New to me 745i -some guidance appreciated please

[cdnalpina]

Hello everyone,

I have been on the forum for a long time but I have lurked mostly in the E31, E32 and E34 forums. An opportunity came up to acquire a 745i locally and I jumped at it. It was imported to Alberta, Canada from Germany in the late 80's, has reasonably low kms and overall in decent condition but definitely needs some love. Sat for the last 5 years.

I'm going to go through it and change filters and fluids but one key issue the previous owner was struggling with was the power steering system. It groans like hell when it runs, and he claims that the high pressure line collapses - which I struggle with. He has changed that line (not sure which one that is) and he has replaced the pump twice (the second time for good measure in case the first one was defective). Obviously some sort of obstruction in the system. I have read that there are two filters in this system - is that correct? I had a look on RealOEM and I could only see one filter 32-41-1-128-919. If there is another filter I should be addressing, could someone please kindly let me know what the part number is?

Also, any pearls of wisdom you have to impart on things I should look at, look for, be aware of etc I would greatly appreciate it. Long term my goal is to get it running smoothly and then looking at doing some modifications to get some more power out of it - chip tune, the wastegate mod I have read about. Again in this area I would appreciate pearls of wisdom too. First task though is to get it mechanically sound.

Many thanks in advance,

Rob

[cargeek733]

What year is your 745i?

I have an early, '81 733i and today replaced the two filters in the power steering reservoir. There's a sinter filter at the very bottom, and then a cartridge style filter in there as well. I'm not sure what the later style E23s look like although I've seen the diagrams on realoem.

[cdnalpina]

Thanks for the reply - it's an 02/1985 build. Last 7 of the VIN are 8750981

[cargeek733]

I'm not terribly well-versed in these systems, but I drained my reservoir and replaced both filters and checked all the hoses to make sure they were air tight. If the pump is making noise, I'd say there's air in the system and you need to make sure all the hoses and clamps are sealing. Also, what kind of fluid is in there?

[8991XJ]

That one should be quick when done. It isn't loaded with all the options, just a few of the good ones.
VIN 
WBAFJ910608750981
Type Code 6991
E Series E23
Series 7
Type LIM
Model 745 I (EUR)
Steering LL
Doors 4
Engine M30
Displacement 3.50
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour POLARIS/IMOLASILBER METALLIC (060)
Upholstery (0097)
Prod Date 1985-02-01


Vehicle options
S314A Door mirror / driver's lock, heated
S320A Deleted, model lettering
S350A Therm. insulat. glass green
S401A Lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof, electric
S411A Window lifts,electric,front/rear
S472A Armrest, front, driver/passenger
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S540A Cruise control
S979 VELOURS-FUSSMATTEN VORN UND HI

[cdnalpina]

I'm not terribly well-versed in these systems, but I drained my reservoir and replaced both filters and checked all the hoses to make sure they were air tight. If the pump is making noise, I'd say there's air in the system and you need to make sure all the hoses and clamps are sealing. Also, what kind of fluid is in there?

I completely agree, there is air in the system. I haven’t had a chance to look more closely at it yet but it looks as though it has ATF in the reservoir (red fluid). Is that correct for these cars? I can’t see any lettering on the cap or lid like I’m used to seeing on E31 and E32 cars.

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That one should be quick when done. It isn't loaded with all the options, just a few of the good ones.
VIN 
WBAFJ910608750981
Type Code 6991
E Series E23
Series 7
Type LIM
Model 745 I (EUR)
Steering LL
Doors 4
Engine M30
Displacement 3.50
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour POLARIS/IMOLASILBER METALLIC (060)
Upholstery (0097)
Prod Date 1985-02-01


Vehicle options
S314A Door mirror / driver's lock, heated
S320A Deleted, model lettering
S350A Therm. insulat. glass green
S401A Lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof, electric
S411A Window lifts,electric,front/rear
S472A Armrest, front, driver/passenger
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S540A Cruise control
S979 VELOURS-FUSSMATTEN VORN UND HI

Thanks for this. Indeed it isn’t not a fully loaded model but should be fun once it is mechanically sorted out. The seats are in excellent condition aside from needing a clean and the rear seats have sun fade sadly. Not sure there is much I can do about that though.

Out of curiosity has anyone ever swapped seats into the E23 from, say, an E32? Is it possible?

[ltflint]

Only a couple more options than mine. I don't have the automatic air conditioning or the badge delete.

I believe there is only the filter in the reservoir. Part number 32411128167.

ATF is the correct fluid. Also check that the three bolts holding the pump together are tight.

