E30 M3 S50B32

[deklan]

Hi All,

New to for the forum, having recently purchased a E30 M3 with an S50B32. The car its self is in good condition but not perfect and my goal is to get it as close to perfect as I can. So far I've completed the below, with the first goal of getting the engine running perfectly. Upon driving it home I noticed a great deal of hesitation and it generally wasn't performing anything like I know the engine should have. So I set to work with INPA and hunting down a number of faults.

First Drive Home

The first job was to tackle a full service. Usual parts were replaced, Coolant, Spark Plus, Filters. But I had noted the car needed a few extra bits, the first being a thermostat. The car was running cold all the time, next up was the typical of any BMW rocker cover gasket, which I also replaced all the bolts and washers as the seal on these engines is created with minimal pressure and typically its the bolts and washers that result in leaks. With this tackled I also replaced the mass airflow sensor as a result of a fault as scanned previously.

Striping and replacing

[deklan]

This got the car to a good place but still not running perfect, scanner was showing a fault with the inlet cam sensor, which for anyone that's replaced this before will know is a nightmare. So go down the route of cutting down Alan keys, this is slow and ultimately I wanted to get the injectors + inlet manifold off so I could check the state of the pipes. As suspect some were split and leaking!

Tackled though and replaced anything that looked bad and changed the sensors. Also checked all the injectors and other bits and pieces. Finally seems to have cured the fault and the Vanos was working really well. Extremely happy with the car I took it for a nice long drive. Upon returning home I noticed it was dripping oil! Having worked on these engines before I suspected it would be from the Vanos Unit, very common that the seals fail and its leaks from the very front. Of course this was the case!! Currently waiting for parts from BMW before tackling the Vanos rebuild this weekend. Will update once I've got this competed and will ensure I post some pics.

Last pic is on the first run! You will also noticed I've replaced the front headlights as the old ones has misted up and looked tired. I have also tackled the interior, new kick plates and replaced some missing bits. I am now looking for someone to reupholster the interior so I can have it look like new. If anyone knows anyone good please share!