Messages

1

Engine + Driveline / Re: E30 m42 vs. E36 m42

« on: September 27, 2015, 10:17:40 PM »

Dave, the website with the "workshop manuals" is very strange. I see no manuals, just random  tech notices, no diagrams, no photos, no texed, really. Not sure where they hide the actual manuals. Did you try to find info from the lengthy list on the left side of the page?

http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/3_series_e30/318i_m42_sal/1_service_information/0__maintenance_and_general_data/1_si__modified_change_intervals_e9x-m3-us/

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Engine + Driveline / Re: E30 m42 vs. E36 m42

« on: September 27, 2015, 05:45:04 PM »

Thanks. When you refer to later e36 m42, you mean the m44, right?  Are sensor s all in the same place on.both m42s?

I want to put an e30 m42 head on an e36 1995 m42 for a 1991 318i.  Just looking for possible glitches and trouble spots. Could I call you?

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Engine + Driveline / E30 m42 vs. E36 m42

« on: September 26, 2015, 12:16:09 AM »

Just picked up a rebuildable 1995 m42 for my 318I. What are the differences besides the intake plenum? Are the heads interchangeable?

Also, the e36 Bentley manual has nothing on the bottom end.  Is a there a factory repair manual with more info?

And, what's the best sequence to remove m42 from e30? Engine and trans as a unit? Trans first, then engine? Or?

4

WTB/WTT / WTB - M42 "short block"

« on: December 24, 2014, 10:10:42 PM »

Hello, I would like to track down a rebuildable M42 block/pistons/crank assembly.  I have a newly rebuild cylinder head atop my 164K motor running in the car now. I was hoping to rebuild the block assembly, then put all the other parts on to block. That way, I can keep driving the car while I rebuild the block.

I am in Portland/Hood River, Oregon  If you have anything, drop me a note.

Thanks so much. Gary

5

Engine + Driveline / Re: Engine removal DIY?

« on: December 18, 2014, 07:20:38 PM »

Thanks so much. All makes sense, except for removal of the ECU, which is atop the glovebox inside the car???

Also, in reading your list, looks like you don't have to "drain" the a/c systems but can keep the system intact.

Gary

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Engine + Driveline / Engine removal DIY?

« on: December 17, 2014, 06:13:46 PM »

Hello...

Looks like I might be yanking my M42 for rebuild. Is there a DIY for removal, just labor/time saving tips? For instance, do you remove the engine/trans as a unit, or just the engine? Can you remove the a/c system components - without losing the refrigerant?

Any other tips and ideas would be helpful. I've restored cars, build hot rods, etc. Just looking for e30 specific tips.

Thanks.

7

Engine + Driveline / Re: Mysterious Oil Consumption ???

« on: December 09, 2014, 06:54:57 PM »

Not sure how reliable the Metric Mechanic website it, but:

http://www.metricmechanic.com/product-info/engine-information/engine-wear/

According to them, just rebuilding the head increases oil consumption. Seems counter intuitive.

I would be open to rebuilding an M42 block and use the new head. Can you use an M42 head on an M44 block? Which are more available?

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Engine + Driveline / Re: Mysterious Oil Consumption ???

« on: December 09, 2014, 06:02:19 PM »

Thanks for the tips guys.  Where would I look for oil if that O-ring is leaking? I see no oil underneath the car and a quick glance from above shows no oil or wetness on the side of the block adjacent to the oil filter housing. I will jack it up and look more closely...

Gary

9

Engine + Driveline / Mysterious Oil Consumption ???

« on: December 06, 2014, 11:44:14 PM »

I have a 1991 318i with 150,000 miles on it. Recently, the profile gasket failed (for second time, I assume). The engine got slightly hot, but not enough to damage anything. No blown head gasket, no warped head.

The shop that did the repair - a very reputable shop with years of experience with this car and engine -- suggested I have the head rebuilt while it was off. Good idea. So the head was totally rebuilt, new valves, guides, etc. The "new" engine runs like a champ, smooth, quiet, plenty of power.

