Found a gem for $2k - project restore

[nadodude111]

Was searching FB marketplace for e46 rims but the listing for this car popped up. Seller wanted $2.5k for it since he blew the engine. Went to look at it within an hour of the posting and bought it on the spot for less than asking. He said someone was on their way from Houston with a uhaul to grab it lol.

Car is actually in great condition aside from the motor. Absolutely no rust, spent its whole life in Arkansas and then came to Texas last August. It even has the original window sticker. Interior is messy but the leather isn’t cracked and even the top of the rear seats is fully intact with no ripping.

He didn’t know what happened but said he was driving and the oil pressure light came on and ran out of oil. We tried to start it and it made the ugliest, loud metallic sound.

So far we got it to the shop and removed the valve cover. Valves are completely burnt and the motor only half turns then locks when trying to spin it. We’re thinking rod bearings or pistons locked. There’s also lots of oil in places it shouldn’t be.

We already found another B25 that we’ll grab tomorrow.

Fun fact, the build date for this car is 2/17/1992 and I bought it yesterday on 2/17! Exactly 33 years later. Also, while I love the Mauritius blue on my e30, I’ve always thought e30s looked best in granite silver because it highlights the muscular hard lines. That said, the uniqueness of the 92 has me conflicted if I want to keep or sell it but either way I’m excited to play with this project for now.

[uturn]

Awesome!
congratulations on your latest acquisition!

[iXBeater]

That's a pretty great deal - Congrats!

Hell - the wheels are worth at least a third of what you paid for the whole car

[BAlbertiX]

Killer deal, and great color, congrats. Head looks roasted like an old oven. Looking forward to seeing what the oil pan has collected. I'm betting on spun bearings too.

[nadodude111]

Wow things are moving a mile a minute. Pulled the one and only M20 at the junkyards here in Austin in 25 degree weather lol.

Looks like it was rebuilt as everything on it is new. We wanna get the car running by the weekend so we’re just gonna check the timing belt, put a new oil pan gasket, valve cover gasket and oil filter and drop it in. Then decide what else needs to be done to it aside from timing belt.

[uturn]

Wow things are moving a mile a minute.

1 mile per minute = 60 mph

You're getting passed by all the other traffic on 71. Get out of the left lane you slo-poke 😀

[MrBurgundy]

The world is healing

[nadodude111]

1 mile per minute = 60 mph

You're getting passed by all the other traffic on 71. Get out of the left lane you slo-poke 😀

haha that’s about as fast an M20 will go Texas neighbor!

[nadodude111]

Update:

Got the toasted motor out. One of the bearings was completely snapped and sitting in the oil pan. Oil was super thick. Perhaps the oil pump stopped working and the guy drove it without lubrication. Either way, we got it out and are cleaning up the new motor to drop in. Need to order a new oil pump and some seals.

car also came with the back window cover!

[nadodude111]

So here’s a lil update of things that we’ve done and some pics. Really pleased with how it’s coming out.





- new rear view mirror
- new OBC led light bar, new OBC
- fixed antenna
- central locking and all lock cylinders work like new
- Interior Lights in dash, cluster, console
- New check panel, button was broken
- Replaced S.I. board batteries
- new drivers side headlight
- New fog lamp bulbs, they were burned out
- New visors, old ones were broken and hanging
- Window adjustments, they didn’t close all the way/gaps
- Side window seals
- Fixed glove box, was hanging/broken/detached
- Windshield washer system- new t valve, was clogged before and wouldn’t spray
- new wiper blades
- New voltage regulator for alternator, car would die while driving, wasn’t enough voltage to charge battery
- New battery w/correct sizing. Old one was too big and high voltage
- New Air flow meter boot, old was torn and cracked
- New fuel pump oring seal
- New crankshaft position sensor - old one failed and car wouldn’t start
- New motor from donor car with new
* Engine oil pump
* Rear main seal
* Oil filter housing gasket
* New intake manifold gasket set
* New exhaust manifold gasket set
* Oil level sensor o ring
* Oil pump return tube o ring
* Engine mounts
* Oil pan gasket
* Valve cover gasket
* Oil filter
* Alternator, power steering and AC belts
* New distributor cap and rotor
* New spark plus
* New air filter

[nadodude111]

[2mAn]

Amazing!

As MrBurgundy said, the world is healing! E30s are getting their second chances and this one looks great. Funny how much better they look with Stock Wheels than the larger ones.

Are you going to run it with the unknown timing belt? I didnt see that in the long list of stuff you've done

[Mike36]

Super clean, congrats. Fun fact, e46 oem chrome exhaust tips fit the e30 mufflers perfectly. There's a longer and shorter one and slide right on. I see them at the pyp's all the time.

https://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-22562-18107511433-genuine-bmw-part/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwktO_BhBrEiwAV70jXsXdxn73R0Bt83UHK_HDxLLEMUCyXBI_c3ij57iQTOjAiF2QwB05VBoCpx4QAvD_BwE

[nadodude111]

Amazing!

As MrBurgundy said, the world is healing! E30s are getting their second chances and this one looks great. Funny how much better they look with Stock Wheels than the larger ones.

Are you going to run it with the unknown timing belt? I didnt see that in the long list of stuff you've done

great observation! The belt on the donor motor was brand new. We couldn’t believe it but it also came with brand new cap and rotor (absolutely no corrosion on the contacts), new wires and brand new thermostat and housing! It’s like someone did a tune up on the motor and then sent it right to the junkyard.

Set the timer to replace all of the above 40k from now.

[Panici]

Sounds like you lucked out on the donor motor!
Glad to see the car back on the road, nice work.