BMW Bangernomics fail… Next Step???
Discussion
Ok so as some of you know I have a 172k mile 1995 328i Touring, that’s recently developed a overheating problem.
Following lots of buggering about bleeding the system by both me & my local garage, changing the waterpump & checking the thermostat is OK its still not solved so, we think it needs a new Head Gasket Dohhh!!!
The car is by no means mint, with pretty ruff paint, a couple a damaged panels and whilst OK spec, it is a velour seat model, However it does has almost no rust which is obviously rare on a e36 like this.
So my dilemma, should I?
1). Bite the bullet and spend more than the car is worth on getting a new head gasket fitted, and get it running again?
2). Get a lower mileage 2nd hand engine and try to fit it myself, for probably similar money?
3). Take the hit, sell for spares & move on?
4). Full M3 running gear conversion, Like I’ve always wanted despite having no money or time to complete such a project at the moment?
Following lots of buggering about bleeding the system by both me & my local garage, changing the waterpump & checking the thermostat is OK its still not solved so, we think it needs a new Head Gasket Dohhh!!!
The car is by no means mint, with pretty ruff paint, a couple a damaged panels and whilst OK spec, it is a velour seat model, However it does has almost no rust which is obviously rare on a e36 like this.
So my dilemma, should I?
1). Bite the bullet and spend more than the car is worth on getting a new head gasket fitted, and get it running again?
2). Get a lower mileage 2nd hand engine and try to fit it myself, for probably similar money?
3). Take the hit, sell for spares & move on?
4). Full M3 running gear conversion, Like I’ve always wanted despite having no money or time to complete such a project at the moment?
I wouldn't advise getting the HG fixed. There is a problem with the head whereby when doing it back up again the screws can very easily strip.
When the engine goes on these it is usually cheaper to put a new engine in. If you've always wanted to pop a M3 engine in there it would be a cool car. I saw a journal on one somewhere which had the S50B30 engine in along with full running gear/suspension etc. and had been resprayed and lowered slightly onto Contour wheels.
It looked the tits!
When the engine goes on these it is usually cheaper to put a new engine in. If you've always wanted to pop a M3 engine in there it would be a cool car. I saw a journal on one somewhere which had the S50B30 engine in along with full running gear/suspension etc. and had been resprayed and lowered slightly onto Contour wheels.
It looked the tits!
When I bought it about 3 months ago, I was in a tight spot. Well I still am but hopefully the end of the tunnel is in sight now.
Anyway I went for the straightest one with the least rust so that one day I could go down the conversion route when funds allowed. I once met a M3 powered car which was
but I do like the cruise character of the m52 so I was thinking more along the lines of a v8 from a 540/545 but that's obviously a lot more complicated.
Anyway I went for the straightest one with the least rust so that one day I could go down the conversion route when funds allowed. I once met a M3 powered car which was
but I do like the cruise character of the m52 so I was thinking more along the lines of a v8 from a 540/545 but that's obviously a lot more complicated.
Don't waste your time doing a head gasket on an M52. To many potential problems that could make it a complete waste of time/effort/money.
Think carefully before sticking an m3 engine/running gear in. This will cost a fortune and will the rest of the car be up to it?
For me you gave two choices, replacement engine which is a risk with these cars anyway due to nikasil issues or simply break it and start again.
Think carefully before sticking an m3 engine/running gear in. This will cost a fortune and will the rest of the car be up to it?
For me you gave two choices, replacement engine which is a risk with these cars anyway due to nikasil issues or simply break it and start again.
I thought Nikasil issues only ran from 98 to 01? Maybe I'm wrong.
I'd look at a straight swap fella. ebay, breakers yards. just buy another 328 engine and swap it in. Make sure it's got the ews system with it though (and keys) as it's a git, I'm given to understand, if that's not part of the engine. (you need all the wiring and key barrel as well as the ecu).
Someone more e36 orientated PHer will be along shortly to correct me no doubt but that's my understanding of it. If money is tight - just buy another engine chap and take it from there.
I'd look at a straight swap fella. ebay, breakers yards. just buy another 328 engine and swap it in. Make sure it's got the ews system with it though (and keys) as it's a git, I'm given to understand, if that's not part of the engine. (you need all the wiring and key barrel as well as the ecu).
Someone more e36 orientated PHer will be along shortly to correct me no doubt but that's my understanding of it. If money is tight - just buy another engine chap and take it from there.
Edited by Oi_Oi_Savaloy on Wednesday 2nd June 22:33
I don't know about the BMWs but on Jags the Nikasil problem was caused by a reaction with the sulphur found in cheaper fuels. Sulphur in petrol was banned several years ago and the problem appears to have been greatly reduced if not eliminated.
Surely a head gasket isn't that hard to change on a BMW? It's an inline 6 and access doesn't look that bad. A gasket will cost you 50 quid tops and I'm sure you can borrow a torque wrench. Certainly far easier than changing the whole engine and worth a go. It will probably take you an afternoon and if you're talking about replacing the engine you've almost nothing to lose in having a go yourself.
Don't forget to check for warping though.
Surely a head gasket isn't that hard to change on a BMW? It's an inline 6 and access doesn't look that bad. A gasket will cost you 50 quid tops and I'm sure you can borrow a torque wrench. Certainly far easier than changing the whole engine and worth a go. It will probably take you an afternoon and if you're talking about replacing the engine you've almost nothing to lose in having a go yourself.
Don't forget to check for warping though.
CDP said:
Surely a head gasket isn't that hard to change on a BMW? It's an inline 6 and access doesn't look that bad.
There are several issues. If the negine has overheated at any point then it's normally knackered and you will never get a satisfactory seal with a new gasket. The threads in the block for the head bolts have a tendancy to strip. If the block has been replaced with one that has steel liners the liners can rise up and are no longer flush with the alloy block. A lot of speciallist do not recomend doing a head gasket on an M52 and the later M54 also has issues.
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