Trunk Rack and Maintenance questions

[Bubba]

I have a 95 325i conv and I had two questions about it. Recently I saw a miata with a bolt on trunk rack, clipped around the metal with rubber padding. I was wondering if anyone had seen something like this for the 3 series? I love my car, but I sometimes have to leave it home on longer trips. A trunk rack, removable would help.

On a completely separate matter, I just passed 100K and was looking at my service manual. I noticed there is nothing about a timing belt or anything of the sort. I don't know but does the e36 have a timing belt, does it need to be changed?

Thank you much, I really like this forum.

 

[mjbst111]

It has a timing chain that is supposed to last the life of the engine.

 

[Big Daddy]

And as far as a trunk rack is concerned there are no trunk racks that are removable that are not going to scratch your paint. I would avoid them.

 

[Bubba]

Thank you both.

Why do most other cars seem to need to replace the timing chain?

 

[mjbst111]

I think they replace them to replace the timing chain tensioner ans replace the chain while in there. The tensioner is usually the problem. I don't really know the answer...

 

[Big Daddy]

Timing chains streatch with time and begin making noise, when this happens replace it along with the tensioner and guides. My e30 91 318is needed a new chain at about 165k.

 

[Joe_31]

How can you tell you need a new chain? Just buy the sound? I have over 205000Kms on my 97 328i... Is there anything else to look or listen for?

Thanks guys.

 

[Big Daddy]

Yes you should hear it rattle, a noise that stays constant with engine speed coming from the front of the engine, may be worse when cold.

 

[Joe_31]

I'll have a listen after work but I think I'm good. What is the average life of the chain? I have kept the car on a regular schedule at the shop and have not been to hard on the engine.... )

I do hear a but of a chirp sound from the engine just as I'm engaging the clutch to get into first gear but it doesn't make the sound after that. ?

 

[Big Daddy]

That sound is most likely related to your throw out bearing and if that is all it is doing I would not worry about it for now.

 

[mjbst111]

you clutch/throwout bearing makes noise too eh? Mine is so dang squeaky/noisy i can't take it anymore. It makes my car sound dumb. Every time i engage the clutch. I wish they made an access panel to the throwout bearing so i could put grease all over it. (obviously within reason)

 

[Joe_31]

I think it also makes the noise a little when it's idling to.

So what happens when the "throw out bearing" goes bad? I haven't had time yet to see what this actually is...

 

[mjbst111]

if your throw out bearing goes bad, pushing the clutch petal doesn't do anything.

so you can't get it in gear. (unless you turn off the car, then start the car in first gear. You kind of look strange starting your car in gear though)