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So I've finally set up an account and fired up a thread after I bought my very first car.
I found a bmw 525i e28 from 1985 in absolute mint condition while I was at work (maritime man). I mailed the seller straight away that he had to hold it until I got back home which luckily happened.
It only has 116 000 km on the dail which is just over 72 000 miles for the imperial unit people here. 2,5 straight 6 m30b25 engine if I'm not mistaking.
The car had been sitting indoors for quite some time, the only things wrong where the left front strut which was rotten through, the handbrake didn't work properly and the adjustment of the headlights did not work either. apart from that all the car is fine with no rust at all. interior in good condition as well, it even has the old cassette player in there.
Anyway the first stage will be fairly easy, just working out the kinks if it has any and get it's paint job protected more. Phase 2 will be air ride.. I want to go straight for air ride and skip the use of coil overs. I'm very open to suggestions and tips on how to bag an e28.
And one question right away for those who'd like to help. It's at the garage now for fitting of the components described above as I was too lazy to do it myself at that point (just got back a week ago). What size rims works best for the e28.. especially when it's on air. looking at width, diameter etc.
SO here we go, My departure has been postponed a little while longer, my boss wants me on their latest ship so that should definately be interesting.
So far the where I started after i got the car back was mainly handling the rust and the engine stuttering and running irregular. All together the rust was a little worse than expected. here are some photo's of the rust I found on the bodywork and the work done to get rid of it:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545076559" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/15545076559_73e98a7dbf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15732508362" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15732508362_73e98a7dbf_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
that is all the rust after peeling away just the paint and other layers, below is after sanding it down and it looks like some bloke has had some work with metal filler on the door (look for the change in color):
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545514718" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/15545514718_00ab8cc5b0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
wheel arch which was full of filler, shots of before and after removal of the filler:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730966375" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15730966375_aeaa74e52e_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546121100" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15546121100_ef57a0624a_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545081089" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15545081089_857d3795b0_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
So after this small adventure a friend's father hooked me up by welding in a new plate in the door and making it rust free. the shear heat of the welding took care of the rest of small parts in the door. the door was however, bent after welding (0,8mm thick bodywork versus welding in a 1mm plate which was necessary for the welding to have enough beef to weld on):
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707218746" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15707218746_ae24135b8a_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729012871" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/15729012871_c540d224f8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707219556" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/15707219556_f3ed913703_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111551643" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7517/15111551643_6885b5c67d_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730938455" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/15730938455_2f293aca98_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545750817" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7553/15545750817_5d3c127518_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730939245" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/15730939245_72c228ce4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546092680" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/15546092680_7b18f39587_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
after this all the last picture shows the rust transformer i used to get into the steel for some extra protection. after that I had the car in the bodyshop for 2 days where they removed dents and resprayed the lower half of my doors and left arch. the wheel arch left had a full anti rust treatment, was sliced out and rolled over welding in a small plate to. the right side just got sliced and rolled in as preparation for bigger rims next term at home perhaps, this is the car after I got it back:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545557378" title="F by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15545557378_0f6ab979b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="F"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545556908" title="F by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15545556908_a769cbdc69_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="F"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545121469" title="F by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15545121469_3d67351332_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="F"></a>[/IMG]
I also found out that the gas tank was leaking, now it turns out this is a well known issue for e28's that the filler line and the vacuum lines are so close to each other that they pick up a lot of rubble over time and the metal will simply start rotting, here's a few pictures of the operation of replacing the fuel tank:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15732518732" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15732518732_b00a847024_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110994924" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15110994924_f7af2186ff_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
since the tank was silver in color I spray painted the bottom half in silk black:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110971724" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15110971724_f6c6be2df7_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
since the internals of the tank where in good shape I simply overhauled them with a friend of mine and fitted them in the new tank. here;s the old tank where you can clearly see the rotten part at the filling line:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110972194" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/15110972194_85f372e097_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
luckily the bottom of the car was clean as a whistle and rust free!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707223386" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15707223386_d14f4c0acd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
here's the new petrol filter to, the old one still had the bmw logo on it, so i'm not surprised that it's from 85' :
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707247026" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/15707247026_88b967dcc3_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
after fitting the tank and hooking everything up she ran like a charm for a bit, after that the sturttering continued which i will get back to later on, here's the result looking from eye height ( more or less):
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111126324" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15111126324_060b8960e6_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
It was a bit of a struggle with the exhaust to which i found a broken mount on the silencer. this is fixed and the exhaust will be renewed anyhow since this is a piece of crap one.
