My E36 Experience
- Thread starter anxious
- Start date
-
Click here to become an Official Member of BMW Club Malaysia Download Form
8080pbmw
Club Guest
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2005
- Messages
- 497
- Points
- 0
Hi Anxious,
After reading your thread, it has made me a bit concern about the health of my engine. So I when to have the piston compression tested at Chu Seng yesterday and had the spark plugs changed while I was at it.
I get approx. 155psi for most of the cylinders except for cylinder no.3 ( 125psi ) and no.4 ( 145psi ). I think it's fine for my 9 year+ 152K km engine.
I also did a wet compression test out of curiosity and get 210 psi on no.3 , 4 and no.1 which was 155 psi on dry test.
I will dyno the engine to see how much BHP is lost after 9 years of sheer driving pleasure of which 5 years was with me.
Hope to meet you one day. I feel the pain too.
After reading your thread, it has made me a bit concern about the health of my engine. So I when to have the piston compression tested at Chu Seng yesterday and had the spark plugs changed while I was at it.
I get approx. 155psi for most of the cylinders except for cylinder no.3 ( 125psi ) and no.4 ( 145psi ). I think it's fine for my 9 year+ 152K km engine.
I also did a wet compression test out of curiosity and get 210 psi on no.3 , 4 and no.1 which was 155 psi on dry test.
I will dyno the engine to see how much BHP is lost after 9 years of sheer driving pleasure of which 5 years was with me.
Hope to meet you one day. I feel the pain too.
viewfinder
Club Guest
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2005
- Messages
- 598
- Points
- 0
Is that a coincidence here with piston #3 developing some amount of leaks? What's with piston #3... vs #4 where both are in the middle of the straight six.
I've not been very impressed with the said mechanic lately as well. Similarly car purchase advise, not really 1st class from a BMW specialist.
I've not been very impressed with the said mechanic lately as well. Similarly car purchase advise, not really 1st class from a BMW specialist.
anxious
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,363
- Points
- 48
Well thats the standard here in Penang. Anyway this is my first bad experience. Maybe the mechs dont bother doing a compression test. Had I known what it was I would have insisted on having one done b4 I got the car. Instead I did a Modic which showed nothing much.
In retrospec I realised that the previous owner really neglected the car.
When I got the car the mileage was 79895km.
There was an AAM sticker on it showing last service 19.10.2004 73569km.(2.5 years ago)
The service book shows the previous oil service was 14.8.2003 @ Auto Bavaria(69848km)
Now whilst this is a genuine 80000km car, and hardly been used, it has really been neglected.
Touch wood that apart from this compression thing it seems to be running well.
Well based on such a service record I dont think I have a choice. I have to overhaul the car!
Now top overhaul isnt that expensive but the piston rings are which is RM350 per Cylinder making it RM2100 in total.
I guess I'll be looking at RM4-5k. Thats provided that the head, piston and block are ok.
I am sure if the problem was more serious it would have shown by now. Well I guess the true test is going to be this weekend when I drive down to Ipoh.
In retrospec I realised that the previous owner really neglected the car.
When I got the car the mileage was 79895km.
There was an AAM sticker on it showing last service 19.10.2004 73569km.(2.5 years ago)
The service book shows the previous oil service was 14.8.2003 @ Auto Bavaria(69848km)
Now whilst this is a genuine 80000km car, and hardly been used, it has really been neglected.
Touch wood that apart from this compression thing it seems to be running well.
Well based on such a service record I dont think I have a choice. I have to overhaul the car!
Now top overhaul isnt that expensive but the piston rings are which is RM350 per Cylinder making it RM2100 in total.
I guess I'll be looking at RM4-5k. Thats provided that the head, piston and block are ok.
I am sure if the problem was more serious it would have shown by now. Well I guess the true test is going to be this weekend when I drive down to Ipoh.
anxious
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,363
- Points
- 48
Ok my 3rd compression results were ...
cylinder No 1 150
cylinder No 2 150
cylinder No 3 70 (up to 150 wet test 2nd wet test 120)
cylinder No 4 160
cylinder No 1 155
cylinder No 1 160
Now could I just change the rings for cylinder 3
piston rings RM350
bottom gasket set RM360
labour?
