E30 running problems

[CooperGreen]

I have a friend who is hopeless at anything motoring.
She has a 325i estate on a J plate.
It is running poorly, and sounding a bit like a VW beetle.
I have said I will look at it tomorrow.
Glancing at it tonight, I have notice the top or the air box is taped with gaffer and seems to be broken. Would this have an effect?
I have said I will change the plugs for her, and look at the ai filter. ( To remove this, do I need to remove the pipes and lift the whole air box out?)
The exhaust system is all fine, no holes.
Any other help please?

[fixedwheelnut]

To do the airfilter undo the 10mm nuts holding it on and lift it up and undo the retaining clips, you don't have to remove it but that would make ti easier if your not sure.
If it sounds like a beetle check the exhaust manifold gaskets the studs often snap and may need drilling out.
if the airflow meter has gaffer tape over the lid someone has been at it to try and bodge a repair and not successfully by the sounds of it, they are simple to swap if you know someone with another BMW same engine size.

[Borderbmw]

As has been said,sound very much like a leaking exhaust manifold gasket,at the outside it could be a cracked manifold but unlikely.

[coopergreen]

Unfortunetly it is a cylinder, and thus the car is scrap. Oh well.
Thanks for the replys guys.
James

[cortinaman]

pitty it isnt in/near essex.....i'd have bought the remains.

[cotty]

just out of interest what is happening with the car.
The the same plate/year as mine

[lord elmo]

( Coopergreen anme change.)
The car will be on Ebay, more than likely.
It has just passed an MOT with new tyres on the back, new plugs and filters etc.
Anyone want to offer on it??? Feel free