Looking at a car with a snapped timing belt

[anabolice30]

So as the title says, there is a 1988 325is and the owner claims the car has a snapped timing belt. Says he bought it like that.

I know when a timing belt it can damage the valves, but I'm unfamiliar with the guts of an m20, and I'd like to know what exactly I should be looking at. I'm prepared to put a new engine in, but if anything this should help me knock a few hundred dollars off the price point.

So if someone has a picture lying around of bent up m20 valves I'd much appreciate it, google images yielded very little. Thanks!

[Todd Black 88]

New head

[2mAn]

Buy car for less than a grand, spend a grand on a Bimmerheads 885 and you will be a happy man

[AndrewBird]

If they timing belt snaps, there is no might bend valves, you WILL bend valves.

As others have said, new head at the very least. If a valve head broke off and bounced around inside the cylinder, then you need a new engine. Good time for a 24v swap.

[2mAn]

go into it expecting to have to buy a new motor, and definitely negotiate it that way. If he has the head off, then it might be harder if the bottom end looks nice, but either way...

[e30onBBSs]

once you buy it pull the head first obviously before you buy a new one. My friend snapped his t-belt and shattered a piston... it can be real bad. GL!

[101]

I agree with everything above.

Even at a low RPM timing failure and if the bottom end turns out to be OK, the force from the valves can break rocker arms, cause cracks in the rocker shaft and camshaft journals, bend rocker arm shafts and valve guides, etc. Always plan on at least a new head, and maybe on a replacement motor. You won't know until the head comes off what you'll be facing.

[TobyB]

You're looking at a car without an engine.

If, when you get in, you find usable engine parts, bonus.

t

[agent]

You're looking at a car without an engine.

If, when you get in, you find usable engine parts, bonus.

This. I'm sure RobertK has an engine or two around there.

[Jon325i]

A snapped timing belt could involve more than just bent valves. What condition are the pistons in? My last E30 was sold as a project car because when the T-belt snapped, a visual inspection showed a chunk of a valve embedded in pistons 2 and 4. In my situation a full engine rebuild was needed. This may not be the case every time, so thoroughly inspect what you can before making an offer. The last thing you want to find is more 'surprises' after you remove the head.

By the way, no fancy tools were required - just pull all the spark plus, put a large wrench on the crank hub, and slowly rotate. Use a small flashlight or probe light to see what's happening inside.


Jon

[anabolice30]

Thanks for all the info guys. Yea I figured new engine would be in order. Would not mind throwing a 24v in, or an m30, which is my dream swap.

[ThatOneEuroE30]

Thanks for all the info guys. Yea I figured new engine would be in order. Would not mind throwing a m30 in which is my dream swap.

I agree with this please buy and do this swap

[anabolice30]

I agree with this please buy and do this swap

Only if I'm promised financial backing in exchange for 30 minute "joy rides"

[aegul44]

If I were you, I would remove the head and see the damage. Tell her car needs new engine, lower the price, swap new engine.