So when the engine in my '98 E39 540i 6-Speed clattered to a halt after 362xxx km on the clock, I naturally and instinctively said "this WILL be repaired ASAP".
She was towed home, the motor ripped out and duly opened and pulled to pieces, to find a dropped valve guide, 2 completely buggered pots, and one each of main and big-end had done enough damage to warrant a severe crank cut.
As the AluSil chambers could not be repaired (locally), steel sleeves were (very reluctantly) installed, and the crank cut. Unfortunately, I could not find bearings to 20 thou ANYWHERE so, after 2 and a half years - yes, that is 24 months - and close to R20k - later, I decided to bin the old motor, and source a replacement. That led me to Bruce Craig's in Cape Town where, on 16 Feb this year, I purchased a donor motor. My car is a 1998/04 build, the donor came from a 1998/02 build. My motor had 363k on the clock, the donor had 159k on the clock. Bargain.
Problem is, when you start spending money on these cars, one tends to not stop. I wanted everything perfect, so over the course of the last 9 months - February to October - I have been "investing" (yes, I know it is not an investment financially, but it sure is an emotional investment) in "The Beast" so that she is back to what I want. I am almost there.
Herewith a brief summary of costs incurred. Must be noted that, before the motor transplant, I replaced virtually all seals and gaskets on the donor, as well as many other items. (I do have a very detailed list of EVERYTHING I bought).
So, after 2 years without, I now drive again. Just need to replace the damn AirCon blower unit now, that has died!
:cartel:
She was towed home, the motor ripped out and duly opened and pulled to pieces, to find a dropped valve guide, 2 completely buggered pots, and one each of main and big-end had done enough damage to warrant a severe crank cut.
As the AluSil chambers could not be repaired (locally), steel sleeves were (very reluctantly) installed, and the crank cut. Unfortunately, I could not find bearings to 20 thou ANYWHERE so, after 2 and a half years - yes, that is 24 months - and close to R20k - later, I decided to bin the old motor, and source a replacement. That led me to Bruce Craig's in Cape Town where, on 16 Feb this year, I purchased a donor motor. My car is a 1998/04 build, the donor came from a 1998/02 build. My motor had 363k on the clock, the donor had 159k on the clock. Bargain.
Problem is, when you start spending money on these cars, one tends to not stop. I wanted everything perfect, so over the course of the last 9 months - February to October - I have been "investing" (yes, I know it is not an investment financially, but it sure is an emotional investment) in "The Beast" so that she is back to what I want. I am almost there.
Herewith a brief summary of costs incurred. Must be noted that, before the motor transplant, I replaced virtually all seals and gaskets on the donor, as well as many other items. (I do have a very detailed list of EVERYTHING I bought).
So, after 2 years without, I now drive again. Just need to replace the damn AirCon blower unit now, that has died!
:cartel:
raise: E39 FTW