However...

Before the the repair the engine used essentially NO oil, like one quart every 3-4,000 miles. I have always run Mobil 1 10-40. Since the new head was installed, oil consumption is insane, like one quart every 500-600 miles.

WTF?

There is no smoke out the tailpipe and no leaks. I have no idea what is going on. The shop has no idea either. You'd think with the new head and valve guides it would be using even less oil.  If it was burning that much oil, wouldn't it shoot out a blue smoke plume worthy of Jame's Bond's smoke screen gadget?

I wondered if the overheating, slight as it was, somehow compromised the oil control rings -- but, if so, where is the smoke?

I'm considering changing to regular oil (non synthentic) and see what happens.

Any ideas?

This is a really sweet car, perfect paint and a host of upgraded components.

Thanks for any and all suggestions.

Gary

10

WTB/WTT / Re: Need Right Side rain gutter molding!

« on: August 26, 2014, 01:15:55 PM »

Thanks for the tip. Portland BMW says they can get the OEM part from BMW in Germany, a mere $170. I only need the first 30 inches.

11

WTB/WTT / Need Right Side rain gutter molding!

« on: August 18, 2014, 06:20:33 PM »

I need the right-side rain gutter moulding, p/n  51131884452 for a 1991 318i.  Any chance anyone has one?  The carwash pulled it off from the bottom of the windshield to the middle of the front door. The car is aesthetically perfect, so really need to repair it.  HELP!

Gary  gtmedley@gmail.com  Hood River, Oregon, east of Portland.
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12

Exterior / Carwash victim: Need right-side rain gutter molding

« on: August 18, 2014, 01:32:45 PM »

I need the right-side rain gutter moulding, p/n  51131884452 for a 1991 318i.  Any chance anyone has one?  The carwash pulled it off from the bottom of the windshield to the middle of the front door. The car is aesthetically perfect, so really need to repair it.  HELP!

Gary  gtmedley@gmail.com  Hood River, Oregon, east of Portland.

13

Interior / Heater not blowing hot air???

« on: January 22, 2014, 06:10:13 PM »

Hello..  My '91 318i no longer blows hot air from the heater.  Radiator coolant level is topped off (I know if it gets low it affects the heater output). No matter where you set the temperature dial on the controller, only cold air blows.  The dash engine temp gauge runs in the middle, like is should. Engine gets up to temp, but the heater still blows cold.

Do the heater control dials go out?

Thanks, Gary

14

For Sale / 1991 318i - What's it worth?

« on: August 16, 2011, 10:05:08 PM »

Well, if that's the case -- and I think you are underestimating the value of nice, straight, complete, well-maintained car -- I'd be better off selling it off piecemeal.  Which would be a shame.  Or I could drive for another 5-7 years.

15

For Sale / 1991 318i - What's it worth?

« on: August 16, 2011, 06:08:42 PM »

Quick question: Considering selling my '91 318i.  The scoop:

• Clean, dead straight, no rust.
• Diamondswartz, new paint on hood and front fenders.  Paint is 95 percent perfect.
• Koni adjustables
• HR sports springs
• Xi/Convert front swaybar
• M3 rear swaybar
• e36 steering rack
• Mark D chip
• Basketweaves (okay shape)
• iS trunk lip, body paint color
• New radiator, water pump
• M3 control arm bushings
• Replaced entire front suspension bits
• New stock muffler
• Replaced shifter bushings
• Replaced driveshaft center bearing
• Mobil 1 in motor; Red Line everywhere else
• BMW factory coolant only
• 145,000 miles
• Runs like a train, uber reliable
• Usual dashboard cracks
• Front seat cushion upholstery worn, but nice grey seat covers
• Sony CD player with front MP3 input jack.  Orange lights!

It looks like a slightly lowered factory 4-door 318is.

No photos at the moment.  Will add some soon.

Thanks, Gary