My first E30- '91 325ix 2-dr 5 speed

[NCTerp]

Just purchased a 1991 325ix 2-door, 5-speed. It has about 210k miles, has had the top end rebuilt, shocks/struts,fuel pump and lines, clutch, and loads of other stuff. Before it got out of the shop getting the timing belt replaced, they noticed a puddle of oil underneath- the headgasket is leaking. I haven't even driven it yet. I look forward to nursing it back to health.

[Link]

Well good luck, we look forward to pictures.

[tak7]

Welcome!
Post some pics..

[e30s50dan]

Also just picked up a 91' 2dr 5spd 297k miles

[NCTerp]

Also just picked up a 91' 2dr 5spd 297k miles

Cool! And I think you're just down the street from me. Well, 90 minutes.

[NCTerp]

The car is 350 miles away. I bought it having only seen it 3 years ago when I told the owner when he sells it have our mutual friend get in touch with me. He did, I bought it. I've never heard it run. Visited it in the shop last week while the timing belt was being done. When the head gasket leak was discovered I came back home to NC. I'd like to DIY the gasket but I don't know how to tell if it would be safe to drive. (Any thoughts on that?). It's probably been leaking a while. In any case, I'll get good pics when I see it next. Should be a week or 2.

[NCTerp]

Well I finally picked it up! 14 hours dragging a trailer yesterday. Here it is during one of the stops to check the chains. More pics and details to follow.

[packratbimmer]

The head gasket can develop a pressure leak about in the middle on the exhaust side. If it is leaking there, do a head gasket before driving it.

[NCTerp]

Upon closer inspection, it looks as if it is damp with oil pretty much everywhere on the exhaust side- not much- but a little. And yes- right in the middle. So even if it runs great and sounds good replace it? I think I'll do compression tests (wet & dry) to see what that tells me if anything. In any case it'll be parked until I decide on a course of action. Would high-res pics help y'all be able to tell what's going on?

[litu]

Cool more ix owner here, nice :)

[EyExR]

Nice find!

Yup. Do a compression test.

Maybe re-torque the head bolts/nuts?

[NCTerp]

Nice find!

Yup. Do a compression test.

Maybe re-torque the head bolts/nuts?

Actually I've seen where some people replace their head bolts. Apparently there is a sequence to remove and replace one at a time in a particular order. Gotta read up on that.

I took some pics, and I've made a list to start work on. First and foremost- fixing the lock on the drivers door. The PO said he got tired of the car automatically locking him out (???) so he disconnected the electric door locks. I can turn the key in the trunk and I hear noise at both doors but neither locks or unlocks. And the keyhole is stuck horizontal on the drivers side. I'm headed to the beach at the end of this week so it'll probably be a while til I do anything on it. Meanwhile I picked up some parts- left rear lens assembly (currently broken), etc.

[NCTerp]

More detailed pics

I plan on documenting the things I'm doing to the car for my own benefit, and if anyone else finds it or use or can add input, great.

Here are a couple more pictures. Haven't made the time yet to do the compression test or look closer at the head gasket issue. Still haven't changed all the fluids.


So the to-do list:
- Clean in and out, including under hood.
- Check compression/Determine how bad the head gasket issue is- probably do head gasket, send head to machine shop, etc.
- Replace All fluids
- Make the OBC work- upgrade to 13-button with turn signal controls?
- Replace carpet
- Repair door locks (get rebuild kit, reattach actuators, etc) Using this as a guide: http://www.billswebspace.com/BMWE30D...derRebuild.htm
- See if I can get passenger seat redone to match already repaired driver, or look for a solution to redo both the same
- major recondition of rear seat leather
- A/C blows cool not cold- I think it's still R12, research options for updating.
Lots of other little issues.

[barbierij]

The 6 button OBC light is super easy to replace. Take (pry with something soft) the trim off and it will expose the two clips for the OBC. I'm in not at a PC so no pics. Search for 6button OBC removal.


Good luck!

Sent from SPACE using Tapatalk 2

[NCTerp]

The 6 button OBC light is super easy to replace. Take (pry with something soft) the trim off and it will expose the two clips for the OBC. I'm in not at a PC so no pics. Search for 6button OBC removal.


Good luck!

Sent from SPACE using Tapatalk 2

Thank you! Yeah I've gotta find a 13 button obc with the turn signal. At least from what I read that's all I need. I did see a post about seeing exactly what wiring harness is required- gotta brush up on that so I know I'm getting the proper parts.