Running Like A DREAM! Tune Up on my $2500 1984 BMW E30 318i!

Welcome back to another day off. This episode we are tearing into my 1984 BMW E30 318i with the M10 Engine. We are finally getting into replacing some parts. We start out with replacing the starter, fuel filter, and air filter. Then we move over to the ignition system, I removed the distributor, replaced the faulty vacuum advance diaphragm, and also show how I diagnosed it with the Autoline Pro Ventus Smoke Machine. I then replaced the distributor cap, and rotor, and teach myself how to set ignition timing. After that we replaced the spark plugs, and plug wires. We also replaced the vacuum hose from the IACV, as well as the elbow, and we did a special E30 trick to bring the idle back down, and it only cost 5 cents! LOL! This thing is driving like a dream, and it is a night and day difference from the beginning of the video.
I hope you all enjoy. Don’t forget to comment and leave me some feedback. I read and reply to every single one!
If youd like to support the channel consider becoming a member!
/ @dayoffdiy
Or if Patreon is more your speed, we have one of those too!
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Tools Used:
Autoline Pro Ventus Smoke Machine: urlgeni.us/amazon/dayoffdiy-v...
Autoline Pro Intake Adapter: urlgeni.us/amazon/dayoffdiy-b...
Heli Coil M10 x 1.5: amzn.to/3P1UOKx
114 PC Tap and Die Set: amzn.to/45eUYVK
Tap Socket Set: amzn.to/3R7Z3H5
Reciprocating Air Saw: amzn.to/44zcP8O
Die Grinder: amzn.to/45QLtfm
Sil-Glyde Lubricant: amzn.to/3L82cmC
30MM socket for the Crank: amzn.to/3L3103K
32MM fan Clutch tool: amzn.to/3PnHtxI
Innova Timing Light: amzn.to/45Sv2PB
3/8” Torque Wrench: amzn.to/3YZWpoF
3/16” Drill Bit for Nickel Trick: amzn.to/3sDA04J
Thanks for watching! Hope you ENJOY!

[@djiqs]

This is like a trip down memory lane back to 1989 when I had a red 84 318i 5 speed with the crank windows and sunroof. Good times. Thanks for a great series!

[@DayOffDIY]

so cool to be able to hit the nostalgia nerve for ya! love the hand crank sunroof, so epic. Thanks for the comment!

[@haroonzangana8489]

Wish I had your work ethic and discipline, my 06’ ford ranger is dying to get fixed up😂

[@DayOffDIY]

It’s a struggle! Still got more parts and work to do, KZbin keeps me motivated to stay at it. The reward at the end of the hard work is usually worth it though!

[@InTuneGarage]

Man props to you, this channel is chill asf, it brings me memories of when i use to watch m539 when he had like 4k-10k subs. Keep it up dude, loving mellow vids!

[@DayOffDIY]

So awesome to hear that, thats my goal! Thanks for the comment. Ill keep em coming!

[@mauriceclemens3286]

Ah,the good old days when cars were relatively simple things. No computer controls!

[@DayOffDIY]

straight up! its been a lot of fun for me workin on this new platform. a breath of fresh air not having to use a specific scan tool to get the job done!

[@eddiejohnson3366]

I hear ya! Remember the non -computer Fuel injection systems?!

[@berwhaletheavenger]

The King of the Hill 'tap and die set' sketch just came to mind! 😂 The injection M10 1.8 is surprisingly difficult to work on - often worse than the M30 6 cyl.

[@DayOffDIY]

LOL! This m10 has been kicking my ass..... new update uploading now!

[@luckgrip252]

Good to hear that some parts get delivered from Latvia, my country 😂 I do in fact feel that nothing really can be found over here but it seems like I'm wrong when supply chain is taken into consideration

[@DayOffDIY]

Very cool to have a viewer from Latvia!!! I could see that, luckily someone on ebay had the diaphragm I needed. Thanks for the comment friend!

[@luckgrip252]

@@DayOffDIY You're welcome! 👍

[@RothBeyondTheGrave]

That's interesting to hear because anytime I'd look for small trim pieces or weirder odds & ends for my c207 chassis Benz, I'd always find some located in Latvia! Always! And it would be parts that I couldn't get anywhere except for the dealer. Little trim pieces & interior bits are freakishly expensive!

[@friguy4444]

In the Immortal words of Ralph Wiggum "That's Unpossible!" At least it s here in Western Canada. To find a BMW E30 of any type or in almost any condition for less than $10,000 well...."That's Unpossible!". Okay maybe not really impossible but the ones that are even in the $6000 or maybe $5000 range they are accident prone historically or and most likely completely Rust Ridden totally. I wish I could find an old E30 even without a drive train or with some dents (No rust buckets as that's something that is almost "Unpossible" to totally rid any car of once it's taken hold unless you are able to replace large sections of it with clean nice sheet metal on a rotisserie etc) anywhere near me by say 1000 Miles or KM or whatever I'd be there in the drop of a cat. Thank you for the great videos and content by the way. You rock!

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks for the support friend! Id sell this one to ya if the process of getting it across the border came easily! I see them pretty often here in CA, might be worth looking down here!

[@SHOoff11]

I love these videos, highlight of my week! It’s cool seeing someone with the same hobbies (cars and finishing). Full support man, keep up the great work!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Colby! Really appreciate the continued support. Just booked a private 6 pack charter for my old man in October! Fishing on a 48’ boat out of San Diego, tuna fishing + yellowtail at the Coronado islands. I’ll try to make a video out of it, I’m pumped!

[@SHOoff11]

@@DayOffDIYwould love to see it! I’m down on the Gulf Coast, give me a holler if you ever want to come down! Got a Boston Whaler I love to fish off of. Thanks for the shout out, I really appreciate it!

[@DayOffDIY]

Always wanted to fish over there! I’ll keep that in mind my friend! I’ll let you guys know when n where I travel so we can meet up and fish/hangout when I travel! :)

[@SHOoff11]

@@DayOffDIYsounds great!

[@ronnysimonsen]

When i see you strugling with the idling and exhaust-test, then i remember one trick. This car have a mechanical Mass Airflow Meter. Its a springloaded valve that opens after how much vacuum engine produce. More the valve opens, more gas will be delivered trough the injectors. Over time the spring in the MAF will get weaker and then the valve will opens to much and the car gets to much gas. Engine run richer. This will be detected on a CO- and HC-test. The trick is to adjust the spring. On top of the MAF there is at black plastic cover. This is glued but can easily be removed with a screwdriver. This will revail the spring adjustment. This adjustment must be done during exhaust-test. The CO should be 0,7-0,8. And there is also an adjustment screw on the MAF. This is for fine-adjustment and used to adjust the idle. Before you do this, the timing must be ok. This adjustment-screw can be covered with a plastic plug. Do not do the coin-trick. this will disturb the idling-adjustment. The idle should be around 900rpm. Not 1100rpm. Trottle-valve should be adjustet so the valve is not in contact with the metal. 0,2mm is enough. If all this is perfect, the idlingvalve will keep the running idle perfect. Missfire do occur on these M10. Mostly from bad sparkplug(weak spark/missed spark). New sparkplugs(gap adjusted) and ignition-cables will fix this or maybe a stronger ignition-coil. And then people can do an exhaust-test with the nose. Smell the excaust. Rich mixture will smell. Push the accelleration pedal and see if the exhaust is become darker/black. That is a sign og vacuum-leakage or wrong adjusted engine. Keep up the good work 🙂

[@DayOffDIY]

What a wealth of knowledge! I took a screenshot of your comment so i can use it in the garage. Thank you for the help and the insight! waiting for a new ignition module, as it was the cause of my clicking noise, then I will go through this procedure. Thanks a ton! and appreciate the support

[@johnbanks8269]

Nice work brother, watching your videos always inspires me to start wrenching myself. my old Bimmer always has a significant idle jump when the AC is turned on, used to be worse when I had a clutch fan instead of the electric

[@DayOffDIY]

interesting... I wonder if you have any vacuum leaks? usually the culprit of a sensitive idle... Thanks for the comment!

[@johnbanks8269]

Never thought of that, i'll get that fogger and check it out. thanks for the tip@@DayOffDIY

[@ivorvanwerven6210]

Nice episode! very informative. Thanks! love how you just try new things and take us with you in the process. Have a good one

[@DayOffDIY]

thank you Ivor! Thats what this channel is all about, trying to step outside of my comfort zone and bringing you guys along for the ride

[@_Denis_Soldatov_]

👍Nice work Bro!This e30 very good project 🫡

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you Denis!

[@Frankysbeemer]

Slowly but surely the car is coming along great! Im happy for you my man keep it up 👍

[@DayOffDIY]

sure is driving way better! thanks Franky, more to come soon!

[@eddiejohnson3366]

Ok FYI. I ran into a similar issue with having no silicone grease working on my E46. I live kinda out in the sticks so I didn’t want to go on a road trip to get any. And then I had an Epiphany! I had a almost empty tube of AstroGlide (Silicone based personal lubricant). I was doing a cooling system refresh. That shit is the bomb! Everything slide together nicely! LMAO

[@DayOffDIY]

lololol AstroGlide! I love it. Will have to go digging in the nightstand next time i run out of silglyde lol

[@bogusienombre355]

Nice work! Solid! Learned more as usual. Enjoying your channel very much.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you as always Bog! Did you end up finding the value for your M54 oil pressure?

[@bogusienombre355]

@@DayOffDIY not yet but I will send you via email my comments / and reference the source for you. It's been a bad car week so I'm cooking pork ribs.

[@DayOffDIY]

sounds good! sorry to hear about the car troubles, shoot me an email when youre ready!@@bogusienombre355

[@bogusienombre355]

@@DayOffDIY will do. thank you. It was just really the worst timing ever.

[@Mateo.Sutalo]

Great video, made my evening!

[@DayOffDIY]

Mateo! Always great to see you in the comments, glad I could contribute to a good Friday night. hope you have a great weekend!

[@elsimoe7816]

Well well well, what a surprise! Another banger of a video ❤️

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad you enjoyed! thanks for the support!!!

[@shathiso]

Really enjoy this E30 series.

[@DayOffDIY]

Glad to hear that! Its been a lot of fun stepping outside of my comfort zone, im glad youre enjoying it! more to come soon

[@robsweekendgarage]

Awesome work - that e30 is getting better and better. Seems to run like a dream. The ole m10 may be underpowered but it’ll make someone a nice cruiser. Not every car needs to be able to do 100’ long burnouts. Might want to check the date on the engine fan. IIRC the red fans were original. Be a shame for it to come apart on ya. I was able to rotate the engine on mine with the fan in place using a 30mm axle socket - little deeper than a standard socket. But downside was had to do it from the driver fender making it nearly impossible to see where the rotor was. Removing the fan definitely is clutch. I’ve found info on these is a mixed bag. Most forum posts are all m20 based. The lil m10 is just different enough from its bigger brother and its 2002 cousin that you really have to sift thru and make some sense of things. Keep up the awesome content Alec!

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey Rob! Same goes for you and your E30. So funny were both workin through em at the same time. Its running so much better compared to when i first picked it up. The M10 is growing on me! It feels pretty reliable and bullet proof, I also dont mind the lack of power for reliability. Im still daily driving my 6 speed E46, which is a blast with tons of power, but the M10 is a great around town cruiser. I agree, itll make a great driver for someone. Good call on the fan, I need to take a look at it, but I LOVE the red color! maybe i can find a red replacement. Yeah i was able to sneak the socket in behind the fan, but it was getting in my way of finding the timing mark so i just took it off, its very easy to remove without a shroud in the way. SERIOUSLY! Forum posts are few and far between, the timing information i found online wasnt matching with my engine very well, so I had to kind of piece it together like youre talking about... ISTA has a little bit of info, and some viewers sent me over some manuals. Let me know if you need more info, I can try to forward some of the documents over to you. Likewise my friend! Lets keep the content coming for both channels!

