Firstfives.org

The head bolts are reusable however the rocker shafts and arms are not. Yes people get away with it but it’s a big risk. The biggest issue is when you pull the head you will need to surface it thus strip it.

Ok time to fix this thing... when you checked for vacuumed leaks did you check the paper gaskets? Where you using a spray like brake clean? When u use spray don’t go across the positive poll on the starter. I want you to check the color of your spark on all the spark plug leads. Grab a good clean sp...

If the problem is only when cold then its in the cold start circuit, however if the problem is always below say 3K RPMs then I would look at the air flow meter. The engine should rev slightly higher when cold to warm the engine. Another odd item that may affect it is a vacuum leak that seals when it...

Yes like a bad nickle I'm back!!!!! Life is full of surprises and after a job swap I need to upgrade the E12 to function as the worlds best REALTOR car!! While fun an exciting for me my nice free flow exhaust has to go. Back story: The thermals on my 78 530i were removed long ago for a Sthal Header ...

I would test spark next time it doesn't start. Take an old spark plug and put it in either the coil lead or a spark plug wire end. Rest the side of the spark plug on the valve cover so it gets a ground. DO NOT HOLD THE PLUG!!! spin the engine over and check to see if there is a spark and what color ...

the cyl. head wouldn't work. the distributer is in the wrong place, the size of the bore is incorrect and you would loose compression if it would even clear to begin with. the expense to rebuild the head is more then a good engine, harness and brain.

Sam

I agree the 4 speed bolts up, however you would need the shifter and drive shaft to do the job. then you would loose 5th gear and all you have to do is ask us 530i owners how much we love 5th gear when we do the upgrade. you should figure about 500 for the trans. if you can beat that FANTASTIC!! but...

Well as far as a bolt up goes basically any M30 will work (later M30Bs require a custom engine mount. think 533, 535, 635,735 etc. I would not recommend a 3.0L because they have bad oil pumps in them and a 3.5L is WAY better. If it were me I would upgrade the engine and the wiring (engine control co...

the shocks are basically as stock style so they are not performance. IF the springs are performance the easiest way to tell is if the front are loose when the assembly is remove from the car. sport/lowering springs will have a gap between the top spring perch when out of the car. If there is no gap ...

first and foremost welcome to the club. As far as the diff goes there are many on the used market and its not worth the cost to repair that one unless it was a limited slip. Remember metal in the bearings etc. The diff is the same on all the E12s, the E24 630 and 633 as well as the E9 coupes. the BA...

Just because you tasted the electricity does not mean that its OK. you need to check the color going to the distributor cap and then each plug wire. if its not white to blue then you have a problem. the issue could VERY well be the condenser, seen it happen many times. This test will tell you if you...

Well here are a few thoughts: check the connection between the AFM and the harness. it could have loosened and boom dead. unplug, glance for corrosion and plug back in. IF IM remembering correctly on this car the AFM does control if the fuel pump gets power. My main idea is to start with the spark. ...

There are a few problems with the M20 that your stuck with. the biggest one is trying to keep that timing belt in place on an engine with heavy mods. the other big issue with the M20 is going to be where the power band is. no matter how much of a diet you put an e12 on she will always be a big heavy...

BMW updated the part number to that of the e28. that's why it cross references in ETK ie realoem. my concern is has anyone used the new seals and did they work properly. BMW says lots of parts cross but experience has taught me differently.

Sam

The part you need to make the mod easier is the front sub frame from an E12 520/6.... O yeah I have one and the car is going to be parted out soon. However I do agree with everyone that the M20 isn't the right engine to use in the E12. the 3.5L M30s weight difference is more than made up for with th...