E36 m3 3.0 problem

[ClassicB]

Hi Guys, I am new on the forum and need help with an E36 m3 3.0lt i purchased about a month ago.

When i bought the car i was told the it lacked power because it needed a new crank sensor. I yook delivery and about 3 days later i took it to my mechanic. His diagnosis equipment picked up camshaft sesnor, at this stage the car couldnt hold rev and would switch off after 5sec.

So I left the car there and the mechanic changed the camshaft sensor and the car then refused to start, so he then did the valve timing which he said was way out, but the car still wouldnt start. Next he tried changing the crank sensor but still nothing.

Now after 6weeks he has done a compression test and says the compression is very low. So i asked why he said it could be bent valves, he said he will strip the head and check and then qoute me.

The car cranks but just doesnt start. My excitement for this car is now dying slowly, but still have hope and i am just waiting for his call tomorrow.

Can anyone help and advise what costs i can expect with bent valves, cost and labour wise?

 

[hennie]

:cursin:mechanic sounds useless and just raping your wallet

 

[STREETRACER]

as him if he has a vanos tool???
If he opened up your cams and not locking the vanos HE BENT YOUR VALVES!!!!

 

[calypso]

Who is this mechanic?

 

[ClassicB]

The guys name is Clem of East S.A Motor works, in Benoni, supposed to be a Bmw specialist.

He did say he bought a tool when he was doing the valve timing, but dont know what tool it was, and he said somebody had tampered with it before because the timing was completely out.

 

[///MOS1TED]

Hey dude , you sure its not the idle control valve ?

Very common problem easily mistaken for the camshaft sensor.

 

[ClassicB]

Not sure, but i will ask him to check, thanks

Would the idle control valve cause the car not to start and have no compression?

 

[///MOS1TED]

Idle control valve will not cause the no compression part...

But i have seen cars that were unable to start cause of it.

With the compression test done , what are the readings , which cylinder is firing etc?

 

[ClassicB]

He says he has done a compression test and said it should be around 1200, but the figures he showed me were 400, 250, 800, and so on.

 

[///MOS1TED]

he is talking utter nonsense...call me i pmed you my number , i will explain why

 

[ClassicB]

I didnt get the Pm. Willing to listen, because i do get the feeling i am being jerked around by my mechanic.

 

[///M335]

most common prob is the vanos, check it out

 

[50/50]

@ Prini

Call Chris cell no 0723716491,top ///M mac

 

[calypso]

The guys name is Clem of East S.A Motor works, in Benoni, supposed to be a Bmw specialist.

He did say he bought a tool when he was doing the valve timing, but dont know what tool it was, and he said somebody had tampered with it before because the timing was completely out.

Thats the problem. Since Gunter retired I just take my car to the dealer for everything. Too many cowboys out there that think they know what they doing but dont.

 

[Ricky318i]

if you still have problems, pm me. I know a competent mechanic who is an ex-BMW technician, but he owned the same car you have.

 

[Mamba]

walk away from this car and please post the VIN here that we can avoid her as well..
after six weeks and after he adjusted "way out timing", hmmm

 

[ClassicB]

Update:-
Luckily didnt listen Mamba!

Took the car away from my useless mechanic. Towed it to Savspeed, got it back today running great.

The other guy mixed up the sensors and put the tensioner chain wrong and he wanted to charge me for bent valves when there were none.

Thanks Savspeed!!! Great service!

 

[Jandre]

Happy ending. Awesome. Now go and put some pictures up. We want to see your car.

 

[zabbo]

Also post more details about the mechanic used sothat others don't make the same mistake and use that useless ### :hammerhead:

 

[George Smooth]

Very happy ending and thumbs up to Sav for not taking the normal gap mechs take of ripping people off.