get an indy to price you up and new solinoid kit, used to be circa £200.
Cheers
As for the diff if it looks like its been leaking from the joints its ok as long as you can be sure its not run low on oil, but if its going to get worse then thats another matter, so tread carfully)
In all my 10 e36's ive never had a diff proplem, just ensured the gearbox oil, and diff oil was flushed at first service / inspection by my specialist, cant undo damage, but ensures youll not do any more going forward.
With the vanos, when the seals perish thats can cause the oil leaks, get an indy to price you up and new solinoid kit, used to be circa £200.
Cheers
The Vanos issue has loads of potentials and loads of maybe's. they can go after 10k or last 135k. IMO if it's been looked after, ie warmed up before going over 3000rpm, the filters changed and each service, and the bolts replaced (if required by recall) it could be OK. Stick it in 4th @ 2000rpm and floor it if it kicks at 2500rpm it's working. How much are you looking to spend?
Re: the Vanos question.
Mine is leaking oil from there, and has been for a while.
There's some o-rings on the pressure limiting valve that can go, so that's my first port of call. At the same you ought to renew the bolts - cost a couple of quid, and worth doing just in case. I'd be surprised if it is anything more serious than that.
Mine is leaking oil from there, and has been for a while.
There's some o-rings on the pressure limiting valve that can go, so that's my first port of call. At the same you ought to renew the bolts - cost a couple of quid, and worth doing just in case. I'd be surprised if it is anything more serious than that.
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff