New to the BMW

[beatup86]

hi there, my name is alex and im debating on picking up an 87 325 e30 for 500 bucks. the only thing is it snapped a timing belt and the bmw mechanic who owns it says its be easier to replace the head. well I found some for 100-500 bucks, but needless to say I have never worked on a bmw before. I don't know if there is anything special you need to focus on or watch for. but I don't have a vehicle right now, just my motorcycle.

sorry for the large intro lol, I guess im not sure A:what I all need, and B:if anyone in the st cloud area has parts for sale or would wanna hang out and teach someone.
im not new to mechanics, just to BMW. I was a helo mechanic in the military and worked on cars/bikes for ages now. just no BMW.

if you guys have any advice or whatever for me lemme know please, thanks and have a good night

[beatup86]

Well I decided to dive in. I gotta pull the head and I'll let you guys know how the bottom end looks. I'll be picking up a manual in a few days here.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[bmw325_num99]

Well I decided to dive in. I gotta pull the head and I'll let you guys know how the bottom end looks. I'll be picking up a manual in a few days here.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

You might be able to get a whole used engine for $500. Consider doing that instead of rebuilding the head or in addition to so you can keep driving your car.

[beatup86]

What do you mean? I just looked at the car yesterday and the head is already unbolted. It has 6 broken rocker arms. I'm purchasing a good head this week for 225 shipped. I currently don't have a car. The mech I'm getting it from is letting me use his truck in the mean time

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[bmw325_num99]

What do you mean? I just looked at the car yesterday and the head is already unbolted. It has 6 broken rocker arms. I'm purchasing a good head this week for 225 shipped. I currently don't have a car. The mech I'm getting it from is letting me use his truck in the mean time

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

If you have already started buying stuff ignore my comment. Ive never done a head replacement so I cant offer much help but ive done many timing belts so if you need general advice let me know.

If you are still shopping, maybe you'd consider the 2.7i head swap. This takes the "i" head and with a few modifications allows you to use it on your "e" engine. Gets you a bit more power.

[beatup86]

Well the car is an 87 325i, I'll keep in mind the asking you for advice on timing and stuff cause that always scares me.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

[bmw325_num99]

Ah ok. I assumed you meant e when you typed 325. Good luck man! This is probably nothing compared to the helicopter stuff you worked on. Have the crank and head set at TDC when you assemble everything of course (duh). I also like to manually rotate the crank 2 or more times after the t-belt is on to make sure I am not 1 tooth off (or more).

Do the waterpump, waterpump gasket, valve adjustment too while you are in there.

[bmw325_num99]

Ah ok. I assumed you meant e when you typed 325. Good luck man! This is probably nothing compared to the helicopter stuff you worked on. Have the crank and head set at TDC when you assemble everything of course (duh). I also like to manually rotate the crank 2 or more times after the t-belt is on to make sure I am not 1 tooth off (or more).

Do the waterpump, waterpump gasket, valve adjustment too while you are in there.

Oh, and put on a new valve cover gasket including the half moons

http://i1037.photobucket.com/albums/a451/atex_01/bmw/11121730229K.jpg