New owner, BMW 325iX Touring

[D.Martijn]

Another update on the Touring

After work this week, I sandblasted the CV axle housings and covered them in some primer. These are now ready to receive some black 2k epoxy.


I started degeasing the new housings of the TC which I intended to use, I later found out that I won't be able to use these so that suck as I put quite a bit of time in to get these looking fresh.


So turns out the TC currently fitted under my Touring is an early type TC, which has a smaller VC than the later type.
Because of this the (mainly the rear section) housings are also different. I was planning on swapping the housings since my VC is still good but the threads of the drainplug are stripped. I'll probably get the original drain hole welded up and re drill and tap threads for the drain plug.






So yeah, a little set back :p

[D.Martijn]

Today I got all of the cv's completely stripped down.
I carefully pried open the metal cup on the front inner cv's so I could clean them out completely. Everything it now taped up and ready to get blasted.
I also removed the CV joint of the rear driveshaft (which is specific to the iX Touring btw.)

I'll blast these after my work tomorrow and put them in primer awaiting some black 2K epoxy.


Also got started on the teardown of the spare transfer case. As you can see the VC is clearly shot as there was silicone all over the inside of the housing + rubber bits of the blown seals. I'll use the in and output shafts of this one as the splines on my original TC is pretty much stripped. I'll have a look at which chain of the two is in the best shape and use that one. I don't want to use my new chain as of yet.. Might get some more live out of this one right :)

[D.Martijn]

This weekend I started with beadblasting of the hardware and parts.
I used my small cabinet for the bolts and smaller less rusted stuff, on Sunday I went to my work where we have a big sandblasting cabinet and endless amount of compressed air :p

Was able to blast every part even the rusty brake calipers! ;)

Here's how I organize the parts after I basted them. After getting the plated parts back, I print the picture and lay every bolt on the sheet. Than bag everthing up. I did this also when I blasted every single nut and bolt from my 2002 Touring and didn't loose or forget a single bolts/nut/washer :)




There is still some pitting left but they dip the parts in acid anyway so shoudln't be a problem.




And everthing bagged up with plenty of WD40 on the bare metal




I also started disassembling the CV axles (front and rear). Next weekend I'll blast the supsension parts. Probably this week I'll start the disassembly of the T case(s)

[325e '87]

My sons car shudders pretty hard too. We are curious why so thanks for posting this. Always love your car , by the way.

[D.Martijn]

Today after work I stopped by the BMW dealer to get my new rear brake lines and the T case bushing.
I then started with disassembly the front strut housing. Still needed to remove the ABS sensors which were stuck, I left them soaking in some AF and acetone the day before. I finally got them free. They are in a whole lot better condition that the rear sensors. the rears are not cylindrical anymore.. Might look to get them replaced with good used ones.

Finally I will know what springs are fitted since there is a BMW part no printed on the front springs, I just couldn't read it fully. I've wanted to know this because mine sits a whole lot lower than my uncles iX Touring.


After being done with the sturts, I started with the transmission. I used some 450mm and 600mm long extensions and a 3/8" joint to get the torx bolts loose. I noticed the top bolt was missing, looks like someone already removed the transmission before. This made it pretty easy for me though :)

It'll need a degreasing and some new seals, other wise I'm gonne leave it as it still shifts nicely


And finally I removed the clutch and flywheel. The clutch was once replaced before as there is a LUK branded clutch set installed. There is still quite some meat left but I'll go ahead and replace it anyway since I have already bought a brand new Sachs kit.


Flywheel will need a resurface since there is some heavy grooving. Could this explaing the judder I have when slowly releasing the clutch?

[D.Martijn]

hahaha I'd just rather have strict smog laws and sunshine year round rather than snow and salt eating away at everything but be able to run a catless turbo whatever

anyways...good work! You may have mentioned it earlier, but are you upgrading the diff or just rebuilding to stock spec?

Oh yeah, that does sound good :)

Thanks, just a rebuild. New seals, bearings.. not sure if there is a whole lot to upgrade?

[wworm]

Thanks man! I don't understand what rust has to do with emissions though? :)

hahaha I'd just rather have strict smog laws and sunshine year round rather than snow and salt eating away at everything but be able to run a catless turbo whatever

anyways...good work! You may have mentioned it earlier, but are you upgrading the diff or just rebuilding to stock spec?

[D.Martijn]

Finally received my order from Leebmann.
Some OEM bushings, spacers, flywheel bolts...


After work I started on the teardown of the front suspension. Only thing to remove it the transmission. However I'm waiting on some long extensions I've ordered


Meanwhile I'll start sandblasting parts that need to be plated and disassemble things futher.

Also got my diff packed up in a wooden crate, ready to be send out to Hardeman Motorsports, a company in the Netherlands that is well known for their diff rebuilds.

[D.Martijn]

It really is unbelievable how badly that's rusted

I know right, coudln't believe it myself at first. Luckily the housing is a pretty thick chunck of metal :)

This is such a rad car/color combo.
That rust makes me so glad I live in the lovely land of strict emissions laws.

Thanks man! I don't understand what rust has to do with emissions though? :)

Good work!

Thanks!

[jeenyus]

Good work!

[wworm]

This is such a rad car/color combo.
That rust makes me so glad I live in the lovely land of strict emissions laws.

[econti]

It really is unbelievable how badly that's rusted

[D.Martijn]

Finally got started with the teardown of my suspension.
Still waiting on a few bits but should arrive soon, I first need to sandblast, plate/repaint the parts anyway.



In only a couple of hours, the whole rear suspension was fully dissasembled.
Still need to press out the wheel flanges, get the ABS sensors out and the rubber bushes.


While my brother help getting the rear brakes undone, I started removing the driveshafts and the finally the T-case itself. The previous owner made it pretty easy for me as the two top bolts were only snugged down :)


And a picture of my diff, looks like it was once used as a boat anchor..
The other side, where there is an oil leak looks pretty good.


Under side of the car so far. Tomorrow after work I'll start on the front suspension.


Also the bushings for the gear linkage and brass clutch pivot point arrived form Condor speed shop. Unfortunatly I had to pay some customs..

[D.Martijn]

Some more parts have arrived today. I made an order for all new bearings and seals unfortunatly one bearings is back ordered so they didn't send the package yet.

I also found a guy who's selling the inner ball joints for the front LCA.

Mainly parts for the front suspension, shocks, CV boots, outer ball joints...
Also the rear plates for the parking bake, brand Metzger autoteile. Very nice quality stamping.


New rear subframe


I also got a oil seal driver kit and blind hole bearing puller for when I refresh the T case

[jeenyus]

Nice Special Blend outerwear sticker on the table - been a LONG time since I've seen one of those haha

LOL this is exactly what I was thinking to myself! glad someone else caught it too!