91 318is build.

[feunfer]

I'd be interested in knowing how much you've spent on parts alone to this point.

Thanks...

[mr.vang]

I'd be interested in knowing how much you've spent on parts alone to this point.

Thanks...

around $10,000.. enough to buy 4-5 318..lol

[dakon]

the 10k is parts alone.... my buddy was looking for a project, i bought parts he had a free project.

[dakon]

updated pictures of the car/paint now that everything is clean...

[Massimo]

Sweet build.

Just want to know how you cleaned the block surface. I am in the process of replaing the head gasket and although my surface is smooth it dose not look clean like yours did?

[dakon]

rolock pads with a 1/4" die grinder.

this is the die grinder i have
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200135574_200135574

you can get roloc pads off of ebay for pretty cheep

http://cgi.ebay.com/3M-Roloc-2-Dia-Bristle-Disc-120-White-/260717802579?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cb3fdf453#ht_503wt_1044

you can also start with scotch brite and then go to the roloc pads...

some people say you can use the roloc pads with a drill.... Freaking good luck, you need air tools to do it in a timely manner.....

[tom d]

nice job, very clean, however…….

being that far into the engine, i don't understand why you didn't refresh the valves/seals or change the rod bearings. 120K is not a lot of miles, but new piston rings and a re-hone and the bores would have 0miles. new engine internals would make me sleep better then a clean engine bay.

[Slick92GS-R]

Congrats ..nice job!! I like the OEM tailights again !!

curious to know , or maybe i missed, no head job(valves seals) or new bottom end work(rings,bearings)? seems like with all the work done, might as well..no?

i'm happy that you kept the car pure.. the M42 is a little jewel !!

[dunny]

Wow, I was just feeling good about myself a few days ago for getting close to starting my 318i project (replaced motor, updated some supporting parts) with no experience working on BMWs and I read this thread!  Amazing work here, congrats on the build.  It looks like a new car.  I hope to do something similar eventually, but for now my goal is to get mine running and get a little return on investment in the shape of MPG (instead of driving a truck)

[dakon]

nice job, very clean, however…….

being that far into the engine, i don't understand why you didn't refresh the valves/seals or change the rod bearings. 120K is not a lot of miles, but new piston rings and a re-hone and the bores would have 0miles. new engine internals would make me sleep better then a clean engine bay.

we didn't do the valves and seals at the time, because there was not a machinist that Dan trusted in his area. we did discuss this... the head is now being rebuilt....

as far as the engine internals, we didn't want to risk bearing clearance issues, the motor was running fine when it was pulled, and we didn't want to risk making a mistake with bearings, as Dan had not done a main bearing or rod bearing replacement before. I called metric mechanic and talked to those guys, they advised me to just leave it well enough alone, if everything was fine when it was pulled.


You do bring up a valid point Tom. we will see, if anything else besides the head rebuild is needed for this motor, i will go the S52 route. At that time i will do a full rebuild, as there is a Very good machinist 6 miles away from my house.

[Warsteiner]

Great build!!  How does the suspension feel with the race springs? Do they break your teeth going over bumps? Are they tame enough as a daily driver?

Cheers,
~Ralph

[dakon]

They are actually quite nice.  in my E46 i have a turner motorsport cup kit. The E46 is WAY stiffer than the E30. i Daily drive the E46, so i am use to a VERY stiff suspension.. However everyone that has ridden/driven the E30 says that the suspension is the perfect balance between performance and ride quality. I would agree.

My mom drove the E30, and said she likes that suspension.

she said "it isn't as stiff as your other damn car"

Hope this helps.