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Thread: Figured I'd put something up, here's my '86 635CSi...

  1. #101
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    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    That exhaust was a fail, it's just too loud. It's been modified with a questionable flange tacked onto a pipe. I might run that down this weekend.

    I'm also chasing down a slow battery drain. I suspect the seat memory module, but I found a related problem with the interior dome light. It's always on! The timer relay under the dash (BMW part 61311373974) fails on occasion, leaving the dome light powered on. Other culprits can be either of the door jamb switches (terminal TG - brown/violet wires) or the driver's exterior door handle switch (terminal TK - brown/green wire).

    Here's a thread with some details. Possible cheap fix too, soldering in a replacement diode on the door handle input.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  2. #102
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    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    Just tossed some different wheels on the car and took her out for a spin tonight. These are the ever-popular E39 540i 17" Style 66 double-spokes. They're scruffy, but they do fill the arches nicely. I might invest some time restoring them since I like the look. It's not all good...17x8" wheels wrapped with 225/50 tires are a 'lil harsher than the 16x7" Borbets I had on the car last month.

    IMG_20201022_182726214.jpg IMG_20201022_182749760.jpg

    But it's getting closer! Still some problems, but they're not as severe as they were:
    The car still has some trouble with part-throttle and overrun. I can feel the AFM door slamming shut, it's not smooth like I think it should be.
    A/C also decided to stop working, the heater fan is screeching at all speeds.
    The car is now baulking reverse. Sometimes she'll moodily thunk the shifter back into neutral when I give her a little torque. I'm suspecting an internal transmission issue.

    There's a chance that it might be resolved with another fluid change and some finesse on the shifts.

    A few details need buttoned up:
    Wire up cruise control unit, oil sensor, CEL, track down a minor parasitic drain.
    Repair an exhaust leak at the muffler.
    Test the aftermarket OBD1 cat to see if it's working. Doesn't smell like it's doing much good.
    Engine is running nicely, rockers are still a little ticky-tacky.

    In other news, the forward gears all work beautifully! Electrical systems are all go. The torsen diff is sweet, it's easy to drive this car with the throttle.
    Last edited by DesktopDave; 11-04-2020 at 08:19 PM.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  3. #103
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    98 318ti, 80 733, 76 '02
    You're moving this project to completion very nicely, Dave!
    Really enjoy all the little "hints" you include for the rest of us with less knowledge on these beauties.
    Last edited by TowJamma; 11-04-2020 at 10:07 PM.

  4. #104
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    Thanks! If anything here has been helpful...I'm happy to share!

    I'll share a disclaimer though...anything that passes for 'knowledge' in this thread is most likely a result of past mistakes...
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  5. #105
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    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    Haven't updated this in a while, it's been quite the white winter here thus far. I was ruminating on E24 suspension upgrades from later BMWs.

    The E34 5er (& E31 8er) are surprisingly compatible with our E24 suspension-wise. This is common knowledge, and I've done most of these jobs firsthand so I'm 100% sure on this data. The brakes, wheels & arms are all very similar, largely interchangeable. Sadly, that's as modern as it got.

    The E32 7er offers some excellent brake upgrades. It also preserved the semi-trailing arm rear suspension, but those parts are't bolt-in compatible without substantial work AFAIK. If another one ends up in the local PnP I'll do some research on an upcoming half-price day.
    I've also been pulling some E39 hub & brake parts for fun, but other than wheels, there are very few crossover parts. The six-cyl models have some really sweet updates, like aluminum hub knuckles with bolt-in bearing assemblies, nice alloy calipers, etc.. Sadly, these parts are far from a bolt-on option. I'd guess the eight-cylinder E39 (and E38) could provide some spares, as it shares the older recirc. ball steering gear, but I haven't happened across one recently.
    I also have a sneaky suspicion that some of the newer 3-series could provide updated parts, but I don't have solid answers for that yet. For instance, the E30 rear caliper is identical, although it uses a different carrier. Diffs are a well-known direct swap, including the later Z3. I'm told the E36 & E46 can also donate some parts, but I don't have any firsthand research for that to publish yet. The E90 front suspension looks very similar to our cars. I'll post updates if/when research continues.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  6. #106
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    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    I took the final plunge to drive this car legally today...I ordered a PA Antique permanent license plate. Driving an antique in PA really doesn't come with many limitations; I really thought it'd be more restrictive. It can't be used for work and can't be driven around in the winter months. There are exclusions too: driving it to your mechanic, or into a storage area is OK. They've also recently dropped the annual mileage limitations. Since the lighting is still relatively modern (Hella halogen e-codes are quite bright), I can even drive it at night.

