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Can somebody help me with a link to somewhere that can supply me a new set of pistons and rings and bearings for my 73 520?
Thanks, Doug

i found them at pelicanparts.com. in the e30 section. standard and oversized. they also do free shipping. which might help you ALOT !

I would think they would be the same as 2002 parts, which here at least are available from a variety of sources. Unless you confirm in advance, I would beware E30 vintage parts, there were several different heads over the years, I think E30's used significantly higher compression (9.3:1?) and there might be an interference issue with the dome on the piston and the head.

I have had very good luck with Pelican Parts and highly recommend them, but I wouldn't count on free shipping to New Zealand!

Mike W. wrote:I would think they would be the same as 2002 parts, which here at least are available from a variety of sources. Unless you confirm in advance, I would beware E30 vintage parts, there were several different heads over the years, I think E30's used significantly higher compression (9.3:1?) and there might be an interference issue with the dome on the piston and the head.

I have had very good luck with Pelican Parts and highly recommend them, but I wouldn't count on free shipping to New Zealand!

Sadly they are different to the e21 and 2002. The e12 had a different head and pistons. The e12 had a larger cc combustion chamber and dome top pistons and 46mm [from memory] intake valves.

Walloth and Nesch?

You've got to be careful of the guys on this forum. They love their e12s, but are woefully unfamilair with the 4 cylinder, which was (of course) the best of the breed!

Korman (www.kormanfastbmw.com/2002engines.htm) list the e12 piston as an upgrade for the 2002. It's got higher compression. You could try ASV spares (+61297258633) in Sydney. I know they have a set of 1st oversize pistons for my 520i (although they are different to your 520).

The rings should be the same as virtually anything made in the 70's (that's a bit of an exageration!).

Bearings are common to most of the M10 engines from 2002 to e30, so any decent engine shop should be able to get them for you.

You could try the local BMW club (www.bmwclub.org.nz). I'm a member here in Oz and we're always happy to help owners find a supplier who can help. There's some suppliers on their website (Bavarian Motors and Euro-Italian Parts) but they are both in Auckland.

If you want something exotic, my mechanic here in Sydney (Bavariacars) can source custom pistons in any compression ratio you'd like.

Like Pete said,

Cheers

Pete K wrote:You've got to be careful of the guys on this forum. They love their e12s, but are woefully unfamilair with the 4 cylinder, which was (of course) the best of the breed!

still are the best and they're coming back !

another option, http://motors.shop.ebay.com/Car-Truck-P ... %2520Parts

Thanks heaps guys! I may have found another motor, but it's from an e21 320 with the 121 [?] head and twin barrel solex carb. Hopefully that will fit? I am assuming it will, it has the four speed box [getrag 242 I would assume]. Hopefully that will do the trick, for $300nz I can't complain

Nice find! Should fit straight in. I assume it's an early 320? Just be careful of the later ones. In the late 70's, BMW decided to turn the camshaft in the M10 the opposite direction for some reason! I was bitten badly by that.

Cheers