89 525i rebuild [project 2]

I started this project a while ago as a HG and timing belt job however once everything was coming off I did not like what I saw oil and sludge everywhere. There was so much it was difficult to tell what was leaking.

Last year I replaced upper lower control arms, and tie rods. Also added eibach lowering springs and bilstien shock and struts. Rebuilt my calipers replaced the rotors and pads added stainless lines and flushed the system.

Replaced the subframe bushings with a homemade puller and a torch. Changed pitman arms ordered some new interior parts. I would still like to drop the subframe assy and get all the bushings back there.

So far I am just removing parts from the engine so I can get it out. the plan will be to have a shop clean, inspect, measure, and check for cracks. So as long as all the parts are good it will get some new seals, gaskets, and rings. The engine compartment needs to thouroughly cleaned.

New clutch and probably more as my list expands my parts washer will be getting a workout as most of the parts coming off are caked with sludge.

I won't be finishing overnight. I am in the Navy and I do sail a fair amount so only when I am home or on leave I can work on the car. I really do love the car it is fun to drive and many of my friends comment how good it looks for its age. It will never be a DD it is just my fun car to drive.

I am not looking to do an engine swap but if my engine is trashed or not worth rebuilding I may consider it. Where I live buying an entire donor vehicle is probably just as cheap as buying the engine from the local yard.

Now for some pictures.

It looks pretty good so far!

You just need to pick up some purple power to clean the exterior of the motor in order to find the leaks.

Just removed some more parts today the hood is ready to come off. AC motor and power steering pump are relocated out of the way all the sensor wiring is ready to be removed.

Talked too the shop today head work is going to be 175 cleaning,decking,valve grind, and tested for cracks leaks and straightness. Block clean is 50 pistons 85 plus another 150 for various parts cleaned. Also said he can look into getting me my seals, rings, and gaskets. I will give him a chance too see if his price is better than Pelican.

Decided on my new rims todayTires will be Goodyear eagle GT or yokohama Avid Invigor

Well I ordered some rejuvenator and cleaner from Leatherique to try and clean up the interior leather a bit. Also did some more engine disassembly took off the head and intake manifold off.

Tomorrow morning the engine lift is coming so I should have the engine completely out in a few days.

Some more photos

The engine lift is all together. Used it to pull the motor today. Put the motor on the stand. A few things to remember when lifting go slowly and make sure your transmission is completely unbolted. I found one still in after I took it out the rest of the removal was easy.

Also for years I have been turning wrenches but I figured with this project I needed some air tools so I purchased a compressor on sale and some air tools these were also purchased on sale in preperation of my project.

Tell you the truth I have to say the I wish I had purchased this years ago. Makes working so much easier.

I get to start the rest of the engine teardown so I can get everything off to the shop before I have to leave for work

make us proud my friend

Today got the rest of the engine apart it's going the shop on Tues. The cylinder head is disassembled. Basically tore the engine down right to the block. Everything looks good no scoring on cam or crank journals.

Looks like I need new exhaust valves but I may be wrong. The exhaust valves were really black the Intake valves looked much better. I might just order new ones I'll wait to see what the shop says.

Cylinder walls were very clean I need to measure the bore but there was no ridge at the top of the cylinder and piston removal was very smooth. Once I get the measurements and everything is verified ok I'll start ordering my parts.

I will still have an assortment of parts to clean. The engine compartment is getting a scrubbing.

Leaving next week for a couple months for work so I won't be going any further until the Fall as I said I am in no rush and I want to do this right so when I drive it again I can enjoy my BMW as it is meant to be driven.

More Pics