Something seems to be missing...

[AV325i]

I bought a 325i last month and I'm trying to fix it up. I noticed the radiator is just sitting lose! There are no bolts attaching it to the frame. I'm guessing the previous owner took something off, but I have no clue what it is. The radiator is pictured below. How is it normally held in?



PS. I'm kind of new to these forums. Should this type of question be in the Drivetrain section??

[kronus]

Looking through this thread, there is a bracket that goes over the radiator and bolts to the rad support.

[AV325i]

Bottom Bracket?

Thanks! Is there also a bracket on the bottom, or does it hang from the top bracket?

[StereoInstaller1]

If you look down the sides of the radiator, there are 2 little nubs sticking out. Those sit in 2 little plastic buckets attached to the core support, then the upper mount does the rest of the job.

[AV325i]

Radiator bracket types

Thanks again! Does anyone know the years and models that will have the radiator bracket I need? The junkyard choices I have are:

1981 320i
1988 528e
1985 318i
1992 525i

Any of those work?

Also, what is the difference between a 318, 320 and 325? Just model year? What does the i, e, etc. stand for?

[StereoInstaller1]

There is a great thread somewhere that explains all the model numbers, I am sure someone knows where it is, but not me.

The bracket you need is on 1988~91 E30s with a 6 banger under the hood. I don't know about the 4 cylinders having the same mount or not.

[davenorton]

buy a bentlys, do the T belt

To AV325I:
three things to do,
1) buy a bentlys manual, its the only one to get. Forget hanyes or chilton's
2) join e30@yahoogroups.com. Great help, great resource.
3) Before you drive this car one foot, or even run the motor,either confirm the timing belt was done within the last 3-4 years or <60K miles, or do the job, or get it done

E30s are great cars to work on and fun to drive, welcome to the community.

[AV325i]

Timing Belt

I have no records from the car. It had several owners before me and was kind of abused at the end.

Is there any way I can tell if the timing belt was changed?

Thanks for the advice on the manual!

I will check out e30@yahoogroups.com

[Hallen]

Yep, two screws at the top and lining up the bottom bracket is all that is needed.

There is no easy way to tell if the timing belt has been done or not. If in doubt, do it. Also replace the tensioner at the same time. You are strongly advised to do the water pump and cam shaft seal at the same time.

[AV325i]

Timing Belt

Do you need to pull the engine to do the timing belt, or can you do it from the front?

I also have something making noise in the blower motor. I can see it from the front, but to actually take it out, do you need to remove the dash?

[george graves]

You can do it from the front. You'll want to remove your hood and radiator. You'll also need a 36mm(32?) fan clutch tool. I have head that is something you can actually get at a bike shop.

[Hallen]

Just put an adjustable wrench on the fan nut and whack it with a hammer. You'll knock it loose that way without having to get the tool. Remember, its left hand threads so it works backwards.

I don't know about the blower motor, but good luck with that.