Now....
The stuttering of the engine can be many different things. turns out mine had a rotten out spark cable in the distributor cap. basically what was done is renewal of the cap (original bmw unit coming in at 129 euro's). renewal of the spark plug cable which wasnt that expensive. Other than that I checked and adjusted the valve clearance. this was a fun job actually!
below are a series of pictures in order of the story above :
FOUND!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545085889" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15545085889_80ea854453_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111004304" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/15111004304_cf3bbcdf11_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
due to the huge lack of proper tools in the house i bought myself a present:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15732513692" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15732513692_fe343526a3_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
dismantling the lot to reach the valve cover:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111558083" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15111558083_d06cdcc459_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545755947" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/15545755947_dc7ac9ea09_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
Dismantling the lot was very easy I must say, just keep track of the lot, it helps to have base knowledge of how engines work of course ( i've had a full engineer education on top of my nautical education, that's ships' engines where you can hide 5 of these cars in the crankcase) So this is a little more delicate and requires more finesse i guess. Looking up manuals on the net I found that my valve clearance should be 0,3 mm and the order of adjustment is as follows:
All you need is a spanner size 10, a pin to fit in the rocker for adjustment, and of course, feeler gauges.
then it's a matter of looking at the rockers and finding the right moment to adjust the clearances on the valves. the order is:
6 tumbling, set clearance on 1,
2 tumbling, set clearance on 5,
4 tumbling, set clearance on 3
1 tumbling, set clearance on 6
5 tumbling, set clearance on 2
3 tumbling, set clearance on 4
now basically the tumbling as i found the most suitable word most suitable for a translation to english means the moment when the valves on that cylinder will cycle from exhaust stroke to intake stroke. that's the moment when the other cylinder indicated is in the combustion stroke and both rockers are in "rest" position.
Doing so i found the clearance wayyyyy more than the indicated 0,3mm in the manual. but, all is set and done. this in combination with the renewal of the distributor cap and cable and new sparkplugs my car stopped stuttering and is running like a charm now! also added one bottle of fuel system cleaner after fitting the new tank. this helped a lot for the injectors and pump. I also set the load switch on the throttle body to the right position, this switch is only of and on and tells the computer that the driver is putting his foot down so the fuel management changes.
-le moment of adjusting-
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730944135" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15730944135_218f324325_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707227216" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15707227216_ff19b19b27_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
BUT as always, there will be some kind of set back which i encountered with mounting the new spark plugs. yessss of course, why not cylinder number 6 (which is a pain to reach since it's all the way at the gearbox side). the new sparkplug was going in, and without applying force to my spark plug wrench the lower half of the crown breaks of in my engine:
here's the fucker:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111583843" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15111583843_f3ce14fa3d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
So after a small moment of silent rage I went of to the store the next day to buy a set of these:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729046921" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8586/15729046921_5c782e5471_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
A nice set of left threads. now they work very well but the problem i faced was the risk of expanding the lower half of the spark plug before the thread could grab onto it, resulting in cracking my cylinder head. but fortunately, with paying close attention, working it in with a mirror and slow turning i managed to get the lower half out:
home made mounting for the left thread thingy:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545518618" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15545518618_6c00287210_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
and here it is!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111001354" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15111001354_66b1c7f6d8_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
that was the close heart attack of the day since the cylinder head is aluminium thus softer and more fragile.
