e30 m3 engine rebuild parts

[danny314]

what bits would i need to carry out a full rebuild on my e30 engine and best place to buy the bits

[ross_jsy]

That depends on a lot of factors. Pull it apart and check what parts are within specification, no point replacing parts that aren't worn.

[maxfield]

Best place to buy parts is BMW.

Unless you want to tune the engine....

[Fastroad]

What's wrong with the engine currently?? This will make a difference on what is required and also everyone has a different idea of what is classed as a full rebuild.

I have just had one of mine redone, all parts where from BMW which I had collected over time.

The work I had carried out is:-

Ported, polished and gas flowed head
New pistons
New crank bearing
New cam sprockets (new teeth no wear and tear)
Balanced Crank, rods, clutch plate and flywheel
Replaced all gaskets (rocker, head, facia and sump)
Uprated valves, seats, shims, springs
New head bolts
New tensioners, guide rails and chains
New oil pump
New core plugs
New leads
New injectors
New pulleys

All valves reseated, cams setup and all timing done.

Finally all cleaned and finished off.

(I probably have missed something out)

[Fastroad]

[Fushion_Julz]

When I did mine ( few years ago) I followed a similar route to FastRoad

New main and big end bearings, new big end conrod bolts, balance and lighten flywheel and crank assembly
New piston rings and block hone
New timing chain, sprockets and guides, new chain tensioners, new oil pump, sprocket and chain.
The head was gas flowed, ported and crack tested along with the crank, then matched to the manifolds
Evo 2 inlet cam, new valve springs, new throttle body mountings, hoses and plugs, waterpump, etc...
My sump was also baffled (kit supplied by Uwe) to prevent oil surge on trackdays...

In my case I also changed the thermostat housing for the newer type and changed the associated wiring so the radiator fan was a 2-stage start-up ( the older ones the fan comes on with the ignition and the fast speed is the only switch)

[bigbird76]

Whats the prices these days on the chain tensioners?

Leigh

[Fastroad]

When I did mine ( few years ago) I followed a similar route to FastRoad


In my case I also changed the thermostat housing for the newer type and changed the associated wiring so the radiator fan was a 2-stage start-up ( the older ones the fan comes on with the ignition and the fast speed is the only switch)

What is the newer version?? Think I should consider this too, sounds like a good upgrade to have. What are the main benefits? (My car is road summer days only)

[danny314]

thanks fastroad been busy all week with work but just got my quotes from bmw on the bits needed not cheap lol

[Fastroad]

Yeah them parts are shocking.

[Fushion_Julz]

When I did mine ( few years ago) I followed a similar route to FastRoad


In my case I also changed the thermostat housing for the newer type and changed the associated wiring so the radiator fan was a 2-stage start-up ( the older ones the fan comes on with the ignition and the fast speed is the only switch)

What is the newer version?? Think I should consider this too, sounds like a good upgrade to have. What are the main benefits? (My car is road summer days only)

The newer thermostat housing has the temperature sensor/switch tap in and moves the temp sensor from the bottom of the radiator.
It stops the temperature getting too high before the second fan stage cuts in as the water temp is more accuarate in the housing than in the bottom of the radiator..

[Fastroad]

When I did mine ( few years ago) I followed a similar route to FastRoad


In my case I also changed the thermostat housing for the newer type and changed the associated wiring so the radiator fan was a 2-stage start-up ( the older ones the fan comes on with the ignition and the fast speed is the only switch)

What is the newer version?? Think I should consider this too, sounds like a good upgrade to have. What are the main benefits? (My car is road summer days only)

The newer thermostat housing has the temperature sensor/switch tap in and moves the temp sensor from the bottom of the radiator.
It stops the temperature getting too high before the second fan stage cuts in as the water temp is more accuarate in the housing than in the bottom of the radiator..

I am guessing its something like this??

[Fushion_Julz]

Yep...that's the one

[Fastroad]

Yep...that's the one

Ok kool, mine already came with that spec thermostat.

[Fushion_Julz]

if your original one had that, then it is a straight swap...If you had the earlier type originally you will also want the small loom extension..available from the dealers (or make one up ourself)...that extends the wiring from the front left of the bottom of the radiator...

[Demlotcrew]

The left most cam box allen head bolt is incorrect. Dont expect your engine to last long if its not replaced.



The front timing cover will start to weep oil in no time, I don't see any gasket sealant between the timing cover, head and block.

Andrew

[Fastroad]

^^^

The picture was just for reference and was not the finished article, all bolts where replaced with correct new ones and all gaskets replaced and sealed properly.

[Demlotcrew]

So the engine was built up, then stripped back down again replacing gaskets and adding flange sealant?

I think it would be a good idea when using photos to illustrate your point to add reference to all the bad points not being final. (If you even know there are any).