Coolant in oil

[adam_torrence]

I recently bout a 1979 528i and did a top end restoration it had a blown head gasket when I took the head off and so I got the head remilled and rebuilt/ pressure tested after putting everything back together it wasn’t running and when I drained the oil allot of coolant was in the pan so I believe my block is cracked I will test more tomarrow but now I’m looking for a 3.5 bottom end.

[keehn]

Adam,

Depending on where the crack(s) is/are, you might be able to get it welded and salvage the block.

Please keep us apprised on what happens either way.

Mike

[tlake]

If you get lucky you might find an early, possibly Euro, block for a very reasonable price. An easy swap in for a very noticeable improvement in performance.

[Lock]

If you're looking for a 3.5, I'd recommend the e28 b34 block because it's a little thicker and also bolts straight in to your engine mounts. My e34 block cracked between a head bolt hole and the coolant passages and toasted the engine.

[adam_torrence]

I found a 86 635csi that had a rear end collision in a junkyard and got a m30b34 with a 5 speed for 400$ so I will do that swap now. There was a hole when I drilled out the broken coolant drain plug and retapped it I drilled too far and put a pin hole in my crankcase. I will be doing the swap now but I’m not sure what driveshaft fits with the 265 Getrag 5 speed but thank you all for your help