I know its not the proper way but what do u think?
The other compression seems ok?
cylinder No 1 150
cylinder No 2 150
cylinder No 3 70 (up to 150 wet test 2nd wet test 120)
cylinder No 4 160
cylinder No 1 155
cylinder No 1 160
Now could I just change the rings for cylinder 3
piston rings RM350
bottom gasket set RM360
labour?
I know its not the proper way but what do u think?
The other compression seems ok?
E
elwine30
Guest
in other words anxious, it's a full overhaul for your baby. 
, she willbe like brand new when she is done. You will love it.
, she willbe like brand new when she is done. You will love it.
anxious
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,363
- Points
- 48
Well there are different degrees of overhauls.
A friend suggested a comple engine rebuild with almost all parts except the block and head changed. Cost over RM15k. Thats an overkill. That even entails changing pistons.
What should a normal overhaul entail?
The basic parts I have identified so far is
Piston Ring Set
Top Overhaul Set
Bottom Overhaul Set
Cylinder Head Bolt
Whatelse should I look out for?
A friend suggested a comple engine rebuild with almost all parts except the block and head changed. Cost over RM15k. Thats an overkill. That even entails changing pistons.
What should a normal overhaul entail?
The basic parts I have identified so far is
Piston Ring Set
Top Overhaul Set
Bottom Overhaul Set
Cylinder Head Bolt
Whatelse should I look out for?
E
elwine30
Guest
anxious,
there is another method to do the piston ring. Option to do botton overhaul set. Jack the car up, remove the oil sump and drop your conrod + piston. Then do the piston ring and whatever gasket.
Check if your mech can do this. Just an option.
there is another method to do the piston ring. Option to do botton overhaul set. Jack the car up, remove the oil sump and drop your conrod + piston. Then do the piston ring and whatever gasket.
Check if your mech can do this. Just an option.
LCP
Club Guest
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2006
- Messages
- 725
- Points
- 0
Yes, that's an easier option, but whether it is do-able on an E36 or not... I know some type of cars need to have the whole engine fished out, even for a timing belt change. Anyway, I think BMW should have thought this over and over again during the design stage...
anxious
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,363
- Points
- 48
What a week it has been.
I getting sick and tired of this worrying and I'm sure u guys are getting tired of my ranting.
Anyways tmrow I'll be going to my in laws place in Ipoh. If all is well with the car I'll just keep the car as it is for now. All I want for now is a realiable car. I'll decide on what to do with the engine in the next few months.
Thanks for all your input. It has been very enlightening dicussion but the past one week has been just too distracting and I cant afford it to continue. Have a great weekend guys.
I getting sick and tired of this worrying and I'm sure u guys are getting tired of my ranting.
Anyways tmrow I'll be going to my in laws place in Ipoh. If all is well with the car I'll just keep the car as it is for now. All I want for now is a realiable car. I'll decide on what to do with the engine in the next few months.
Thanks for all your input. It has been very enlightening dicussion but the past one week has been just too distracting and I cant afford it to continue. Have a great weekend guys.
Lee36328
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 8, 2004
- Messages
- 2,610
- Points
- 0
Anxious, how was your Ipoh trip?
Here's an article that might be relevant if you haven't read it before...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Borrowed/mult_engine_rebuild-1.htm
Here's an article that might be relevant if you haven't read it before...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/Borrowed/mult_engine_rebuild-1.htm
anxious
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,363
- Points
- 48
Ok Guys ,
Time for Update.
Went to Ipoh Yesterday & Back Today.
On my journey there I pretty much kept to the speed limit maybe touching 120 at times. Jouney was very smooth. Even used the sport mode goin up Cgkt Jering and down. Really enjoyed it. Handling just superb.
On arriving Ipoh I realised that the slight vibration at D @ traffic lights still there and exhaust sound pom pom pom lightly.
Checked this morning water and oil level ok. No leaks except one drop of reddish fluid below radiaotor right side( looking at the car from in front). I think its brake fluid?
Drive back a bit braver. B4 tunnel could feel car a bit strained and feel very slight vibration.
