There's not really a big difference between working with a lift and with jack stands. IMO some things are even easier on the stands or ramps. You can also place the stands pretty much whenever you want and aren't limited by the reach of the arms of a lift, which can be useful e.g. while working on a rusty car that can't be lifted by the pinch seams. I've used a lift but for DIY jack stands and/or ramps are just fine IMO.
Amen! I know many people do this project on jack stands, but I did it on my E30 Touring last year and would not even attempt it without a lift. Totally disagree with the other reply.
I worked for BMW GB 🇬🇧 for 17years. I've owned an m tech 1 325i sport since 1997. It now has an M30 B35 in it. Trust me, those nuts can be reached by hand over the starter
I've done this job as well, and to save me trouble in the future I had the nut welded to the starter's side, so I only turn the bolt from the gearbox side. Also you should always secure the weight of the gearbox so it won't put strain on the main shaft while you pull back the box from the engine, as it might bend it and then you need to replace it.
That clutch certainly doesn't have 200k miles on it. This is why you should always record maintenance so the next owner knows how old wear items and consumables are.
Just pulled my Getrag 260 out. To get that one nut on top of the bell housing off, instead of doing that weird through-the-engine-bay mega extension, I stood over the engine from the driver’s side near the firewall and shone a light down to the right of the intake manifold. Nut is quite visible from a specific angle. Weasled a 16mm wrench down to it and just rested it on the nut, turns out the area cradles it pretty well (it helps to break the bolt loose first so you can turn the nut into a good position). Then I loosened the bolt the rest of the way.
I did this today with my friend and his dad on their e30 parts car. We managed to pull all the bolts off under the car like this with just a Universal Joint and extensions. Someone was in there previously and kept the top 2 bolts out of the transmission so we didn't have to deal with those. But we were able to have someone up top to guide the socket onto the head of the bolts while someone was below breaking them loose. It was a annoying job for sure but just doing it once in the car with them makes me feel like i could pull a tranny in one in about 3 hours now instead of 8 with 3 people.
enjoyed this video. with regard to information like the part number and specs of the 30mm socket you used - those things should probably go in the description, rather than being given verbally in the video ("i'll put that information in the description")
Nice to see your work coming out well. My endeavors into working on my M3 are mixed. Those times when the threads don't hold up or something the previous owner did or didn't do properly etc make it a scary thing some times. Great little car you've got there! As another commenter said grease is our friend.
Best way to get the top starter bolt is remove the intake afr/boot then, a foot of extensions. Then take a wrench and shove it on the nut so it doesn't move while remove it. The worst of the two is getting the nut started on the bolt when you put it back in. Replace the starter if your taking the tranny out. Its one of the more hated jobs to do on an e30, to change a starter. Also replace the flywheel with a rhd lightweight flywheel. Its worth the minimal $250 for it.
Are you gonna steam clean that grease off? Watching this makes me miss the 89 325is that my brother and I had. It was rusting and we didn't have the money to maintain it, but it was such an amazing car....
RightHandedSnail nothing if you just tell it run into your garden or into the ground also not a big deal because it’s a small amount of water I do this to every vehicle on own especially a new vehicle I’ve brought from a clueless person that did no maintenance all my vehicle are oil free no fucking leaks because I take care of my daily cars and weekend / when I feel like driving it performance car I’ve got eight cars and seven of them are in very good condition even mechanical,because in Australia rules are insane even more if you have a modified vehicle
Awesome that you are doing this on jack stands and not a lift. Most people do not have a lift.
There's not really a big difference between working with a lift and with jack stands. IMO some things are even easier on the stands or ramps. You can also place the stands pretty much whenever you want and aren't limited by the reach of the arms of a lift, which can be useful e.g. while working on a rusty car that can't be lifted by the pinch seams. I've used a lift but for DIY jack stands and/or ramps are just fine IMO.
Amen! I know many people do this project on jack stands, but I did it on my E30 Touring last year and would not even attempt it without a lift. Totally disagree with the other reply.
All that oil and grease coating everything is just corrosion protection.
I worked for BMW GB 🇬🇧 for 17years. I've owned an m tech 1 325i sport since 1997. It now has an M30 B35 in it. Trust me, those nuts can be reached by hand over the starter
Thank you, I got stuck on my own gear box but now I've solved it thanks to your video! The top bolts nearly beat me.