[@RubenAguire-sb4mz]

Bro I just start watching your videos about a week ago and I liked, cuss everything you do it's very clear how you explained, keep up the good work .👍

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you Ruben! I appreciate that!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

I really enjoyed this video, it was long so it took me a little while to get through it.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks for making it all the way through mitchell! appreciate the comments and support

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIY I thank you for the feedback as well my Redwood Empire friend!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

These videos are awesome 👏!

[@DayOffDIY]

thanks mitchell

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIYYou bet, Alec!

[@lukemallory7832]

Super video! Really like the methodical approach and how you show your mistakes or thoughts. So many hide this 'yeah I changed my engine in 15 minutes!' etc - bravado rubbish! You are the real deal! Also I feel like a Volvo 740 might be right up your street!

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Luke! I try to keep it real with you guys, there’s not much to learn in a 15 minute time lapse, the title might be catchy but it’s entertainment not education. Might as well show the learning points from my end too. Appreciate the comment!

[@paterjarek]

Great video! Greetings from Poland.

[@DayOffDIY]

Poland! Love hearing we have viewers from across the world. Thank you Pater!

[@lieutenantdan8170]

Another great video keep it up

[@DayOffDIY]

Thanks Lt! Have a great weekend partner

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Of course you’ve got it running like a dream!

[@DayOffDIY]

first half of the video I wasnt too sure lol, but finally got the timing figured out

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIYLike you said, you can’t do the timing lite until it’s running!

[@serhanarslanturk6426]

Love your Vid's Bud! Thanks for showing us ur progress on this beauty. Full Support from me too. Cant wait to see some more Videos on whatever it is ;)

[@DayOffDIY]

thank you Serhan! Really appreciate the comment and you jumping into my membership program! Making the transition to youtube full time has not been easy, so you members make a huge impact for me, and I really appreciate the support!

[@amchoboss]

Nice work , nice car bro 👏👏👏👏

[@DayOffDIY]

Thank you!!!

[@tehedx]

Nice progress on the E30 man! And we got to see some chicks as well. It looks like there is pretty much space under that hood - must be a relief to have easier to access things than on the E46.

[@DayOffDIY]

the chickens sure are getting big quick! oh ya theres so much damn room compared to the bmw V8s i used to work on. Its a breath of fresh air absolutely. I would hate to go from working on this engine to the N63 or something lol

[@donporter8432]

I just made a deposit ok this old 1984 318i beauty. Going on 40 yrs old but looks damn much like new! I am a Jag guy from way back and this is my first BMW. The seller couldn't speak English so I know zero about this vehicle. But at 76 and retired 20 yrs to Thailand, i needed something to putter with! Think I may start a vid on this. Hmm. How do I post my photo?

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey don! You should be able to record directly from the KZbin app! Awesome to hear you need a classic project to cruise around town with. How’s Thailand treating you? I’ve always wanted to visit

[@samuelsimpson2277]

Love the car and just watching your videos gives tons of advice, I have this exact car in my garage, currently having rough idle issues, can't find a new idle control valve anywhere, where do you find all your parts at? Would really be great to know

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey Samuel! Finding parts for this car has been a challenge. eBay has been super helpful for sourcing used parts

[@samuelsimpson2277]

The TDC marks in the timing hole, what exactly do yours look like, I also had to replace my distributor had a leaky diaphragm, thanks to your leak test video I also found mine 36:00

[@michaelwalton3631]

Distributor would only turn 180deg for every 360deg of crank right? Like the camshafts. So needs to be the correct tdc of 2 options i think.

