droptop e36 forever build

[Dano]

So to start it off, 1997 droptop 318i. I bought it last September and went through shit with this thing, I bought it off an auction with major vandalism all over the car. The interior was trashed and cut with a knife it looked like. The top itself was also cut & some dashboard components were also poked at with a knife. lol. Strangest vandal.

Well I got my tan leather seats redone by a buddy and ordered a brand new convertible top and headliner. I was pretty stoked with the build until I got to the mechanical issues I did not expect. Im also not really familiar with german cars. Help will be appreciated
I replaced so much shit on and around the motor and still have issues, most recent one is my car is overheating, so I replaced my thermostat and waterpump assuming that was the issue. But no, still overheats after car is turned on for about 30 mins. I don't what could be next, maybe replay radiator fan relay? Because I noticed my fan doesn't turn on for some reason.

This car has very low miles, 82,xxx only which surprises me that im having all these issues with it, I've literally replaced a lot of shit on this this, from gaskets, little ring gaskets, oil leaks. Is this normal for a e36? I don't even drive this that's what pisses me off. haha. Everytime I take it for a spin around the block something either breaks or starts leaking.
I need your guys input on my e36 what are the deal with these.? Should I expect more common problems that this have. What should I look out for. Does every e36 owner deal with this shit or am I the only luck one with a shitload of problems in one car.


I had big plans to stance it out and invest, now I just have doubts.
here are some pics sorry for the crappy quality snaps.

[99sil-teg]

E36's have cooling issues, they are well-known for that fact. If the fan isn't spinning replace the relay, E30's have the same issue. Does it cool down if you drive it? or does it just keep getting hotter no matter if you are at an idle or driving.

E36's are great cars once you get the bugs worked out.

[Dano]

E36's have cooling issues, they are well-known for that fact. If the fan isn't spinning replace the relay, E30's have the same issue. Does it cool down if you drive it? or does it just keep getting hotter no matter if you are at an idle or driving.

E36's are great cars once you get the bugs worked out.

It keeps climbing, so I cant drive it for more than 30 mins. I was thinking the same thing about the relay but wasn't sure and just noticed today that my fan didn't turn on.
issues everytime I drive it. will it ever end. lol

[MrViicc]

interested to see where this goes, i love e36's though i have no experience to be able to help you sorry. hope you get all the kinks sorted out without breaking the bank to leave room for some wicked mods

[99sil-teg]

Have you cleaned out the radiator? With low miles there is a chance it sat for awhile. I'd try flushing it if you haven't and also replacing the relay and see if that helps. Cooling issues suck, I had to deal with it when I first got my 2002.

[Dano]

interested to see where this goes, i love e36's though i have no experience to be able to help you sorry. hope you get all the kinks sorted out without breaking the bank to leave room for some wicked mods

thanks for the support bro,
this body style is one of my favorites but the issues just kick my ass.
makes me want to sell it and carry on.

Have you cleaned out the radiator? With low miles there is a chance it sat for awhile. I'd try flushing it if you haven't and also replacing the relay and see if that helps. Cooling issues suck, I had to deal with it when I first got my 2002.

Ive flushed my whole cooling system starting from my radiator and block plug drain also.
Put in fresh 50/50 prestone antifreeze and no positive results.
Ill go for the relay tomorrow.
Bimmers are a bitch to mingle with aren't they? first e36 rebuild not going so smooth.

[2bsolut]

I`m jelly, wish I had a cabrio On the sudject of overheating : It`s weird that you have such a problem with a four pot, usualy six pot have the overheating issue. Hope you figure it out. And even weirder is the fact that you have imho one of the most reliable cars I have come across and have such problems. :O I have the same basic engine as you and it`s hell of a bombproof, it has never left me on the side of the road. Have you tried switching the radiator ? You should try a radiator from a r6 engine, should fit one on one. The vent is only needed when sitting in traffic jams on a hot day, at cruising speeds the radiator is more than enough to cool the engine.

[Zic]

In what shape is the mechanical fan?
When you spin it by hand, (and engine off) Does it keep spinning, or is there resistance in it?
If it's spinning freely then its shot, and you need a new one.
The M42/44 are great little engines, but if you have already overheated it a few times then you might look into changing the head gasket. Take out all the sparkplugs and look if a piston is really clean, it might indicate that the coolant is getting in that chamber.