My god, thank you for this vid, been avoiding doing this for half a year now. I’m inspired
2 years for me
Cool channel i just found these videos, it's cool to see a full series on an E30 rebuild i love these cars.
Awesome video, definitely changing all seals and gaskets down there next time I switch my clutch.
I've done this job as well, and to save me trouble in the future I had the nut welded to the starter's side, so I only turn the bolt from the gearbox side. Also you should always secure the weight of the gearbox so it won't put strain on the main shaft while you pull back the box from the engine, as it might bend it and then you need to replace it.
That clutch certainly doesn't have 200k miles on it. This is why you should always record maintenance so the next owner knows how old wear items and consumables are.
Just pulled my Getrag 260 out. To get that one nut on top of the bell housing off, instead of doing that weird through-the-engine-bay mega extension, I stood over the engine from the driver’s side near the firewall and shone a light down to the right of the intake manifold. Nut is quite visible from a specific angle. Weasled a 16mm wrench down to it and just rested it on the nut, turns out the area cradles it pretty well (it helps to break the bolt loose first so you can turn the nut into a good position). Then I loosened the bolt the rest of the way.
Awesome content..... love the quality you put into your videos!!
Thank you!
Binging all these e30 videos, love it dawg
This background music reminds me of Streets of Rage from SEGA. Great jams.
Grungy but that oily grunge does protect it from the elements.
Great video! I needed that information on how to get to that top bolt on the bell housing!
Awesome video!! I have a e30 so I'm taking notes on everything!!
I did this today with my friend and his dad on their e30 parts car. We managed to pull all the bolts off under the car like this with just a Universal Joint and extensions. Someone was in there previously and kept the top 2 bolts out of the transmission so we didn't have to deal with those. But we were able to have someone up top to guide the socket onto the head of the bolts while someone was below breaking them loose. It was a annoying job for sure but just doing it once in the car with them makes me feel like i could pull a tranny in one in about 3 hours now instead of 8 with 3 people.
the grease is our friend. the music reminds me some gran turismo 5 tuning sessions.
enjoyed this video.
with regard to information like the part number and specs of the 30mm socket you used - those things should probably go in the description, rather than being given verbally in the video ("i'll put that information in the description")
Nice to see your work coming out well. My endeavors into working on my M3 are mixed. Those times when the threads don't hold up or something the previous owner did or didn't do properly etc make it a scary thing some times. Great little car you've got there! As another commenter said grease is our friend.
Nice Video, you rock!
Best way to get the top starter bolt is remove the intake afr/boot then, a foot of extensions. Then take a wrench and shove it on the nut so it doesn't move while remove it. The worst of the two is getting the nut started on the bolt when you put it back in. Replace the starter if your taking the tranny out. Its one of the more hated jobs to do on an e30, to change a starter. Also replace the flywheel with a rhd lightweight flywheel. Its worth the minimal $250 for it.
Finally a good video thanks man
Love the grease. Live in the grease. The grease will heal you. The grease will create you.
You should look up what has to be done to change the clutch in a C5 or C6 Corvette.
This helped so much, Thanks!
Are you gonna steam clean that grease off?
Watching this makes me miss the 89 325is that my brother and I had. It was rusting and we didn't have the money to maintain it, but it was such an amazing car....
lol I have one in good condition if you are interested its the convertible model though
More into the motorcycle content but this is still pretty interesting!
Same here but e30s are clean and on top of that I'm getting one march 11 :) saved enough bones by then.
200k on that clutch? Yeah it's true. He just knew how to shift perfectly every time. No wear just skill. Way to perserve the car man.
Replacing the starter on my e30 was the longest and hardest job ive ever done, and thats cause ive removed the engine and transmission before
You should try replacing the dash!
How long did the transmission removal take?
way do you use stock parts
How’s the Z doing ?
chris fix????
Do u live in kansas?
What year is this e30??
1989
Power wash the under body and engine or clueless another newbie too the car enthusiast scene
But then what will you do with the runoff/effluent?
RightHandedSnail nothing if you just tell it run into your garden or into the ground also not a big deal because it’s a small amount of water I do this to every vehicle on own especially a new vehicle I’ve brought from a clueless person that did no maintenance all my vehicle are oil free no fucking leaks because I take care of my daily cars and weekend / when I feel like driving it performance car I’ve got eight cars and seven of them are in very good condition even mechanical,because in Australia rules are insane even more if you have a modified vehicle