    I feel a little odd driving this car plated as an "antique". It doesn't FEEL like an antique. The car just celebrated her 35th birthday on Feb 19th. When this car was sitting in a showroom in '86, a BMW 501 would have been the same relative age. Those are definitely antiques.

    I could have chosen the "Classic" plate instead, but Antiques are exempt from both emissions and annual safety inspections. I'm still intending to take the car in every spring for an annual safety inspection, but it's optional. Isn't that nice? I felt the cost was a little high (~$180), but that's only a bit more than a single year of PA registration and the mandatory inspection & emission fees. Antique plates are also transferable, which is unusual in PA. It's actually rather convenient!
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  7. #107
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    I've been getting bolder with test drives. Today's job was swapping the M20 90A alternator with an actual M30 80A unit. Freshened up with poly bushings, fits perfectly. I noticed it maxed out around 13.5VDC or so, seems to work OK.

    So what's the bad news?
    Heater fan is pretty noisy, but there's no heat getting into the cabin anyhow. No A/C either, button won't even light up. The 'HVAC' system is down to 'V' at this point.
    Cruise control isn't working, oil light still isn't wired up properly, there's a lot of banging from the front end, steering feels a little looser than I recall, and there's a split windshield washer hose. Took me a little time to figure that one out. How else could liquid have gotten onto the rear engine wiring harness plenum?

    But wait...there's more...engine temperature is slightly worrisome (max ~200degC at the thermostat), but it's stable.
    Reverse gear is a little balky, 2nd whines a bit. I'm using RedLine MTL, maybe I'll cut it with a little Synchromesh to see if that improves things.

    A long list of fun new problems! At least the weather's been nice, eh?
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  8. #108
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    West Nyack, New York
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    86 635csi 98 740i 96 MB
    Hi Dave,

    Do they still look for emission equipment even though there's no emission testing?
    Is the inspection thru independent shops or is it government centers?

  9. #109
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    Quote Originally Posted by 1986series6 View Post
    Hi Dave,

    Do they still look for emission equipment even though there's no emission testing?
    Is the inspection thru independent shops or is it government centers?
    We do emissions here via privately-licensed mechanic's shops, they all prominently display a "Keystone" sign to show they're licensed to perform vehicle inspections, emissions, etc.. There are also some "Enhanced" inspection stations that will issue R-Titles, inspect commercial vehicles, certify trailers, etc..

    In PA, only three counties ever required emissions testing anyhow (Philadelphia, Allegheny (Pittsburgh) and Dauphin (Harrisburg)). There is no visual inspection of emissions gear as far as I'm aware. The current practice in PA is that any OBD2 "hard fault" will fail an emissions test. Usually those are just loose gas caps or other evap system leaks.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  10. #110
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    '83 633csi
    Being a licensed PA Safety and Northern Counties Emission Inspector, I can confirm that visual inspections and gas cap tests are actually the majority of the emissions tests here in the state. Followed by OBD2 testing in a certain amount of the counties, followed lastly by actual tailpipe tests in the 'big cities'. If the vehicle is driven less than 5k miles per year, the station has the option to perform an exemption test at a reduced rate that forgoes the process pending it has passed the full test in the past. Even in counties that have no emissions sticker (think very rural), the safety inspection requires visual checks of listed emissions equipment.

