Reunited and it feels so good!

[ACVC325ix]

Sooooo finally got all the exhaust bits sorted.
I had to remove the heads completely to get the bolt machined out so I went ahead and replaced all bolts, gaskets and even the timing belt while I was there. What a PITA!!!
But she is up and running. Having a little problem with the coolant system circulating properly but I think the worst is over....for now lol!

[ACVC325ix]

:d:d:d

[flyboyx]

The coolant circ. Problem is likely air. Did you unscrew the bleeder on the thermostat housing? What type of paint did you have sprayed on the car?

[ACVC325ix]

ahhhh that makes sense, I will bleed the system again this weekend. Thanks!

Its actually slate blue plastidip lol.
The diamond Schwartz was in terrible shape and I want to restore it someday but just don't have the funds ATM!

[EyExR]

Ya know I was thinking about that as I was tightening the bottom bolts from under the car.....guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there lol.

Not so simple but you can feed it all the way back toward the firewall and it will come out. Can't tell in the pic but you can use an M3 filter and make it easier... Also, when you tighten on the new one don't make it so tight that removal will be a pain.

[ACVC325ix]

Not so simple but you can feed it all the way back toward the firewall and it will come out. Can't tell in the pic but you can use an M3 filter and make it easier... Also, when you tighten on the new one don't make it so tight that removal will be a pain.

The E30 M3 filter fits the M20? That's sweet, thanks for the tip!

[EyExR]

The E30 M3 filter fits the M20? That's sweet, thanks for the tip!

Yessir!

[ACVC325ix]

I posted this question in the suspension section but wanted to ask here to see if there was anything IX specific I need to look at: I just started noticing this "rollercoaster" kind of noise coming from my front driver's side suspension.
I have no mods done to the suspension(yet) so anyone have any idea what this could be?
Cheers!

[ACVC325ix]

Is there any other possibility for this sound than the CV Axle?

[RevvE30s]

When you say roller coaster noise do you meean the clack clack clack of an old coaster or the more modern smooth roar they generate? First one would be a bad possible axle, roaring would be more likely to be a bearing.

[nando]

Oddly enough I've never heard an ix front bearing fail. It must happen, but I only did mine (at ~250k) because I was having new strut housings built with new hubs anyway.

It's probably the CV shaft I'd bet (if it's clicking/rattling). If it's a humming or grinding then it could be the bearing.

also for the oil filter you can clock the housing 180 degrees so the filter points forward.

[ACVC325ix]

Def clacking of the old wooden coaster variety.
I will drop the car off to a local CV axle rebuilder here in the very near future, hopefully it goes well.
Thanks for the oil filter tip nando!

[alloydix]

Oddly enough I've never heard an ix front bearing fail. It must happen, but I only did mine (at ~250k) because I was having new strut housings built with new hubs anyway.

My front left was making a ton of noise. Changed it when I put shocks in and found it to have quite a bit of play and I could feel it grinding when spinning the hub by hand. Not sure how many miles were on it though.

[ACVC325ix]

So FINALLY got the suspension sorted. It was the CV axle on the front driver's side that was the noise problem (PS I found a great Axle rebuilder here in San Antonio in case anyone needs it).
Additionally the drivers side Tie rod was warped, all 4 sway bar links were shot and the driver's side CAB was obliterated lol.

A Full suspension refresh later including koni sports and H&R sport springs and the car drives better than most new BMWs I have driven lol.