haha will be relaying that to my bossAndyboy wrote:I've prepared a 335i buyers guide.Cypriotgeeza wrote:I will be talking to my boss about this on monday morningAndyboy wrote: The 335i's have a really bad reputation in the USA with a big group of lawsuits. I would still have a 325i manual M Sport Coupe, but a 2006/7 model with the 'old' engine. You don't hear many bad things about those but the 335i's are a bloody disaster.anything to look out for inpurticular?
Don't.
Changing a starter on a M5 V10
Moderator: martauto
-
Cypriotgeeza
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 3046
- Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Under a bonnet somewhere..
Check my M30 build threads:
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
-
DanThe
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 28649
- Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Staffs
Another favourite, oil filter on an alfa 156 V6 
-
Cypriotgeeza
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 3046
- Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Under a bonnet somewhere..
anything on an alfa is a PITA to do!!DanThe wrote:Another favourite, oil filter on an alfa 156 V6
lower wishbones are my favourite
Check my M30 build threads:
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
-
Andyboy
- Alpina Colada
- Posts: 12578
- Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm
Oh yes.DanThe wrote:Changed plenty of M50 starters from underneath, autos are a bit more difficult due to space, from memory I think the worst placed starter ive seen was on a merc A class, not done the job but it looked like it was engine out no iffs or buts
pic -
Can you see the little bastard!!
It's funny. 1000 years ago when I did an Alfa apprenticeship, changing the handbrake cable on an Alfasud (which operated the inboard front calipers) was regarded as the very meaning of the word 'bastard'. Open the bonnet of a GTV6 and. Jayzus!! It's got Bosch LE Jetronic!! That's not a carburettor.....it's......FUEL INJECTION!!
Bring back the V V carburettor - all is forgiven.
Last edited by Andyboy on Sat Apr 02, 2011 11:42 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
e30topless
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 13598
- Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: surrounded by scrap
Alfa never anticipated any of their V6 engines to even reach the first service interval Dan, hence the hidden filter !DanThe wrote:Another favourite, oil filter on an alfa 156 V6
-
Andyboy
- Alpina Colada
- Posts: 12578
- Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm
Nowt wrong with the V6, but cambelts are a Bastardos. The TS 1.6-1.8 belts are very easy however.
-
DanThe
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 28649
- Joined: Sat Sep 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Staffs
Ha, I wouldnt even attempt a belt with the engine IN the car! Done one on a pallet and its still not straight forward..
ive heard stories of people dropping the subframes to get to the oil filter!
Filter = £6.70
Fitting = £285
ive heard stories of people dropping the subframes to get to the oil filter!
Filter = £6.70
Fitting = £285
-
Andyboy
- Alpina Colada
- Posts: 12578
- Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm
I knew someone who did just that. It needed the belt, tensioners, water pump and an exhaust manifold repair. The engine was out in 2 hours, did the various bits and put it back in - not a bad job apparently.DanThe wrote:Ha, I wouldnt even attempt a belt with the engine IN the car! Done one on a pallet and its still not straight forward..
ive heard stories of people dropping the subframes to get to the oil filter!
Filter = £6.70
Fitting = £285
-
Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team

- Posts: 27985
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Mad mad mad
So was the Alfetta, with the G/box on the rear tooAndyboy wrote: Oh yes.![]()
It's funny. 1000 years ago when I did an Alfa apprenticeship, changing the handbrake cable on an Alfasud (which operated the inboard front calipers) was regarded as the very meaning of the word 'bastard'.