Welcome. I recognize you from way back when I was active on the E34 forum.

That one should be quick when done. It isn't loaded with all the options, just a few of the good ones.
VIN 
WBAFJ910608750981
Type Code 6991
E Series E23
Series 7
Type LIM
Model 745 I (EUR)
Steering LL
Doors 4
Engine M30
Displacement 3.50
Drive HECK
Transmission AUT
Colour POLARIS/IMOLASILBER METALLIC (060)
Upholstery (0097)
Prod Date 1985-02-01


Vehicle options
S314A Door mirror / driver's lock, heated
S320A Deleted, model lettering
S350A Therm. insulat. glass green
S401A Lift-up-and-slide-back sunroof, electric
S411A Window lifts,electric,front/rear
S472A Armrest, front, driver/passenger
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S540A Cruise control
S979 VELOURS-FUSSMATTEN VORN UND HI

[cdnalpina]

Only a couple more options than mine. I don't have the automatic air conditioning or the badge delete.

I believe there is only the filter in the reservoir. Part number 32411128167.

ATF is the correct fluid. Also check that the three bolts holding the pump together are tight.

Welcome. I recognize you from way back when I was active on the E34 forum.

Thanks! I was finally able to get after the car a little bit today. My power steering issue is resolved. The filter was the cause - I swear to god it had never been replaced... ever. I’ll try and attach a pic. So car runs ok, but is likely in dire need of a tune up.



I’m desperately trying to figure out how the heck you get the cover to the oil filter off! I’ve tried searching the web and couldn’t find any good pictures to walk me through it. Is there a repair manual that I can download?

[ltflint]

Thanks! I was finally able to get after the car a little bit today. My power steering issue is resolved. The filter was the cause - I swear to god it had never been replaced... ever. I’ll try and attach a pic. So car runs ok, but is likely in dire need of a tune up.



I’m desperately trying to figure out how the heck you get the cover to the oil filter off! I’ve tried searching the web and couldn’t find any good pictures to walk me through it. Is there a repair manual that I can download?

17mm bolt.

Pick up an E28 Bentley. Most of the M30 stuff applies.

[cdnalpina]

17mm bolt.

Pick up an E28 Bentley. Most of the M30 stuff applies.

Awesome - thank you. Yes I should grab one for sure.

[8991XJ]

cover to the oil filter...it is attached to the motor, the bottom cup holding the oil filter comes off. but you know that.

With the oil cooler, I don't know, yet how to do it but the offcenter bolt is a drain used before the center bolt is removed to take the cover off with the oil filter in it. My cars no cooler, but I have one to install and the cup is bolted from the top and holds a pint of oil and the filter when removed carefully.

Maybe since you asked someone will tell me how to change the oil filter on the oil cooler equipped cars without making a mess.

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Oh, fewer options...less problems...less added weight...faster.

[Hit Man X]

Careful with the +B stud on that alternator and the oil filter housing. Boot is almost destroyed at this point, easy to arc from there! I usually jam some plastic in there to insulate.

Housing cup probably needs to be cleaned out while in there.



Post pics of this car!

[cdnalpina]

Apologies for the slow reply here, been busy with a bunch of things. I'll post some pics of the car but first things first - how in the world do I get this locking lug not off?!! I can not for the life of me figure it out! I put the key in and it just seems to turn and turn and only one or two positions where I can pull the key out. Three wheels have these on them.

IMG_1635 (Large).JPG

And here are some pics of the car. Not the best shots as I have it on jack stands at the moment to inspect everything underneath... once I get the wheels off lol Some minor surface rust but overall the body is in good shape. No accidents, original paint. The dash is sadly cracked in several places but I have seen that there are some DIYs on how to fill them and repaint them. Anyone gone on that adventure here with their car?

IMG_1637 (Large).JPG

IMG_1640 (Large).JPG

IMG_1641 (Large).JPG

IMG_1644 (Large).JPG

[cdnalpina]

Here is the tool box - seems to be mostly there. Could anyone tell me which tools are missing or incorrect? Hopefully I can clean up the rust on them (not sure how they got rusty??)

IMG_1636 (Large).JPG

Oh and here is a pic of the power steering fluid filter that I replaced beside the new one - no wonder it was plugging off...

IMG_1629 (Large).JPG

[StevenHenriksen]

Apologies for the slow reply here, been busy with a bunch of things. I'll post some pics of the car but first things first - how in the world do I get this locking lug not off?!! I can not for the life of me figure it out! I put the key in and it just seems to turn and turn and only one or two positions where I can pull the key out. Three wheels have these on them.

