BMW E36 320i M50B20 1991(LHD) Overheating

[ryan2560]

Good day,

I am the owner of a a BMW E36 320i M50B20 1991 model (non vanos). With utter sadness I am in a situation where my car is still overheating after being worked on by Steven Miller(ex Forsdicks mechanic) as well as Zeemax Cape Town.

After having to replace the waterpump, thermostat with housing and radiator, BY BOTH mechanics, my car still overheats and Zeemax now tells me the head needs to be done. When i first took the car there, I told them what was replaced and that they must check the head. So now after they did R11500 work on the car( replacing like-new part, which i cant believe would be faulty), they told me the head needs work.

I have lost all trust in mechanics and would really like some advice as to what i should do about my situation. I'm quite attached to this vehicle regardless of the cosmetic state, it's been in my family for over 15 years. Also, running out of finances to have Zeemax do the job as they now suggest (R15000 to do the head). Am i better off doing a Lexus conversion on my car? Is taking the head off something i can do myself with my BMW motorcycle mechanic cousin? Is it worth the effort and work? I need a more financially fitting solution.

 

[wikked]

Problem Identified: Zeemax

Take your car elsewhere.

 

[ryan2560]

Problem Identified: Zeemax

Take your car elsewhere.

So i've been told, thanks...

 

[Lizzard]

Here is a complete engine for R8500

http://www.engineden.co.za/index.ph...bmw-320i-e36-non-vanos-206-s1-detail?Itemid=0

Dont let these people do you in, that is a lot to spend on a motor and then the parts you replace most probably wasn't necessary as this sounds a lot like guess work

 

[Zound]

Do a compression test on the engine and see if any of the cylinders are leaking through.

 

[Nikhil]

Zeemax is a complete screw-up. Take your car to Garage 808 they have a good rep amongst forum members.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

Zeemax is a complete screw-up. Take your car to Garage 808 they have a good rep amongst forum members.

+ 100000000000

 

[Donovan2412]

Zeemax is a complete screw-up. Take your car to Garage 808 they have a good rep amongst forum members.

They don't work on E36s anymore.

I suggest Brilliant Mechanical Workshop.

 

[wikked]

To add my 2c

1) Is the car worth reviving? Objectively, not emotionally
2) Engine swaps such as a Lexus V8 are neither cheap nor easy, and the cost of which probably outweighs the total value of the car at present

 

[ryan2560]

To add my 2c

1) Is the car worth reviving? Objectively, not emotionally
2) Engine swaps such as a Lexus V8 are neither cheap nor easy, and the cost of which probably outweighs the total value of the car at present

I'd like to restore it if possible, is buying and fitting a replacement engine as Lizzard suggested advisable? engine price at R8500.

 

[wikked]

To add my 2c

1) Is the car worth reviving? Objectively, not emotionally
2) Engine swaps such as a Lexus V8 are neither cheap nor easy, and the cost of which probably outweighs the total value of the car at present

I'd like to restore it if possible, is buying and fitting a replacement engine as Lizzard suggested advisable? engine price at R8500.

If you're doing this on a shoestring budget and plan on cutting corners, no

 

[ryan2560]

To add my 2c

1) Is the car worth reviving? Objectively, not emotionally
2) Engine swaps such as a Lexus V8 are neither cheap nor easy, and the cost of which probably outweighs the total value of the car at present

I'd like to restore it if possible, is buying and fitting a replacement engine as Lizzard suggested advisable? engine price at R8500.

If you're doing this on a shoestring budget and plan on cutting corners, no

Well if i can know the estimated budget then i could plan accordingly, alternatively, how much could i sell the car for as is?

 

[Stephanv]

:sorry:

you would be lucky to get anything from 15-20k

 

[wikked]

:sorry:

you would be lucky to get anything from 15-20k

Non runner with bits missing and that kind of rust? closer to 10k.

Fixing it will cost you a minimum of 10k, you don't know what else might need to be replaced

 

[CinZano]

How much for the steering wheel?:rollsmile:

 

[Stephanv]

Jip parting it out might yield better money

 

[Donovan2412]

Jip parting it out might yield better money

You're gonna struggle to sell some interior bits due to LHD.

 

[ver328i]

Is taking the head off something i can do myself with my BMW motorcycle mechanic cousin? Is it worth the effort and work? I need a more financially fitting solution.

yes...seeing as though its already in the state it is, I would attempt to give it a once over before sending it to another "mechanic." look for any blockages, signs of oil mixing with water etc the simple and often not so obvious things before taking the head off. if nothing is out of place, take the head off and have it pressure tested. If you have the time, this is a worthwhile approach as you might just be able to save the car at a fraction of that R15k. The M50 is not the most complicated motor to work on and theres plenty of spares and guidance around

 

[ryan2560]

How much for the steering wheel?:rollsmile:

HAHA, sorry but i'm not willing to sell the steering wheel. There's so many people wanting this steering wheel LOL

 

[CinZano]

Thought as much...hold on to itraise: