How did it all happen...once upon a time

It's all started October 2000, when i was looking for a car that could give comfort, some power and cheap to buy and cheap to maintain. Continental car seems to be the target. Looked at old Volvo 240, mercedes 123 etc. But they're still expensive for the age. By the way, I am rahman, from Cheras, Selangor, Malaysia. At the moment, my objective is to own cheaper car to purchase as well as to maintain, with minimal money to spend. Initially, i carry full set of toolbox in trunk preparing for the worst and local automobile club member for cheaper towing option. Today, i hardly carrying tools and have not paying yearly fee. After looking at 1988 e30 with M20 motronic engine, i was immediately falled in love, with the crab like inlet manifold. It was nicely taken care of chromed, but selling price was rather expensive (RM26K), i opted for cheaper e21 (RM7.5K). Had trouble with my e21 for first 2 months. Being Solex 4A1 version, regular mechanic will try to stay away while bimmer specialist workshop would want to do engine rebuild.

What happened, the timing was in the wrong direction (ie inlet opens when sparkplug ignites). So i got misfiring, no power at all. i actually changed the carb, but proved it's not the caused. My mechanics could not figure out why. One day, i saw my mechanic change distributor on one of his cars, and i learn from him how to. At this moment, i have not done any DIY things as yet. Once backed home, I setup my mind and pulled out the distributor, rotate to some angle and re-insert, cranked and engine fire like crazy. It didnot stop there, 2 months of trouble shooting also give me some knowledge to tune the Solex 4a1 carburetor. So i have basic tuning skills which typical mechanics won't do simply the car is old, they prefer newer car.