Some other work done is the renewal of the trunk seal, where I was haveing a moment of euphoria as the edge of the trunk and the gutter where the seal runs in where completely rust free!
heavy stuff:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110995114" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15110995114_966acf8dac_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
makes you higher than a dingbat smelling that. pfffff
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545078949" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/15545078949_a83a7fb3f9_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
fitting and voila:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545513878" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15545513878_fa4d957113_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730965095" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/15730965095_c1bc5ae399_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
so after this all I added a nice classical feature to the car, side wind visors from climair. no more wind blowing in the face when the window is openend. and other than that I managed to get my hands on a original e28 cruise control set which i built in over a 2 day period at home. only visible diference is the servo motor in the engine bay and the extra lever on the steering wheel. Other than than I also dismantled the rear lights yesterday, fitting new seal rubbers and applied a sealant kit across the chrome/lens edge to make the lights waterproof again. And I renewed the hood insulation, lot's of folks drive around without it but it belongs there for some reason (keeps the engine at better temperatures in winter time for instance). the front sealing liner will be replaced next year as Munchen was out of stock according to the bmw shop.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545901348" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7479/15545901348_a5871ac1d9_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546101707" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/15546101707_f9a5a9dc51_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
cruise control stuffs:
wiring or the cruise control and brake & clutch disengage switches connected
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707646336" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7578/15707646336_b2f7e57476_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729426651" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15729426651_cd610d8c94_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
throttle cable from servo motor connected and finetuned (1 to 2 mm clearance from the lever)
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15708118146" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15708118146_027f934a25_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
servo motor:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729904881" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15729904881_d16263dc0f_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
I did not take the effort to make a snapshot of the cable going through the "bulkhead" lost for terms from dutch to english sometimes. there is a pre cut circule behind the clutch pedal where this cable is ment to go through. the circle is tapped out by using a hammer and small piece or iron or just a flat screwdriver.
here's the lever built into the steering column:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15731829315" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15731829315_1756204a98_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
there's also a "pre-shaped" cut out there which can be easily cut out with a sharp knife. the steering column is prepped for the unit but you will have to look at a drawing to find it's proper place. can be found on any manual found on the net.
here's the rearlight story, left the kit on the body in place and cleaned it a bit as this will give an extra sealing benefit:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111858434" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15111858434_d80509c7cc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545944129" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7502/15545944129_34c73abdea_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
Taped of for a nice clean edge
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15731828165" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15731828165_1cecf1f9b9_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
end result:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546379108" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15546379108_c447308786_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
new rubbers in place:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545944909" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15545944909_9924e8796e_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15708113576" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15708113576_72db574fdd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
anddd the new hood insulation:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111318154" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15111318154_0b73e89a33_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
End of the story so far. I still have to work out some smaller stuff. One of the things is the techometer and fuel consuption gauge aren't working and there's a small electrical fault in my system, this will be worked out and fixed on the 12th of november. Other than that i will have to refix my rear windows. the whole machanism is in good shape but the window isn't holding on to the mechanism anymore.
The headlight height adjustment isn't working anymore, I will have to refill the system and create a vacuum in order for it all to work again. Doing so I will also remove the headlight and refurbish and repaint the mountings of the headlights.
Other than that so far the planning is get it on air. starting out with mounting the accuair e-level management system first so i can work out all the tubing and wiring nice and slick. after that i will buy the universal struts, work out the measurement and have them welded as i have no proper welding machine and skill for that. might have a friend who can hook me up with the work.
I am despirately looking for a set of bbs RC rims from bmw or BBS RS authentic rims. want to go for the following sizes:
bbs rs 197 8.5x17 ET13 up front and 9.5x17 ET13 on the rear. anyone any ideas or tips for the fitment? i have a e28 with brake discs all around and abs so i will have to reweld the abs frame back on the universal struts from airlift. AND i'm looking around for a m5 front lip, or a stock front lip for the beamer. anyone got eyes on those or know where to get them?