[@DayOffDIY]

Thats correct! the distributor will rotate with the camshaft, but the cam is 2:1 to the crankshaft

[@DayOffDIY]

should have clarified in video :/

[@abhisheksingh-ns4dl]

Needs a radiator shroud

[@DayOffDIY]

it doesnt look right without one, however these 1984 and 1985 318s werent packaged with a fan shroud, i believe you can update them with a newer radiator design

[@assortedfruits0425]

Hey man! Im working on a 84 bmw 318i of my own but i was really wondering where you got the intake hose, i found a fcp euro the L intake hose that connects to the icv but not the other hose to the icv. I was wondering where you found yours or if there is a part number that you know of. Thanks!

[@DayOffDIY]

Hey! I got it off of eBay, let me try to find the link for you

[@DayOffDIY]

www.ebay.com/itm/115393033340?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=bVpfjkzVRs-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=PD9U-hzlTZK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@petergondolier4088]

Perhaps it would have been easier to swap out the housing?

[@DayOffDIY]

for the distributor?

[@Mommyhas2smokefirst]

Alec 🙋🏻‍♀️ When’s the next video coming out?

[@DayOffDIY]

Hi Brandi! Just got home from a Oregon vacation with my girlfriend, will be working on more content today! Sometime in the next few days

[@Mommyhas2smokefirst]

@@DayOffDIY okay🆒🆒🆒😆 just making sure. U know how I worry.

[@ivicahek4326]

Where did you buy that smoke kit?

[@DayOffDIY]

Heres a link for you! urlgeni.us/amazon/dayoffdiy-ventus-youtube

[@jeffmac3071]

Check out a seat belt and harness for your furry passenger.

[@DayOffDIY]

thats a great idea, i need to

[@frankiewild9931]

Where is the tcc solenoid? I got error code p0741 on my 2003 530i, but i also have records of the car being the solenoid replaced in 2020, but there’s also a lot of electrical problems on it, I don’t feel like it’s slipping, but it’s telling me the code is causing slipping, I would wish to just change the solenoid but I can’t find it anywhere, not even on the internet, it’s like bmw has kept it a secret all these years, do you think I need to change the tcc?

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

25:25 Alec, are you standing on your battery?

[@DayOffDIY]

hahah yes i am totally standing on my battery and valve cover lol

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIY Your car up on four jack stands was pretty funny, but to see you standing on top of it would’ve been a hoot!

[@DayOffDIY]

i spent a lot of time standing up in that engine bay over the last few days lol. its the only good way to get a view down into the timing hole@@mitchellbarnow1709

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIY If only your girlfriend had taken some videos of you, I’d be laughing my head off!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

They’ve heard about the Metric System up there?

[@DayOffDIY]

for the most part no... lol, but after so many years at the BMW shop, thats all I go by now when it comes to automotive

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIYAlec, you are too funny!

[@johnkendrick7304]

The reason why I was having problems is probably because the other guy did it wrong with the Haley coil and you did the very same thing

[@DayOffDIY]

Yup, well I definitely wasn’t pulling the intake off for this one, maybe in the future

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

If it is running like a dream, then don't ruin it with tuning! Let it be as original as possible. 318i E30 is fast enough even in stock form (0-100 under 10 s).

[@DayOffDIY]

dont worry, i didnt tune it with anything aftermarket, by tuning im referring to a tune up. timing the ignition, replacing components, and dialing in the idle. Im keeping this car as stock as possible.

[@Messergebnis-liebhaber]

@@DayOffDIY Bravo! Glad to hear that someone like you is keeping a golden treasure like E30 as stock as possible. Does it really need ignition timing and idle adjustment? Isn't it an electronically controlled fuel injection system? Doesn't the ECU take care of all parameters? I thought it is a self-adjusting system (as opposed to carburetor engines).

[@elmer658]

first

[@DayOffDIY]

appreciate you elmer!!!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@DayOffDIYJust like Elmer’s glue!

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

It’s hard to sneak your nuts 🔩 without threads!