    Enough of the boring stuff!

    I recently replaced the rear seals on my gearbox and filled it with ATF per BMW's current procedures for servicing the older equipment. Ill report back, but I havent had any immediate issues. Shifts great and no leaks. Its certainly nice to be able to use the same fluid in the hydraulic system and the gear box!

    I am also having a few wiring issues, including the Oil Level sensor. Are you having oil pressure light issues or oil level? Cant recall if your car has had a engine or motronic swap either?

    Cheers,

    -Jeff
    1983 633csi a.k.a. Wolfie - M30B35 Swap - Getrag 265 - 3.73LSD

  11. #111
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    Quote Originally Posted by jbd5015 View Post
    Being a licensed PA Safety and Northern Counties Emission Inspector, I can confirm that visual inspections and gas cap tests are actually the majority of the emissions tests here in the state. Followed by OBD2 testing in a certain amount of the counties, followed lastly by actual tailpipe tests in the 'big cities'. If the vehicle is driven less than 5k miles per year, the station has the option to perform an exemption test at a reduced rate that forgoes the process pending it has passed the full test in the past. Even in counties that have no emissions sticker (think very rural), the safety inspection requires visual checks of listed emissions equipment.

    Enough of the boring stuff!
    That's interesting, I wasn't aware that this was still in effect for antiques & classics. I'd better put a 'real' cat back on the car!

    Quote Originally Posted by jbd5015 View Post
    I recently replaced the rear seals on my gearbox and filled it with ATF per BMW's current procedures for servicing the older equipment. Ill report back, but I havent had any immediate issues. Shifts great and no leaks. Its certainly nice to be able to use the same fluid in the hydraulic system and the gear box!

    I am also having a few wiring issues, including the Oil Level sensor. Are you having oil pressure light issues or oil level? Cant recall if your car has had a engine or motronic swap either?

    Cheers,

    -Jeff
    I have had a lot of luck with ATF in manual gearboxes. It's a decent lubricant, especially the synthetic grades like Dexron VI and equivalents.

    As for the oil light, it's the annoying oil level LED in the CCC, not the engine oil pressure sensor switch.

    I do have a 1.3 swap on the motor, the engine harness was from an '88 E24. The '86 chassis has two C101 inputs from the oil pan sensor - dynamic and static oil level, but my C101 came from a Euro and isn't fully wired. I've been putting it off for a while, the car has far more important stuff going on.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  12. #112
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    Quote Originally Posted by DesktopDave View Post
    That's interesting, I wasn't aware that this was still in effect for antiques & classics. I'd better put a 'real' cat back on the car!



    I have had a lot of luck with ATF in manual gearboxes. It's a decent lubricant, especially the synthetic grades like Dexron VI and equivalents.

    As for the oil light, it's the annoying oil level LED in the CCC, not the engine oil pressure sensor switch.

    I do have a 1.3 swap on the motor, the engine harness was from an '88 E24. The '86 chassis has two C101 inputs from the oil pan sensor - dynamic and static oil level, but my C101 came from a Euro and isn't fully wired. I've been putting it off for a while, the car has far more important stuff going on.
    Im foggy on the classic/antique tag differences. I think one of them still gets the emissions test and safety inspection, but the other has no need for either. If you havent had any issues in your current state of exhaust system, i wouldnt worry about it!

    im using Dex VI in trans and hydraulic system.

    I must be having the same issue as you with the motronic swap. Im having issues with the oil level and tachometer. Not terribly concerned with either as Im still happy i can actually drive my car after 10 years of it sitting!
    Last edited by jbd5015; 03-22-2021 at 08:25 AM.
    1983 633csi a.k.a. Wolfie - M30B35 Swap - Getrag 265 - 3.73LSD

  13. #113
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    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    Finally found an engine donor! The car is a '90 535i auto, needs a water pump and likely some other work. Also came with a ton of spares, including a set of genuine 18" staggered M-parallels.