IMG_1635 (Large).JPG

Nice work getting this car sorted out. I struggled with the same wheel locks on one of my E23's. 2 of them came off easily with only a little fiddling with the key, the other two were a real pain, had to work the key around and around in different patterns for quite a while until something lined up just right. I would recommend replacing them with standard non-locking lugs when you finally get them off

[8991XJ]

The tools missing are the box end wrench with the same sizes as the large open end wrench, 17-19 I think and the sponge that holds a collection of bulbs and fuses for the front right corner of the kit.

They rusted because there has been water in the trunk for longer periods of time.

[Hit Man X]

I may have some of that foam business if I look around, they are the same on US cars from what I have seen.

As Keith pointed out, the large wrench is MIA...probably used for a starter R&R.

[8991XJ]

The € and US foam inserts are different because of the headlight bulbs in the € kit vs. the 1156 and 1157 bulbs in the US foam chunks. Of course, you could make one but cutting them accurately and smoothly isn't easy.

True about lost because it was used on the starter. It fits.

[Hit Man X]

I have parted out a bunch, I will eyeball around. No promises.

If I find it, it is free with a license plate trade for a Canadian plate. NW Territories if possible!

[cdnalpina]

Nice work getting this car sorted out. I struggled with the same wheel locks on one of my E23's. 2 of them came off easily with only a little fiddling with the key, the other two were a real pain, had to work the key around and around in different patterns for quite a while until something lined up just right. I would recommend replacing them with standard non-locking lugs when you finally get them off

Thanks for the reply. Indeed I will not be reinstalling these afterwards... Can you elaborate more on how you eventually managed to get it off? I just don't quite understand the mechanism. Does the key need to line up a bunch of tumblers so you can just pull the cap off and access the lug underneath? Much appreciate the guidance!

- - - Updated - - -

The tools missing are the box end wrench with the same sizes as the large open end wrench, 17-19 I think and the sponge that holds a collection of bulbs and fuses for the front right corner of the kit.

They rusted because there has been water in the trunk for longer periods of time.

OK great - thanks for that. I guess I will need to troll eBay or wreckers in the hopes of finding one - would be nice to complete the set when it is so close!

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I have parted out a bunch, I will eyeball around. No promises.

If I find it, it is free with a license plate trade for a Canadian plate. NW Territories if possible!

That would be amazing - thank you so much! I can most certainly offer you a nice condition Alberta plate if that works? I can also see if I can get a BC plate from a friend if you don't have one?

[Hit Man X]

Pretty sure I found one.

Let me look around for a wrench in that size.

Yessss, those plates would be awesome. I have some old Texas ones to send you also then.

[8991XJ]

While you are looking, keep an eye out for a pair of pliers. I have the water pump pliers but need the small lineman pliers, I think. I'll look at the kit tonight and verify.

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If you end up finding the wrench be careful how you pack it. I sent one to a friend and the USPS was able to put a 90° bend in it between here an East Tennessee. I got no idea what force that took.

[Hit Man X]

Roger that! I will keep spying about.

[StevenHenriksen]

Thanks for the reply. Indeed I will not be reinstalling these afterwards... Can you elaborate more on how you eventually managed to get it off? I just don't quite understand the mechanism. Does the key need to line up a bunch of tumblers so you can just pull the cap off and access the lug underneath? Much appreciate the guidance!

I really wish I could give you more guidance, its still a bit of a mystery to me how they work. I was pushing the key in with a fair bit of pressure while twisting it around at the same time. And yes, it is just a locking cap that pops off exposing the lug.

[cdnalpina]

Pretty sure I found one.

Let me look around for a wrench in that size.

Yessss, those plates would be awesome. I have some old Texas ones to send you also then.

You're a star - thank you! I have the feeler out for a BC plate for you too, will keep you posted!

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I really wish I could give you more guidance, its still a bit of a mystery to me how they work. I was pushing the key in with a fair bit of pressure while twisting it around at the same time. And yes, it is just a locking cap that pops off exposing the lug.

No worries - I know these things can be fickle. I guess I just have to hold my tongue the right way and get the correct sequence of profanities going... lol

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Once I get the car running smoothly, I would like to get some more performance out of it. I have done some reading online and it seems that a chip, something to do with the wastegate and ultimately the exhaust are low cost high bang for the buck ways to go. Can anyone provide any personal experience as to what to pursue first, second, third etc? I'm not looking to create a race car, just an old sleeper that motors faster that one would expect