One more thing, a friend hooked me up with a paint sealing job, from the company www.protech.mc. be sure to check it out if you are european or especially, belgian, dutch, german.
here are the pictures after the job was done, looks like a mirror:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15547102410" title="Protech by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7549/15547102410_d1e57378e1_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Protech"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15547102490" title="Protech by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8130/15547102490_3312a74960_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Protech"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111974174" title="Protech by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15111974174_2f158018de_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Protech"></a>[/IMG]
I have been on pause for a bit due to my work. Now that i'm back home i could go on full ahead with my new toys, a nice set of AC Schnitzers Rennsport 1 from 1991. bought them from another e28 owner here in the netherlands. I'm having slight issues with fitting them since i constructed them differently them he did, giving me more width. just a slight more chance at leakage of air. So this period was all about getting the rims together and fitting them to the car. below are the photo's. i did it together with a friends which came in quite handy.
First things first when I got home again, Collect all the pieces which my parents received for me while I was gone.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/17028556465" title="IMG_6717 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8741/17028556465_9a6e8b03ee_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6717"></a>[/IMG]
all looked good apart from some damage due to braking pad dust and what not. this will be dealt with upcoming winter.
Then Cleaning commenced!
I was not sure wether to make the rear 9.5 J wide so I cleaned all inner rims.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16408400323" title="IMG_6744 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/16408400323_84668fa737_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6744"></a>[/IMG]
then I had to repolish 2 of the 4 outer rims, they had some minor damage from rain etc.
made a very crappy setup for that but hey it worked!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/17002556896" title="IMG_6810 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8717/17002556896_f1be9cdeca_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6810"></a>[/IMG]
the outer rims still have some small point which you can clearly see up close. but that doesn't really matter. the wheels are used, and so it the car.
detail after polishing:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16406129854" title="IMG_6807 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16406129854_d670a7b36f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_6807"></a>[/IMG]
after that it was time to pack it up, bought the supplies to put them together and went of to my friend. we only had to get rid of some more old kit and then it was onto the construction.
after cleaning i started with the inner rim, making it completely clean and fat free and applied the kit
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16406132644" title="IMG_6826 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16406132644_f7a7bfb8f8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_6826"></a>[/IMG]
then the center piece came on, same cycle, and placing the kit
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16406127404" title="IMG_6828 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7626/16406127404_0b62d6be65_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6828"></a>[/IMG]
Once the 3 pieces where together i first put in 8 bolts and nuts and tightened them to 20nm, crossing over each nut and bolt of course. then we put the wheel up, and did the rest, crossing all over to 20nm. after that was done i set them all to 30nm, again crossing over each nut. it's normal m7 bolts from oz so the torque setting is actually 28 nm. but i figured the extra 2 won't hurt a bit.
result after completion:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16841014730" title="IMG_6829 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/16841014730_bdb490a3bc_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6829"></a>[/IMG]
of course the gap in between the inner and outer rim was also sealed of with kit. after this i went on a vacation for 2 weeks and got back to this:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/17027692251" title="IMG_6986 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7620/17027692251_85b403c941_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6986"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16408401593" title="IMG_6990 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7618/16408401593_93bf20782e_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6990"></a>[/IMG]
Due to my way of putting the wheels together they got a little more wide. almost 9J all around. the previous owner of the wheels first had the inner and outer rim together and them bolted the center piece onto it on the backside. either way is possible i guess. I looked around here and found that most do it with the center in between (from what i could find). the wheels got a little more wide because of that. I fitted them with Toyo PROXES T1-R measuring 215/45 R17. gives a nice light stretch to the wheel. also this type of tyre has extra reinforced sidewalls so it should be all good, but a little less comfort while driving. better handling though without any adjustments to the suspension.
Finally the end result with a small problem. of the front wheels the inner rims are rubbing against the strut towers. even with 5mm spacers. so i ordered 8mm and new wheels bolts to solve this. they are still underway.... this was not the problem if i had mounted the wheels with the center piece on the backside.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16842338359" title="IMG_7163 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16842338359_c70a13e0c1_b.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_7163"></a>[/IMG]
and the rubbing issue:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16821133567" title="IMG_7164 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/16821133567_729f7259ac_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_7164"></a>[/IMG]
Alllllright another small update. I've been in and out quite a lot. Having a girlfriend abroad consumes an ample amount of time and money but hey. It's all for the better. So far I've done small details to the car. Fitted armrests in my interior color. Got hands on an alarm system, which I am not sure of to build in or not.
