535i engine rebuild

[Rik178m]

Ok so I can get hold of a 3.5 lt e34 engine for pennies but its done 215k!!! I know its been well looked after but is it worth reconditioning it or rebuilding? Could I do it myself?? Cheers Rich

[e30Alex]

Yeh you could do it yourself, just need a little patience, however, as iam in a simular boat to you, i would put the engine in and use it untill it starts losing compression etc. But only if its okay at the moment.

These m30 engines can cover huge milages as they are understressed in standard form, however they do need regular oil changes/regular maintenance etc. Good luck!Alex

[Rik178m]

Nice 1 sounds like a plan!!

[gareth]

if the coolant looks clear and the inside of the rocker cover isn't all foll of black goo then throw on a new water pump (they always seem to go, are a pain to get to in a E30 and cost about £25) and away you go

[DRIFTBOY]

The bottom end on M30s generally go on and on.
My 186,000 mile crank was way within tolerance and just had journals polished. The bearings looked fine but were, of course replaced.

Oil pump (expensive) was stripped and measured and was fine.

The top ends need a rebuild more often (but still do mega miles if cared for) as camshafts and rockers can wear. Oil spray bar can block (due to lack of maintainance) or even come loose - there was also a modification for it's bolts.

Heads can crack or warp so worth checking for that. If the head gets skimmed a thicker head gasket is available.

Water pumps are known to fail so worth putting a new one on.

Spigot bearing in the crank if the engine came from an automatic!


I'm still trying to get rid of an annoying rattle in mine!

Martin.

[gareth]

did the new tensioner etc not sort it martin?

[DRIFTBOY]

No!

I've just updated my main thread!

[gareth]