Newbie on this forum & just wanted to share my new project, 1972 Bavaria (E3). Some may ask, "why buy something that old?" Well, for 1 thing, it was too good of a deal to pass up. 2nd, I needed a project car. Lastly, it's a cool old BMW. Not too many people know about the Bav's innovative features during its initial release - full independent suspension & 4 wheel disc brakes. Goes to show how BMW was striving to be the Ultimate Driving Machine back then. Bought this 2 months ago not running. Previous owner said it just needed a starter. Inspected the fluids - no oil in coolant, no coolant in oil. Inspected the plugs - no signs of coolant. Looked underneath & at the side of the bottom end - no cracks or holes. Tried jump starting it. Ignition ON but starter wasn't turning. Towed it home. Seller provided new starter & all I had to do was install it. R&R'n it looked easy enough, but proved more difficult. Had to take out 1 of the carbs & manifold. Hmmm, 17mm bolts were PITA!! After numerous late night trips to Auto Zone, I found a combo box/open wrench that had thin walls to fit. Got the starter in, & a new battery too. All I had to do was turn the key. Where's the key?!! Looked everywhere, even at Auto Zone parking lot. No luck!! Bypassed the key ignition & hooked up poor-man's push-button start directly to starter. Moment of truth, ignition on, I hear the fuel pump sending fuel to carbs, pumped gas pedal a few times, pushed start, starter works, engine turns & fires up!! Well, let me add exhaust system to the list of parts to replace as I roll down the rest of the windows. Tach works though. I pump the brakes to check they're working. I press down on the clutch & make sure the trans go into every gear. I reverse & go into 1st. The car picks with no hesitation. I'm all smiles as I drive down the street. Go into 2nd, 3rd, & 4th. I'm down the windy road going about 50 looking at the speedo. For an old car, it handles quite nice.
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