If you Got "Haters",Then your doing something Right!
CR24v??? Where's it all gone?? LOL
-
Simon13
- The longest resto in the world !
- Posts: 22697
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Camberley, Surrey don't u know
not strictly true i did the starter on my 328i and left the inlet on.bss325i wrote:N5x, M5x, N42 all need the inlet manifold removed to change the starter.
-
Cypriotgeeza
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 3046
- Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Under a bonnet somewhere..
thats the one where you have to get an extension and "wobbly" socket between the inlet pipes isnt it? I didnt remove the inlet when i did a clutch on an E36 2.8i either..Simon13 wrote:not strictly true i did the starter on my 328i and left the inlet on.bss325i wrote:N5x, M5x, N42 all need the inlet manifold removed to change the starter.
Check my M30 build threads:
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
-
TPS
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 13121
- Joined: Fri Mar 06, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Hampshire
Headlight bulb on the current/previous Shitron Relay vans, what a nightmare, & to top it off the bulb is the single connector one, costing a kings ransom to buy.bss325i wrote:Headlight bulb on a renault modus means headlight out which means bumper off!e30topless wrote:newer cars just seem to be way over complex without any future repairs in mind when developing them,
I sadly got involved in changing a headlight on a 2 year old astra last week almost all of the front end had to come off ! very sad.... took most of a morning up to remove 3 screws and swap it for a new one..

1991 325i Touring Alpine White II
1994 318i Touring Sterling Silver
-
Andyboy
- Alpina Colada
- Posts: 12578
- Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm
You can, but like M54 breathers, it's often quicker to take the inlet manifold off and give yourself unlimited access - and less language.Cypriotgeeza wrote:thats the one where you have to get an extension and "wobbly" socket between the inlet pipes isnt it? I didnt remove the inlet when i did a clutch on an E36 2.8i either..Simon13 wrote:not strictly true i did the starter on my 328i and left the inlet on.bss325i wrote:N5x, M5x, N42 all need the inlet manifold removed to change the starter.
Rav: Alfetta rear mounted gearboxes. Oh yes.......but compared to todays's stuff, a portion of urine to work on. The clutch is at the back as well.
-
Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team

- Posts: 27985
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Mad mad mad
Bloody nightmare to work on that thing was, i remember it well, still stuck in my mind 

If you Got "Haters",Then your doing something Right!
CR24v??? Where's it all gone?? LOL
-
cecotto479
- Caution Unreliable Seller

- Posts: 2949
- Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: On a golf course somewhere probably
This isn't entirely restricted to new cars. Mid 70s Citroën GS exhaust replacement? Engine out.
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
-
bss325i
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 24536
- Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: London/Surrey
Neither did i when i did the clutch on my E36 328i.Cypriotgeeza wrote:thats the one where you have to get an extension and "wobbly" socket between the inlet pipes isnt it? I didnt remove the inlet when i did a clutch on an E36 2.8i either..Simon13 wrote:not strictly true i did the starter on my 328i and left the inlet on.bss325i wrote:N5x, M5x, N42 all need the inlet manifold removed to change the starter.
-
Blitz
- Married to the E30 Zone

- Posts: 11155
- Joined: Mon Jan 30, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: East London+Basildon
-
bss325i
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 24536
- Joined: Sat Jan 20, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: London/Surrey
TBH, i thrive on bigger jobs like this at work.
Beats doing servicing work all day!
Beats doing servicing work all day!
-
Felix79
- All loved up !
- Posts: 5134
- Joined: Sat May 24, 2008 11:00 pm
- Location: Hereford
Just reading through all of this makes me realise how easy computers and networks are compaired to this stuff lol.
Felix79 aka Dan
If you got haters, then your doing something right!
E85 Z4M Roadster
If you got haters, then your doing something right!
E85 Z4M Roadster
-
Andyboy
- Alpina Colada
- Posts: 12578
- Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm
Austin/Morris 1800 clutch replacement was engine out too. Madness when you could do a Mini/1100 clutch in situ.cecotto479 wrote:This isn't entirely restricted to new cars. Mid 70s Citroën GS exhaust replacement? Engine out.
Dolomite Sprint downpipe to manifold nuts - muchos bastardos.
Ford Capri wiper motor - dash, instrument cluster and half the heater out. Worse than an E36 Coupe wiper motor? Maybe.
Stupid design is nothing new!
-
cecotto479
- Caution Unreliable Seller

