Help!! I need a 1979 320i Primer from the Guru (archive)

I just got this lovely 320i for a steal, and am totally in love with it---but am a little dim on the black art details other owners have probably worked out a long time ago. I had a 78 320i many years ago, and it had the same kind of problems, which makes me think there are known fixes for some recognized design flaws. Both cars had 114K on the clock when I got them (so there's still a lot of miles to click off) but neither would rev down quickly. Is there some air leak problem I can't seen to locate? Engine braking is nonexistant, as it takes too long for the idle to fall, and I've done the whole tune up procedure. Is this an air pump, or O2 sensor problem? I'm just about at the end of my wits on this. It acts like an air leak somewhere, but with my stethescope and steady ear, I can't seem to find---nor could I on my either, which did the exact same thing. Both cars had a ripped out seat rail on the driver's side--is there an easy fix kit for this, or do I once again have to cobble a solution from sheet metal and angle iron, like I did on the '78?

The front McPherson cartriges are pretty shot... what's the good aftermarket solution if you love to corner, don't have a lot of $$ to throw around, and still want to road trip without having to wear a kidney belt? Which ones are the tried and tested solution for most Jeckle and Hyde enthusiasts who never hit a track formal? In this same vein, the tires aren't that great, and I'd love to find some no-squeal bonza handling, but reasonably high mileage replacements. The car has 13" rims on it which are definitely nothing to write home about... should I look for some low profile tires on 14" rims instead (preferably used as a package, is you know of some). The four speed seems low geared enough already, but maybe it doesn't make much difference. In my dreams, Maybe costco has something.

On the power front, are there some quick cheap and not too dirty [read as reliable] ways to get a little more gusto under the hood? The car handles so well, I'd love to boost the HP a bit to match the G-force good rubber lets you entertain.

Last and probably least, when the engine revvs, it sounds like a pile of sheet metal clattering, and it's hard to isolate where that cacophony's coming from. It there a known culprit for this racket?

Thanks in advance for any help you can send my way.

Brock Hanson
415-378-1003
(I'll call you right back)

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Follow Ups:

Re: Help!! I need a 1979 320i Primer from the Gur DHoang 09:16 9/09/2001 (2)
- Re: I agree, BOGE Turbo TS for Daily Driver Robert 10:28 9/09/2001 (1)
  - Me too Daniel 17:29 9/09/2001 (0)
Answers to a few of your questions... alan 05:28 9/09/2001 (0)

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