my kids first BMW

[AbsDad]

Good morning and hi to everyone, just found the site by "search". My daughter bought her first car yesterday , it's a 318i of '85 vintage. It has a number of repairs to be done, courstesy of Dad I guess, and I'm hoping I can get some help along the way from fellow owners. We live in Victoria but dont hold it against us :) . The first job I would like to get done for her is a new set of keys as they are extremely worn and about ready to break I fear. After that I noticed an "A" bar on the driver side has a worn joint in it, are they reasonably easy to change , or can the joint be done seperately ? It's the middle joint that bolts to the frame. Thanks for indulging us.
Paul.

[fastbmw]

Welcome paul! That "A" bar sounds like the control arm. You can replace the joint itself but most people recommend replacing the entire control arm itself, it isn't that much more expensive and it will transform the handling of the car. If you do decide to change the control arm, it is also recommended to replace both sides and both control arm bushings. If you're looking for a cheap place for parts, I always use eap4parts.com. They are in the states but the prices are way cheaper than canada. (try to get them to ship US post because UPS will rip you off in brokerage prices). Alex

[AbsDad]

Thanks Alex, I appreciate the advice . I don;t suppose you'd know where I can find the key code located too would you ? Maybe it would be better to replace the complete ignition lock , I'm not sure , but I do know her keys aren't going to last much longer before they snap in two . Thanks again ,

Paul.

[royalflush313]

Hi Paul,
Along with eap4parts.com, also check out BMA (http://www.bmaparts.com/) and talk to Patrick. He is a very good guy to deal with, and I have found that BMA's prices are excellent. Every once in a while, eap4parts would have items for cheaper, and vice versa.

If I'm not mistaken, you can goto the dealership with your VIN# and they can get you a key for you.

[AbsDad]

I have made a note of these places you guys are good enough to pass on, I appreciate all the help, can never get too much help in my book. I'll call our local BMW dealer first thing Monday morning and see if they can help as you suggest. I wouldn't be surprised if it'll need a new ignition lock assy: though, any advice as to how easy or otherwise they are to install ?
TIA ,
Paul.

[royalflush313]

I have made a note of these places you guys are good enough to pass on, I appreciate all the help, can never get too much help in my book. I'll call our local BMW dealer first thing Monday morning and see if they can help as you suggest. I wouldn't be surprised if it'll need a new ignition lock assy: though, any advice as to how easy or otherwise they are to install ?
TIA ,
Paul.

It's just your keys that are looking old and fragile right? I don't see why you would have to replace your whole ignition assembly?

[iceman]

Bimmerparts Northwest in Duncan is a great resource for older BMW's esp e30's and is so close for us victorians.....check them out, open 6 days a week, huge stock of parts!
MB

[AbsDad]

Thanks Iceman, not too far to travel if necessary . I did call Victoria BMW this morning and he assures me that all I'll need is a new key. So..Abby is off to see Peter at the parts dept tomorrow morning with her registration and VIN and all being well she'll have a new key in a week or so. I could do with some insight as to how easy it is to change the centre ball joint on the control arm if anyone can shed some light for me.
Do I need any special tools , ie spring compressor or pullers etc.
TIA,
Paul.

[royalflush313]

Thanks Iceman, not too far to travel if necessary . I did call Victoria BMW this morning and he assures me that all I'll need is a new key. So..Abby is off to see Peter at the parts dept tomorrow morning with her registration and VIN and all being well she'll have a new key in a week or so. I could do with some insight as to how easy it is to change the centre ball joint on the control arm if anyone can shed some light for me.
Do I need any special tools , ie spring compressor or pullers etc.
TIA,
Paul.

Here's a guide on removing the control arms, I think it's the same for the 85 318? http://www.esatclear.ie/~bpurcell/318ism3cabush.html

You might as well as replace the control arms and bushings while you are in there. It's not all that expensive (e.g. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7957528218&category=33583&sspagename=WDVW though you will have to make sure the brand is decent ).

For pricings, you should check BMA and the dealership and see if it's worth it to get it shipped up from the states.

Your daughter is one lucky girl to have a cool dad to fix her e30 up :D

I have the E30 haynes manual and other repair manual stuff on the computer. It's a large file, but if we can find a way to transfer the files, it might be helpful for you.

- Hiro

[AbsDad]

Hiro, that would be great if we could transfer some files to assist me. I'm not sure which method you'd prefer but I use MSN messenger, ICQ (old faithful) and of course e-mail. I really apprciate all of you guys for helping me in this way. Both Abby and I are vewry grateful. Let me know if any of the programs will work for you Hiro.
Paul.

[kowalski]

i got all my suspension parts of ebay for like 200 bucks shipped (controll arms, controll arm bushings, tie rods (full tie rods), front strut mounts, and sway bar links.

[Initial D.oug]

Regular key cutting places should have the BMW keys in stock. Might not be necessary to wait the week for the dealer. It could be cheaper too.

[royalflush313]

Hiro, that would be great if we could transfer some files to assist me. I'm not sure which method you'd prefer but I use MSN messenger, ICQ (old faithful) and of course e-mail. I really apprciate all of you guys for helping me in this way. Both Abby and I are vewry grateful. Let me know if any of the programs will work for you Hiro.
Paul.

I'll send it to you on MSN then, feel free to add me, royalflush313@hotmail.com

- Hiro

[AbsDad]

Being new to the forum and this site, what does it mean that I've been "moved" and where have I gone ?
Paul.