- Posts: 2949
- Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 11:00 pm
- Location: On a golf course somewhere probably
Didn't know that. I just assumed that it'd be the same hour and a half as a mini/1100/Allegro.Andyboy wrote:Austin/Morris 1800 clutch replacement was engine out too. Madness when you could do a Mini/1100 clutch in situ.cecotto479 wrote:This isn't entirely restricted to new cars. Mid 70s Citroën GS exhaust replacement? Engine out.
Having said that, lifting engine and box out of a FWD BMC/BL chariot isn't exactly a huge job. I lifted a 2200 six cylinder out of a Wolseley land crab well before lunch, including going 40 miles to get it.
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
-
pacerpete
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 18168
- Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Iver heath. South bucks.
cecotto479 wrote:Didn't know that. I just assumed that it'd be the same hour and a half as a mini/1100/Allegro.Andyboy wrote:Austin/Morris 1800 clutch replacement was engine out too. Madness when you could do a Mini/1100 clutch in situ.cecotto479 wrote:This isn't entirely restricted to new cars. Mid 70s Citroën GS exhaust replacement? Engine out.
Having said that, lifting engine and box out of a FWD BMC/BL chariot isn't exactly a huge job. I lifted a 2200 six cylinder out of a Wolseley land crab well before lunch, including going 40 miles to get it.
You guys make me feel relatively normal !
Boyd, have you met Trevor B7 ? He restores Triumph Heralds when he is not dusting off his model soldier collection or thumbing through a back issue of Boy Scout monthly !
-
e30topless
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 13598
- Joined: Wed Aug 23, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: surrounded by scrap
this thread started off with a superior V10 M5 donk and has soon been brought down to zone level..
Triumph herald/British leyland.. FFS,
so much council action
Triumph herald/British leyland.. FFS,
so much council action
-
Andyboy
- Alpina Colada
- Posts: 12578
- Joined: Mon Sep 11, 2006 11:00 pm
From dim and distant memory, the 1800/2200 had a weird 'arse about face' set up with a seperate cover for the idler/primary gear, whilst the Maxi had a bigger version of the Mini arrangement with one big flywheel housing. There was room in the Princess to change the clutch with the engine in place because it had a much wider engine bay.
I hope never to have to find out. With luck, the only time I'll be working on an M5 V10 will be taking the engine out before weighing the shell in. See you all in 2016.
I hope never to have to find out. With luck, the only time I'll be working on an M5 V10 will be taking the engine out before weighing the shell in. See you all in 2016.
-
Morat
- E30 Zone Team Member

- Posts: 8943
- Joined: Thu Feb 09, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: The Peoples Republic of Yorkshire
You're right and it is scary - the amount of crap being put into modern cars just seems to be ridiculous. What do you actually need in a car? Does anyone remember the Africar? We'll be driving something like that soon and fixing them under BnQ gazebos at the weekend.bss325i wrote:Andy, i have been saying this for a while now.Andyboy wrote:That's nothing for an E65! Wait till the gearbox electronics start playing up. And these shitheaps are now 10 year old technology!
All these E70's, E65's E60's etc etc when old and not worth a great deal will end up in frag yards because they will be uneconomical to repair.
Try 2 bags for an E53 panormamic sunroof assembly.
E30 Touring 0.35 cD - more slippery than prison soap 

Praise the Lard... and pass the dripping!