On the way down from the tunnel realised that brake judder when applied at high speed...brake disc.
managed to do 140 ...quite smmoth . Toll to toll slightly abt 1 hr.
When arrived at toll booth and opened window to touch and go...could hear exhaust pom pom pom.
Anyway, at least I think the car is reliable for now. So I can slowly decide on this issue of engine rebuild and what extend I want to go.
I really dont mind spending some more money on the car provided it yeilds results.
Its fantastic at 5.5 cylinders ...imagine an overhauled engine with 6 properly running cylinders.
Thanks for helping me through a very stressful week and a special thanks to Lee. U hv been great Bro!
Time for Update.
Went to Ipoh Yesterday & Back Today.
On my journey there I pretty much kept to the speed limit maybe touching 120 at times. Jouney was very smooth. Even used the sport mode goin up Cgkt Jering and down. Really enjoyed it. Handling just superb.
On arriving Ipoh I realised that the slight vibration at D @ traffic lights still there and exhaust sound pom pom pom lightly.
Checked this morning water and oil level ok. No leaks except one drop of reddish fluid below radiaotor right side( looking at the car from in front). I think its brake fluid?
Drive back a bit braver. B4 tunnel could feel car a bit strained and feel very slight vibration.
On the way down from the tunnel realised that brake judder when applied at high speed...brake disc.
managed to do 140 ...quite smmoth . Toll to toll slightly abt 1 hr.
When arrived at toll booth and opened window to touch and go...could hear exhaust pom pom pom.
Anyway, at least I think the car is reliable for now. So I can slowly decide on this issue of engine rebuild and what extend I want to go.
I really dont mind spending some more money on the car provided it yeilds results.
Its fantastic at 5.5 cylinders ...imagine an overhauled engine with 6 properly running cylinders.
Thanks for helping me through a very stressful week and a special thanks to Lee. U hv been great Bro!
E
elwine30
Guest
Anxious,
It looks like you are having a misfiring problem. Check your ignation coil(s) or plug cables. ALso check your plugs and see if they are burned properly.
Brake judders means ABS is in place. You are good.
Red fluid means, power steering, gearbox not brake fluid.
Pom pom pom in your exhaust doesn't sound good Anxious.
It looks like you are having a misfiring problem. Check your ignation coil(s) or plug cables. ALso check your plugs and see if they are burned properly.
Brake judders means ABS is in place. You are good.
Red fluid means, power steering, gearbox not brake fluid.
Pom pom pom in your exhaust doesn't sound good Anxious.
..Anxious, your thread has been an enlightening diary of wisdom for all UDM owners in this forum...
...I do hope that eventually, your vehicle will be in the UDM capacity that it can be...
...Please visit AB...just to ask for an experienced 2nd opinion...on what to do next & as a way of giving you a balanced approach to how to tackle the health of both you & your vehicle, within plausible reason...
...Based on what you have shared with us, what with the vibrations & the exhaust, I'd like you to please check the following:
- frame of the car, yes, & that includes where the engine block is sitting on...!
- your axles..!...
...Kindly keep us posted !
...I do hope that eventually, your vehicle will be in the UDM capacity that it can be...
...Please visit AB...just to ask for an experienced 2nd opinion...on what to do next & as a way of giving you a balanced approach to how to tackle the health of both you & your vehicle, within plausible reason...
...Based on what you have shared with us, what with the vibrations & the exhaust, I'd like you to please check the following:
- frame of the car, yes, & that includes where the engine block is sitting on...!
- your axles..!...
...Kindly keep us posted !
anxious
Club Guest
- Joined
- Dec 9, 2004
- Messages
- 1,363
- Points
- 48
I found a drop of red fluid at the right side of the car in front under the radiator area.
As for my ABS, the light is on so I dont think its working. The judder must be the disks.
Plugs seem to be ok. What r the signs of of bad coil...but that wouldnt cause low compression in one cylinder would it? I still suspect the piston rings which would invariably mean U have to open up the engine. Arghh!
As for my ABS, the light is on so I dont think its working. The judder must be the disks.
Plugs seem to be ok. What r the signs of of bad coil...but that wouldnt cause low compression in one cylinder would it? I still suspect the piston rings which would invariably mean U have to open up the engine. Arghh!
