New Owner - 1995 318Ti w/ Drivetrain Issues.

[AnuketTi]

Hello Folks - I just purchased a 1995 318 Ti as a daily driver for what I hoped would be cheaper gas expense / better mileage. I got it a couple of days ago and it seemed fine when I checked it out. It is a 3 owner car with a clean car fax and was actually a CPO car back in 1999.

It was serviced at SFO BMW for most of it's life with the 2nd owner. Today was my first long drive with the car, I took it from San Francisco to San Jose. First issue that came to light was that the car would just not get warm. The temperature gauge stayed under the quarter mark. I am told this might be due to a bad thermostat.

Second issue is the ABS light stays on. I can't find a button that turns it on or off. When I check back with the PO, he claims it is because some sensor or the other was not changed when the brake were done within the last 2 thousand miles. Any ideas about this?

Third issue is a noise while driving. It is a loud whine that goes in tune with the speed off the car. When I press on the clutch or when the car is not under load, there is no noise. At first I thought it might be a rear wheel bearing on the passenger side, but I now doubt that as it should make that noise all the time. Could it be the rear differential? Or is there something else it could be?

Any help would be appreciated.

[BlackBMWs]

Welcome! Maybe we can meet up next time we set up a NorCal meet. Was this the Black Sport for Sale in SF?

For the whine, check fluids in diff and tranny.

Check Thermostat for cool temps

Search forum for ABS issues

[pdxmotorhead]

The ABS sensors connectors are very fragile when they get old. Its really easy to break the connectors when your changing the break pad wear sensors. There is no button to turn it off.

The sensors can be found if you look for 35 to 45 bucks occasionally or you can steal them off any same model E36 at a wrecking yard.

[AnuketTi]

Originally Posted by BlackBMWs

Welcome! Maybe we can meet up next time we set up a NorCal meet. Was this the Black Sport for Sale in SF?

For the whine, check fluids in diff and tranny.

Check Thermostat for cool temps

Search forum for ABS issues

I considered the rear differential or the rear hub bearings - I will take a peek at them tomorrow. I plan on replacing the thermostat as well. Thanks!

I actually broke down in Dixon today on my way to Sacramento - had to buy a new tire...

Originally Posted by pdxmotorhead

The ABS sensors connectors are very fragile when they get old. Its really easy to break the connectors when your changing the break pad wear sensors. There is no button to turn it off.

The sensors can be found if you look for 35 to 45 bucks occasionally or you can steal them off any same model E36 at a wrecking yard.

Thanks! I will take a look at the sensors tomorrow to see if it the wires. I should be able to order replacements.

[BlackBMWs]

Where in Sacramento are you? I am working on mine today if you are in the area.

[AnuketTi]

I am actually not in Sacramento. I was on my way to pick up some parts from someone I know up there. I had the puncture on the way there.