Praise the Lard... and pass the dripping!
-
Ajsingh
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 2378
- Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:00 pm
- Location: West Laaaandaan init! / Milton Keynes
Yep high pressure pumps on a e92 325i too.. Iv done a few too.. Not to mention the 'lovely' 320i petrol engine which shits itself and misfires... What a load of bull... And lambda sensor faults n then u gotta carry out DeNox's n all that...
Forget it...... Old school is the way! I love working on my e30.. So simple and was soo ahead of its time
Forget it...... Old school is the way! I love working on my e30.. So simple and was soo ahead of its time
E30 Crazy!
-
Cypriotgeeza
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 3046
- Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Under a bonnet somewhere..
+1!Ajsingh wrote:Yep high pressure pumps on a e92 325i too.. Iv done a few too.. Not to mention the 'lovely' 320i petrol engine which shits itself and misfires... What a load of bull... And lambda sensor faults n then u gotta carry out DeNox's n all that...
Forget it...... Old school is the way! I love working on my e30.. So simple and was soo ahead of its time
Check my M30 build threads:
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
-
Ajsingh
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 2378
- Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:00 pm
- Location: West Laaaandaan init! / Milton Keynes
Anyone ever done a clutch on a mini? The newer ones?
That is an arse!!! Whole front end off, subframe off! Just a mission!!
That is an arse!!! Whole front end off, subframe off! Just a mission!!
E30 Crazy!
-
Cypriotgeeza
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 3046
- Joined: Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:00 pm
- Location: Under a bonnet somewhere..
Mini cooper wasnt too bad..you ever done one on a Cooper S?Ajsingh wrote:Anyone ever done a clutch on a mini? The newer ones?
That is an arse!!! Whole front end off, subframe off! Just a mission!!
Check my M30 build threads:
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
Project Frankenstein: viewtopic.php?f=25&t=194154
Headgasket: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=165704
Clutch issues: viewtopic.php?f=55&t=172482
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Cypriotgeeza
-
Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team

- Posts: 27985
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Mad mad mad
E30's, don't you love 'em 

If you Got "Haters",Then your doing something Right!
CR24v??? Where's it all gone?? LOL
-
Ajsingh
- E30 Zone Addict

- Posts: 2378
- Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 11:00 pm
- Location: West Laaaandaan init! / Milton Keynes
Mini's r shit to work on.. Full stop lol
Soo much fun to drive tho ;)
Soo much fun to drive tho ;)
E30 Crazy!
-
Jesus325iTouring
- Frog freak !

- Posts: 11356
- Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Omnipresent!
This is exactly why I have a dislike for "new" cars,a Renault 5 can be dismantled,pretty much to a shell with with nothing more than a 10,13 & 17mm spanner and one 4mm torx driver.
Unless your names Trev in which case all you need is two things,petrol & a match!
The other day I needed to move one of my part dismantled 5's and this meant swapping carbs,starter motors,front wheel hubs and suspension,clutch cable and battery from one to the other. Hour and half later including fag and coffee breaks,cars were all moved and parked.
Now if you had to do the same on the OP's M5,can you imagine the mammoth task you'd be facing
Unless your names Trev in which case all you need is two things,petrol & a match!
The other day I needed to move one of my part dismantled 5's and this meant swapping carbs,starter motors,front wheel hubs and suspension,clutch cable and battery from one to the other. Hour and half later including fag and coffee breaks,cars were all moved and parked.
Now if you had to do the same on the OP's M5,can you imagine the mammoth task you'd be facing

X5 V8 for thrills, CRV for chills, Range Rover P38 V8 for sooooo much aggravation...
-
Rav335uk
- E30 Zone Meets/Events Team

- Posts: 27985
- Joined: Wed Jan 19, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Mad mad mad
Your R5 can be dismantled by the Rain
, no human involvment needed Rog 

If you Got "Haters",Then your doing something Right!
CR24v??? Where's it all gone?? LOL
-
Jesus325iTouring
- Frog freak !

- Posts: 11356
- Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Omnipresent!
The windscreen I was very nearly able to just lift out where it had rotted all the way around!

X5 V8 for thrills, CRV for chills, Range Rover P38 V8 for sooooo much aggravation...
-
gooner1
- Out humping Reindeer
- Posts: 13280
- Joined: Fri Apr 14, 2006 11:00 pm
- Location: Northampton.For my sins.
Morat, had never heard of the Africar until you mentioned it, interesting concept
and story.
http://www.difflock.com/diffmag/issue6/ ... ndex.shtml
For anybody else interested.
and story.
http://www.difflock.com/diffmag/issue6/ ... ndex.shtml
For anybody else interested.

