Help!!! I’ve killed my E30 M3......

Boo-Hoo-Boo - what no posts??

kevin wrote: Simon, Sorry to hear this. What revs where you doing when you lost power?

Aha - another one accusing me of over-revving her!

Well I wasn't see! I had just gone round a roundabout, and was accelerating onto a dual carriageway, and about to go from 3rd to 4th at no more that 4500, when it went bleah!

I was in no hurry - I was on the way TO work after all !!  

The real question is - is it really worth spending about £2K (at least) on a 19 year old car valued at £6K ??

kevin wrote: thepits wrote: Aha - another one accusing me of over-revving her! Simon, I appreciate that you are feeling a bit sensitive at the moment but I can't see where/how I was "accusing" you of anything. I was just hoping we all might be able to learn from your unfortunate experience. Where they able to determine what failed first and what caused it to fail?

It was a Joke Kevin, a Joke -   No malice meant - sorry.

"What failed First?" I've not actually seen the mess yet, so I'm working on what Steve has told me. He suspects the spring failed - after all it was probably 19 years old as I have no record of any engine work having been done. Possibly the car had been over-revved sometime in its past, even if they are meant to go to 7K(ish), and it just decided to let go at that moment .

I suppose I should have switched off at that point instead of going into 'limp-work' mode, but I'm being told that all the damage would have already have taken place, so I didn't make it anymore expensive by not breaking down, in the cold, on the slow lane of a dual-carriageway!  

On a better note, there is a possibility of a (cheaper than Nigel M) replacement engine via the the forum   - so watch this post!

kbannon wrote: sorry to hear about this - have you decided on what you re going to do?

What can I do?

She's worth **** all in it's present state - unless someone wants to make me a reasonable offer?

So what choice do I have other than find some money, find an engine, and get her back on the road I suppose!  

Nick wrote: Its not about values.. or no one would be running an old M3. It's about love.. If you can afford to then get it fixed up.. I would personally go for a rebuild rather than a replacement. .. and if you can really afford to.. Put the cheapest replacement engine in you can find so that you can still use the car while the original engine is done at leisure to the spec you want.. then swap the engines around again and sell on the other one.. it wont lose any money. Nick

Of course you are right Nick, no-one in their right minds would drive around in a 19 year old car except for love.

Looks like I will have to find the replacement, but as far as rebuilding the other one? I was thinking of stripping it and selling on the the unknacked parts - i.e. the bottom bit!

I'm told the rods could fetch £50 each, and the crank £250, so could get something back from this disaster!

(goes off singing "always look on the bright side of life, de-dum, de-dum-de-dum-de-dum....)

OK - I've looked at the damage for myself now - and wished I hadn't!

here's the culprit -

so the shim fell out and did this to the camcarrier -

 and this

and this to the head -

Also the inlet cam shows damage to the lobe.**

The valve stem is well bent, but there doesn't seem to be any damage to the piston.

Never-the-less at the very least it's a complete top end

**Someone said that on these early motors the Inlet & Exhaust Cams are the same and interchangeable? Is this true?

I might just replace the topend

if I can't get a replacement engine at a reasonable price

or does anyone know someone who could repair the damage??

Help!

Hello,

I have a complete rebuilt top end (Sept '87 build) sitting on the shelf.  Valves, springs, cams, cam carrier etc all included for £950.  All machine work and pressure testing accomplished by Ivor Searle of Sohem.  I can lap in the valves and assemble the head so it would be drop in.  If your interested I can send pics.  Installation can be arranged as well.  £1400 all inclusive (head gasket, o-rings, hardware, coolant, head bolts, labor).  New throttle body gasket spacers not included.

Something to consider though, installing a rebuilt top end on a tired bottom end can result in oil being pulled past the rings.

Hope this helps,

Jake

What!

No more offers of help!!

Where's all those E30 M3 engines when you need them???

grant w wrote: Simon, I know of a 215 engine for sale , I'll PM you the contact details ..

Grant - thanks for the lead - unfortunately that one has gone , never mind, he's asking around for me as well.

Any more offers, anyone??????????