Just bought an E30

[Baxter0808]

Hey everybody,
so I just joined this site because yeah I just bought an E30. Always had an interest in them but never had a chance to own one until now. A 1990 316i that has a little rust, but mainly someone disconnected the rocker cover, exhaust manifold and started a waterpump change but never finished it.

So here is what I seek... source the parts for a rebuild? valves, seats, rings, gaskets, belts, and pumps.
orrrrr who can send me in the direction of an engine swap, as in help sourcing the stuff. I live in Bermuda so have pretty much no access to parts.

Newbie needing advice clearly

[roguetoaster]

Welcome to E30s!

The M40 you have is a snap to work on (timing belt joke), and that work won't take you long if you have the tools and can get all of the parts. Some things are difficult to find, but you should be able to get most of what you need.

While you are there do inspect the camshaft, and consider getting a replacement as M40s are notorious for premature wear. A new cam/lifters/rockers really gave my 318i touring a bit more pep.

Vendors:

https://www.schmiedmann.com/
fcpeuro.com
https://www.blunttech.com/

To reference what you need:

http://bmwfans.info/
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

[Baxter0808]

Welcome to E30s!

The M40 you have is a snap to work on (timing belt joke), and that work won't take you long if you have the tools and can get all of the parts. Some things are difficult to find, but you should be able to get most of what you need.

While you are there do inspect the camshaft, and consider getting a replacement as M40s are notorious for premature wear. A new cam/lifters/rockers really gave my 318i touring a bit more pep.

Vendors:

https://www.schmiedmann.com/
fcpeuro.com
https://www.blunttech.com/

To reference what you need:

http://bmwfans.info/
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select

Big help mate thanks!!! I am a bit nervous about that camshaft being they left the rocker cover unbolted, and of course even two spark plugs out. Guess my best bet is tear it down and take a look then order as much as i can.

[Echo30V]

Indeed, tear it down for a full inspection. As stated new cam/lifters/rockers will certainly breath some life into your new whip. Also take a hard look at the condition of the cooling system...water pump/therm/radiator/hoses. Change that timing belt.

[Baxter0808]

Are there many US based vendors for parts?
alot of the sites there is no option for a 318 or 316

[325e '87]

I’ve used Pelican Parts for when I want nice OEM components

Rock auto is the Walmart of parts ordering but I’ve had good experiences with them and they are low priced

ECTuning was good to me for coolant hoses and gaskets I was having trouble finding, they have pre assembled kits for overhauling systems on the car.

I’m not an M40 guy but I’m pretty sure these sites have parts filters for them. If not I apologize.

I’ve ordered a lot of little things through amazon too, very good experience for me but others advise against it

[Baxter0808]

ECTuning was good to me for coolant hoses and gaskets I was having trouble finding, they have pre assembled kits for overhauling systems on the car.

Did you mean ECS Tuning?

[Baxter0808]

Alternatively.. who can help or where can I source what I need for a M30 or even better an M50 swap?

[brutus]

welcome !
i have many 316 parts etc , , always radially available,