    It has a pretty healthy B35, low-ish mileage, well-maintained, spotless inside. It could provide all the parts I needed for the B35 conversion on my E24.
    IMG_20210327_195701433_HDR.jpgIMG_20210327_195813613_HDR.jpg

    But...the car is actually in pretty decent shape. I'm having second thoughts about scrapping this one, despite the usual old BMW work it'll need.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  14. #114
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    '83 633csi
    That is the TWIN to the car that supplied the motor for my car! I used the koala motorsports motor mount adaptors and they worked great! The engine actually sits up a smidge higher with the adaptors, giving you more ground clearance for that oil pan.

    The E34's are fantastic cars, but that one has three strikes against it IMO to try and keep it around. Bronzit, beige interior, auto-tragic. Sounds like you got the best of intentions for it! Giving life to an E24!
    1983 633csi a.k.a. Wolfie - M30B35 Swap - Getrag 265 - 3.73LSD

  15. #115
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    Quote Originally Posted by jbd5015 View Post
    That is the TWIN to the car that supplied the motor for my car! I used the koala motorsports motor mount adaptors and they worked great! The engine actually sits up a smidge higher with the adaptors, giving you more ground clearance for that oil pan.

    The E34's are fantastic cars, but that one has three strikes against it IMO to try and keep it around. Bronzit, beige interior, auto-tragic. Sounds like you got the best of intentions for it! Giving life to an E24!
    Thanks for the recommendations, I'd forgotten who still made those mount adapters. I'll get it running, then decide on the car's fate.

    It's a shame about the E34, they're as solid as a bank vault. The doors on this one still close with an authoritative thunk, 31 years after it was built. I know there's some rust somewhere, but I haven't found it yet. Not even in the trim at the bottom of the doors! I always call them the "Bavarian Taxicab", although the M-B diesels built in Stuttgart next door were far more robust.

    I think they're pretty cars too, especially for a sedan. I've wondered what the next-gen E24 would have looked like had it been built...instead of being replaced by the E31 wedge. BMW built an E34 cabriolet (seriously), so there's a hint of what Claus Luthe's graceful E32/E34 design language would have looked like as a GT.

    As for the color...I totally agree. It's the beige-est car I've seen in a while. It's very out of fashion, maybe it'll come back eventually.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  16. #116
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    Stalled on the E34. Very stubborn water pump bolts, practically welded into the block. All six are snapped off at various lengths. I've been drilling them out one by one.

    Good news: Four are done, and I've only elongated one hole!
    Bad news: Two have snapped drill bits in them.

    I just bought some cobalt drill bits, I've heard good things about them. I'll post updates and maybe a pic or two.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  17. #117
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    Perseverence is king Dave
    Undergoing restauration; my 1982 628CSi: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...628CSi-rebuild

  18. #118
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    Time for my annual update, I suppose...

    As for the E24, she hasn't been reliably starting. I wiggled the engine harness and just got lucky with a loose +12VDC wire on the battery terminal junction. Fixed! She runs great. So I borrowed a Miller MAF that recently came my way and swapped it in for kicks. It turns out that this wasn't my best idea of the day. Very high idle, severe off-idle stumble, backfiring & frighteningly lean cold starts. Back to my trusty M30B35 AFM!

