Engine removal DIY?

[318idol]

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.

[deansweet]

Copied from e30zone Forum:

 Removal

First off, you need to get your engine bay empty. Get a load of cardboard boxes, packing labels, plastic bags, zip ties and marker pens, and slowly dismantle everything in your cars engine bay. Start by disconnecting the battery and removing it from the car. Then drain the coolant system and dispose of the fluid responsibly. You can now start unbolting everything, but make sure you bag it and tag it as you go along, so you can refit anything later. Here's a handy checklist - cross them off as you disconnect them:

    exhaust
    exhaust heat shield (under car)
    propshaft
    gear shifter linkage
    clutch slave
    rear light switch cable
    throttle cable
    engine earth strap on the engine mount
    coolant hoses to the internal heater matrix
    Power steering hoses, if fitted
    coil
    ECU

You'll also want to whip out the radiator and headlights so that they don't get damaged, and store them somewhere safe.

Now you need to get your engine out. The quickest way is out the top with the engine and gearbox as one unit. To do this, remove the bonnet and store it. Crack and loosen the nuts holding the engine mounts, and remove the nuts holding the mounts to their rubber bushes. Loosen the gearbox subframe nuts too.

At this point some people find it useful to jack up the rear of the car to ease the angle of the dangle. Raise it onto ramps or blocks, just make sure it's secure. Now use a jack to support the back end of the gearbox as you remove the gearbox subframe. You can now introduce your engine crane, complete with balancer if you can; it makes the job a lot easier. Hook the crane up to the engine, and slowly lift the engine up and out of the way. Dispose of it as necessary.

[318idol]

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

[DesktopDave]

The DME/ECU is above the glove box in the car, just held up by a few small bolts.

Don't forget to mark the fuel supply, fuel return, and vapor lines at the firewall. Remember that the supply line goes into the rail and the return comes off the FPR. The car will run very poorly indeed if they're mixed up.

Unbolt the A/C compressor from the mounting bracket and leave it attached to the car. Even if it's non-functional, you won't need to worry about opening up the system nor worry about recovering remaining refrigerant or lubricating oils. I'd also unbolt the condensor. It can't move very far, but just an inch or so is enough to prevent a crank pulley from banging it up. I also tend to unbolt the power steering pump from its bracket in the same fashion. No need to drain the ATF and open the system to grit, coolant, and other contaminants.

BMW does make it easy to pull a motor. The engine harness is totally separate from the chassis harness, and it's very organized. There are only four electrical connections (C101 at the fusebox, positive power cable, ground straps). Be sure to snake the DME harness through the firewall - just leave it all attracted to the motor. The positive terminals are also easily dismantled at the firewall; much of it is part of the engine harness.

It's also possible to drop the motor from under the car - the subframes are pretty easy to remove. Six of one, half-dozen of another. I don't know the specifics of the E30 in this case, but if you're planning on re-doing the front suspension as well, it could end up being a bit easier that way.

[Jay-Vee]

Wow this is exactly what I need myself!

What are these forums for, eh!?

[deansweet]

not to steal this thread but I am starting to think it may have been easier to pull motor and gearbox as one piece and then remove the gearbox on my e46...

Took over 4hrs to pull this pos gm gearbox.
Can't decide to rebuild or buy a lesser miles used one?!