Firstfives.org

An 85 e28 and a 80/81 e12 have different part numbers so likely not a direct fit. Driveshafts can be professionally shortened though. I would think there are plenty of used ones out there. You’ll need the correct bell housing for the analog speedo drive if you don’t already have it. Yeah, my though...

If one obtains the Getrag 265/6 5-speed from an 85 535i, is that drive shaft compatible in the E12? I did some homework in the FAQs. Realoem seems to suggest the E24 of all years is a safer bet on the 5-speed driveshaft. The knowledge from owners of multiple BMWs is invaluable on interchange questio...

Your signature says 5-speed, so I assume you're just talking about power steering. I'm just running the current Dex/Merc as you mentioned for P/S fluid with no problems.

You might also check the availability of carpet for the E28. Seems like I recall reading some posts where E28 carpet was swapped into the E12. Mid sections of the two cars are very similar.

I replaced all of mine about 4 years ago with translucent silicone tubing. It should remain flexible longer and not yellow. The braided stuff is a higher-pressure version of regular vinyl tubing, as I recall. This isn't a high pressure application, so lots of choices. Even the silicone stuff can be ...

I spent years working on making my 77 530i run cooler. I've conquered most of those demons and have done just about everything listed in the FAQ. I currently run an all-aluminum custom version of the E28 radiator. http://www.firstfives.org/faq/cool/cool.html The aux fan switch is available in at lea...

I think you got it. I had a bad gas experience last year from just a 4 gallon top off . It took 5 or so tanks of premium and a can of Berryman's B12 Chemtool on almost every one to apparently clear the problem. I had a drain plug present on the tank added years ago, but considering this occurred on ...

I updated my A/C in 2006 to R134a. Everything outside the firewall was replaced; nothing under the dash was touched. On the compressor, BMP at the time sold a compressor kit for M30 engines - it included a custom aluminum bracket and a Seltec compressor, IIRC. I installed an increased capacity Al co...

Within the last 4 years, I've rebuilt the internals of all 4 doors: door gaskets, weatherstripping, window brushes, lubrication, nylon bushing replacement, etc.....That work also included installing Dynamat under the door cards instead of the vapor barrier. The Dynamat 1/16" thick rubber with a...

I've got an NLA "wishlist". I continuously sprinkle requests for NLA parts into my parts orders. I've seen a couple come back. I recommend we all keep asking if you're in this for the long run. I've been told in several conversations over the years that BMW does keep track of parts request...

Interesting. OK. When I purchased my radiator at Ron Davis 3 years ago, it seems like we were mostly talking about more tube rows than stock. Without some CAD images for reference, I wouldn't be surprised if we're somehow talking about the same thing. Anyway, I've been really happy with my radiator ...

Lots of design parameters, but I wouldn't expect large tubes to generally be the right direction. Surface area for heat transfer is important and fewer larger tubes reduces that. There's obviously a balance between resistance to flow and surface area when selecting tube size and count. I bet that's ...

Another trick I use to prime pump, adjust fuel pressure, or just trouble shoot is to use a small thin segment of solder (soft) and jump AFM pins 36 and 39, IIRC, on the FI harness connector to AFM. Solder is so soft you can then put the 7-pin connector back on the AFM. This has the same effect of op...

I retrofitted my 77 to use the late FI with the O2 sensor, but I'm pretty sure there is a reset switch that might need to be reset after changing the sensor. There is a reset switch on the inside of left frame rail on the 77 just under the driver - that box has a different purpose on the 77. Worth c...

Great. Glad it worked for you.