    The beige E34 (from post #113, above) ended up being parted out due to some significant & highly costly paperwork issues (PA sucks for paperwork), so I bought another E34. Lots of good news: lovely Glacier Blue 5-speed, decent Natur interior, clean title. Other highlights include a row-it-yourself transmission (good shape), some decent E60 wheels (fair), Miller G3 MAF with chip (hmm).
    IMG_20220914_191851036_HDR.jpg IMG_20221002_173026090_HDR.jpg

    It's not all sunshine & chocolate though. The car is quite rusty, it was recently parked due to a deer strike, and it has 315K miles. The seller was quite up-front; I knew about the coolant leaks. I dragged it home and found a significant coolant leak due to a split aux pump casing. I swapped in a spare pump & things were looking good. The car built up normal pressure and the temperature stabilized. Then it started smoking from like everywhere. Significant coolant and oil leaks. I usually assume any BMW with obvious coolant leaks has a cracked head...and the spark plugs concurred. Since I had little to lose, I decided to test out a head sealant. Yup, I know, you shouldn't attempt to fix a head gasket from a can. But in the interests of science, I purchased a can of K-Seal Ultimate and carefully followed the directions. I'm here to report that it actually worked fairly well. I can still smell coolant in the exhaust, but it's been significantly reduced from obvious to barely noticeable. If you don't care about the car, and you don't need it as a mission critical daily driver, I'm tentatively recommending it.

    Other problems abound...while I kept it moving, temperature was stable. But when I stopped, it'd start to climb. Fan clutch isn't. Aux fan isn't. I swapped in an E30 clutch fan, that helped a little. I noted the aux fan had a blown fuse. Replaced it, and the fan started right up! Sounded like a chipper/shredder though. It turns out that a part of the bumper trim was wedged into the fan cage. Pulled that out with some difficulty, that helped a lot.

    The shifter is pretty vague, feels like a spoon in some decently thick tapioca pudding. The chassis is in simply awful shape. I don't think the thrust arms have any bushings left whatsoever. My test drive was hair-raising. Brakes were great, but P/S sure wasn't. Despite a likely cracked head in #5, the engine actually ran decently, at least when I unplugged the Miller MAF & put my boot in it.

    The whole reason I bought it...the transmission...is SOLID! I'm calling this one a win!
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  19. #119
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    I just took the old gal out for a spin today. To troubleshoot some hesitation in my Motronic 1.3 upgrade, I swapped the AFM with the B35 unit from the beige E34. Big improvement!

    Of course, nothing comes without a cost. I've found quite a few more bugs to squash:

    • I tried out a used Miller G3 MAF from the blue E34, but the idle was really high, like 2.5K!
    • Driver's seat mountings are loose, likely just those little spring steel tubes.
    • Battery is warm after driving?!?
    • Right front suspension feels tight, it's hard to describe.
    • Steering loose on center
    • Heater fan squeals. It's an incredibly piercing noise, like tinnitus!
    • Parking brake needs adjusting (again).
    • Very slight hesitation under load when warm, not too bad.
    • Gearbox is making bearing noise on overrun.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  20. #120
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    1,718
    My Cars
    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    Just ordered a new heater fan core from FCP Euro, only $56 delivered. I was suprised it was that cheap, happily I had a spare set of fan blades. I'll let everyone know if it fits correctly, spins nicely, lasts a while, etc..

    I also found a new alternative to RealOEM...ShiftOEM! Anyone else used them yet? I have no relationship with them, but it seems that there are many more parts listed. I really like RealOEM (and BMWFans.info) but they've both been limiting the parts listings for some reason or another. Here's the ShiftOEM E24 catalog.

    Looks liek they've been shut down, ignore this post.
    Last edited by DesktopDave; 03-01-2023 at 10:07 PM.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  21. #121
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    1,718
    My Cars
    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    No headway on the heater fan, but I did learn something fun today. There's apparently a lot of BMW OEM non-Motorsports forged wheels out there, many made by Fuchs. I previously thought there were only a few forged designs in the BMW catalog, mostly M-Tech options, made by BBS. But as I learned from this Reddit thread, there are quite a few Fuchs wheel designs in the BMW catalog, especially from the mid-90s onward. Style 25, 31, 34, 46, 134, 157, 165 & 190 among others! I was totally unaware of these wheels, and it seems like not too many BMW people seem to know about them either. I guess it's possible that they're too small (or too ugly?) for much attention.