[Earl]

E36's with m42/m44 engines are known for timing cover oil leaks. It seems like your previous owners didnt keep up on basic maintenance. My e36 has been my most reliable car and has never left me stranded =)

[Jlyons617]

Didn't E36's have the plastic water pump impeller? could the water pump be spinning but the impeller not be moving?

[2bsolut]

He replaced the waterpump. But yes some have plastic impellers, but you can by a brand new one with a metal impeller.

[Dano]

I`m jelly, wish I had a cabrio On the sudject of overheating : It`s weird that you have such a problem with a four pot, usualy six pot have the overheating issue. Hope you figure it out. And even weirder is the fact that you have imho one of the most reliable cars I have come across and have such problems. :O I have the same basic engine as you and it`s hell of a bombproof, it has never left me on the side of the road. Have you tried switching the radiator ? You should try a radiator from a r6 engine, should fit one on one. The vent is only needed when sitting in traffic jams on a hot day, at cruising speeds the radiator is more than enough to cool the engine.

(it a love **** relationship with this e36) haha so much little shit going out.
That's what I heard that these four cylinder are pretty reliable but in my case probly one of the most work ive done on a car that doesn't even drive.
I haven't tried to take out the radiator, maybe I should not sure what I should do next but ill keep at it.
Do you think possibly my Radiator Aux fan switch went out, or maybe the relay?
I did a lot of research last night and it seems to me that e36 are common to have overheating issues.
Thanks for the input man, really apprciated

In what shape is the mechanical fan?
When you spin it by hand, (and engine off) Does it keep spinning, or is there resistance in it?
If it's spinning freely then its shot, and you need a new one.
The M42/44 are great little engines, but if you have already overheated it a few times then you might look into changing the head gasket. Take out all the sparkplugs and look if a piston is really clean, it might indicate that the coolant is getting in that chamber.

The mechanical fan didn't spin too freely makes a clicking noise. Like a grandfathers clock. Ill take it apart again today and spin the fan to double check if that's the case.
But it went once to the redline on the temp gauge so not sure if that could've busted a head gasket. hope not, but ill definitely check on the also.
Thanks for the help man

E36's with m42/m44 engines are known for timing cover oil leaks. It seems like your previous owners didnt keep up on basic maintenance. My e36 has been my most reliable car and has never left me stranded =)

So a theirs a timing cover gasket that leaks also?
Ive replaced my oil filter 0-ring and gasket because it was leaking and also my valve cover gasket. Seemed like it stopped the oil leaks for now. motor is kinda dirty so cant really tell. seems in good shape now though, no drips of oil on the garage floor
Im don't know who the previous owner was because I bought it off an auction in Seattle and got it towed here to Portland, but it looks to me it was owned by a girl because of the massive huge as nail clips or what ever you call those things. really nasty, also lipstick stains on the carpet

Didn't E36's have the plastic water pump impeller? could the water pump be spinning but the impeller not be moving?

Yes the e36 water pump have a plastic impeller and I did replace that so in that field im set.

[Dano]

I replaced my water pump and forgot to mention when I took my old one off I discovered a piece of 1/2 plastic in the impeller just chillen! what the hell is that? have no idea how it ended up in their. I thought maybe the impeller broke but no, I checked it out looked fine to me no chips or broken off pieces.
pictures to show you what I mean.
this e36 project just likes to surprise me every time

[MarkOwl]

After you get that issue sorted, you'll be happy you own an E36.
Verts aren't my favorite (that's why I own Coupe) but they're still great cars and handle amazingly.
That 4 pot isn't fast, but it's strong.

Will be following for more updates, hopefully the next one will be better!

[Dano]

After you get that issue sorted, you'll be happy you own an E36.
Verts aren't my favorite (that's why I own Coupe) but they're still great cars and handle amazingly.
That 4 pot isn't fast, but it's strong.

Will be following for more updates, hopefully the next one will be better!

As im today I think I figured the over heating issue finally
Every time I take it for a warm up around the block I love it seems so solid.
It is pretty slow but still slides with a little throw to the side. I have the rear sport switch to lock the diff

Updates coming as soon as I get my new top glued and sealed then paint because exterior is scratched by a knife.