94 325is Project: Diving in the Deep End

[t94blackcoupe]

Hello with post #1 on my first BMW, and project car, a black coupe in need of some serious tlc, though completely rust free (rare in NH). The initial plan was to make a learning experience of the car, and fix the small things first such as de-laminating panels, cracked bumpers, hacked wiring, fluids, and some serious detailing, with a future desire for forced induction. Plans changed with head gasket issues, and I said what the hell, and dove right into disassembly with help from the bentley, nosing around on this forum, help from forum members, and the thrill of diy. Engine appears to have been apart before with interesting scars on the cylinder walls. The goal now is to re-assemble as is, learn to drive the car, fix the details, and save up for future plans, while documenting it in this thread. Enjoy, comment, critique!

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First pic after purchase.



After the head came off.



Cylinder 2 Damage

[t94blackcoupe]

Heads at the machine shop, hope everything turns out alright. Tackling some interior wiring.

[flyfishvt]

Piston damage or cylinder wall damage?

[t94blackcoupe]

Wall damage on #2.

[t94blackcoupe]

Does anyone know about an oil check valve that's supposed to be in the intake side of the head between 3 & 4? Looks like mine is missing, like everything else in this gem.

[Butters Stoch]

Well looks like good ol BFC is jumping to your rescue.

Id just put a matching notch in the other cylinders to even things out.

[t94blackcoupe]

Id just put a matching notch in the other cylinders to even things out.

Best advice yet. Pry bar? Grinding wheel?

[Butters Stoch]

Best advice yet. Pry bar? Grinding wheel?

Chisel and hammer. No F's given.
I have 2 cylinder heads you can look at, stop by tomorrow.

[t94blackcoupe]

Quick update, heads still at the machine shop, guess theyre busy. In the mean time, threw some Amsoil Synchromesh in the tranny and 75-110 in the rear. New nose panel is on the way from ecs tuning along with a new vanos seal. Also managed to score this little guy. Maybe ill make it to tt this weekend.

[Butters Stoch]

What exhaust BB?


I have an injector 4 you @ my shop. Swing by when your passing though.

[t94blackcoupe]

What exhaust BB?


I have an injector 4 you @ my shop. Swing by when your passing though.

Supposed to be a Magnaflow. Im picking it up tomorrow, and ill stop by too.

[t94blackcoupe]

Supposed to be a Magnaflow.

BB Triflow.

[Butters Stoch]

BB Triflow.

Big spender. Pricey exhaust you got there.

[t94blackcoupe]

Big spender. Pricey exhaust you got there.

Considering new retail is what I paid for the car, Ill drive with it and see what I can get for it. Apparently its got under 1000 miles too. Just needs a cleaning.

[Matt325e]

You pick that exhaust up in northern NH? saw one on cl but too far for me to drive.

[t94blackcoupe]

You pick that exhaust up in northern NH? saw one on cl but too far for me to drive.

Correct. Took 28 all the way up with the truck. Was a really nice ride.

[Asiankid]

Nice pickup, is this the car from NY with a sub in the trunk and high miles?

[t94blackcoupe]

Nice pickup, is this the car from NY with a sub in the trunk and high miles?

I picked it up locally, but the prior owner bought it from MA due to lack of title. Apparently this car has had like 6 or 7 owners. I kinda hope its not stolen or something. Has 175k, was wired for a sub.

[Because Racecar]

Nice pickup, is this the car from NY with a sub in the trunk and high miles?

I thought the same thing because of the wheels...

[t94blackcoupe]

I thought the same thing because of the wheels...

Wheels were recently installed by po.

[Butters Stoch]

Wheels were recently installed by po.

Probably best to get rid of those to me.

[t94blackcoupe]

Probably best to get rid of those to me.

Theyre growing on me. Same with the seats.

[t94blackcoupe]

About time. Reassembly begins.

[Butters Stoch]

Picture of underside please.

[t94blackcoupe]