    Conversely, most BMW Motorsport wheels are actually castings. Some M-Tech wheels were even made in both forged and cast versions, depending on the year and option package. That's something I'd like to avoid. I've seen a lot of E36 M3 wheels like that, along with a few E31, E38, and others.

    Of course, anything off an E36 or E46 will need spacers, but if I can get a decent 16" or 17" forged alternative to pricey aftermarket wheels I'm definitely interested. I've been looking for some OEM BMW forged wheels for years, especially the Style 4 or 25. The style 25 is pretty hard to find, I found a set stuck on a '97 328i Luxury Convertible (interesting limited edition by BMW Individual), but it got sold out from under me. The E24 looks best with the classic designs. Many newer wheel designs don't match Braque's big coupe style, but I've seen a few decent interpretations.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  22. #122
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    1,718
    My Cars
    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    With winter clearly ebbing and all the road salt finally washed away, we decided to take the old girl out of hibernation. Fluids were all good, tires were topped off, emergency tools loaded up.

    Sadly, the battery refused to get with the program. The only spare on hand was a marginal leftover from our Honda Fit. It had been mostly murdered by our last cold snap. This diminutive group 151R battery looks vaguely ridiculous in the E24 engine bay, but it was easy enough to install and good enough for a quick warm up. Voltage was adequate and it had enough spare amps to do the job. I pulled the coil wire, cranked the engine over a few times to get some fresh oil pumped through the motor. Popped the coil wire back on and she came back to life on the first attempt. Idle was a little low, stalled a few times, but after those few hiccups she seems to be running nicely.

    The sheer size & comfort of this car always surprises me on that first spring drive. Steering is slow & a little more vague than I recall. However, that lovely smooth M30's torque covers a great variety of sins. Fun fun fun.

    Since I didn't have all my ducks lined up, we decided to focus on my son's Miata instead. He needs that for school. My E24 is registered & insured as a classic, so he can't drive it regardless.

    And a good project car is never done, is it? This winter did very few favors for the exhaust, and the gearbox seems to be getting rather noisy these days. Both are still OK for short drives. I still have to swap in that new heater fan and I'd sure like to get the cruise control working. Regardless, I'm in a good place to start the season off. I'll borrow another battery from the E36 to take her out for a good shakedown this weekend, or whenever the weather looks especially promising. I'll spend some more time on the E24 once I get the garage cleaned out.

    A new hybrid motor might be in the cards this year. I'm thinking a skimmed B35 head capping off an early B34 lower end with Euro B34 piano tops would make an ideal highway cruising combo...especially paired with an adequate exhaust & header. Maybe some decent resonators and mufflers? I'll post some pics if we get around to it.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

  23. #123
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    1,718
    My Cars
    '86 635CSi, '08 128i
    A new battery has sorted out a lot of issues. I pushed it hard enough to lock up a front wheel! That's a first for me...I can definitely recommend these E34 540i calipers, quite the upgrade.

    Gearbox is very quiet, not sure why. Made me happy! Maybe it was the fluid change? I think it's just generic Dexron VI as jbd5015 recommended above.

    Still hesitating around 2.5K, seems a bit according to my WBO2, HVAC fan squeal, rusted out muffler. The hybrid B35 is still planned, but currently on the back burner. I did collect all the parts, I'll post updates as the work progresses.
    Save the manuals!
    '08 128i 6MT, '86 635CSi 5MT (B32, Motronic 1.3, WBO2, G265, 18# FW, 3.46 torsen)
    Past projects:
    '96 318iS, sold 4/23 '90 535iM, RIP 1/23 '90 535iA RIP 6/22 '91 318i, sold 7/19 '97 M3 sedan, sold 11/18 '85 735i, RIP 2/18 '92 325iC, sold 7/16 '91 318iS, sold 6/16 '84 745i, sold 10/14 '82 633CSi, traded 9/12 '90 325i, RIP '87 325 sold '89 525i, traded '87 325iS, RIP

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