I want to add an M5 front lip to the car. Or maybe a Vestatec. Any people here with experience in the two and what might suit the car better? I did fit a coilover set on the car now. The rubbing issue is all gone and she runs like a charm. Next 2 big things which are coming is renewing the original headlight aiming. And I got hands on an AC unit for the car uncluding all the stuff and dash for a very good price.
By now the car is on coilovers, from Lowtec germany. I had them installed by a friend of a friend. since i miss the tools and exp to do it... figured it was safer.
Anyway, Here are some photo's of what the car sits like now, 1 year difference, taken on the same spot as the old photos with stock wheels on there:
[IMG]
DSC_1326 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr[/IMG]
and from the back end:
[IMG]
DSC_1327 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr[/IMG]
Another small update, No pictures yet, I've got hands on an M5 e28 front lip. At this time i'm painting the covers for the towing points satin black. then i'll proceed to mounting it of course, photos included. Futhermore I picked up a set of TRX wheels which will be remade to 3 piece rims somewhere later this year. And i've got hands on a full working airconditioning set. other then that i bought a front side passenger door in preparation of further rust removal on the car. luckily the door is relatively rust free.
And any thoughts here to help. I want to raise the back end again by just 1 cm or 1.5. Once my tires wear down I'll take the back wheels apart again to fit them with the wider inner barrels (maybe outer as well??? from 2,5 to 3? or 3,5 inch?) i want to bring them a bit more outward. if i keep the 2.5 inch lips it should be with spacers. if not I need a set of bigger outer barrels for the wheels.
I found a bmw 525i e28 from 1985 in absolute mint condition while I was at work (maritime man). I mailed the seller straight away that he had to hold it until I got back home which luckily happened.
It only has 116 000 km on the dail which is just over 72 000 miles for the imperial unit people here. 2,5 straight 6 m30b25 engine if I'm not mistaking.
The car had been sitting indoors for quite some time, the only things wrong where the left front strut which was rotten through, the handbrake didn't work properly and the adjustment of the headlights did not work either. apart from that all the car is fine with no rust at all. interior in good condition as well, it even has the old cassette player in there.
Anyway the first stage will be fairly easy, just working out the kinks if it has any and get it's paint job protected more. Phase 2 will be air ride.. I want to go straight for air ride and skip the use of coil overs. I'm very open to suggestions and tips on how to bag an e28.
And one question right away for those who'd like to help. It's at the garage now for fitting of the components described above as I was too lazy to do it myself at that point (just got back a week ago). What size rims works best for the e28.. especially when it's on air. looking at width, diameter etc.
SO here we go, My departure has been postponed a little while longer, my boss wants me on their latest ship so that should definately be interesting.
So far the where I started after i got the car back was mainly handling the rust and the engine stuttering and running irregular. All together the rust was a little worse than expected. here are some photo's of the rust I found on the bodywork and the work done to get rid of it:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545076559" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/15545076559_73e98a7dbf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15732508362" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7560/15732508362_73e98a7dbf_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
that is all the rust after peeling away just the paint and other layers, below is after sanding it down and it looks like some bloke has had some work with metal filler on the door (look for the change in color):
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545514718" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7524/15545514718_00ab8cc5b0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
wheel arch which was full of filler, shots of before and after removal of the filler:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730966375" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15730966375_aeaa74e52e_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546121100" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15546121100_ef57a0624a_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545081089" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3938/15545081089_857d3795b0_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
So after this small adventure a friend's father hooked me up by welding in a new plate in the door and making it rust free. the shear heat of the welding took care of the rest of small parts in the door. the door was however, bent after welding (0,8mm thick bodywork versus welding in a 1mm plate which was necessary for the welding to have enough beef to weld on):
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707218746" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15707218746_ae24135b8a_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729012871" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7575/15729012871_c540d224f8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707219556" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7547/15707219556_f3ed913703_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111551643" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7517/15111551643_6885b5c67d_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730938455" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7478/15730938455_2f293aca98_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545750817" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7553/15545750817_5d3c127518_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730939245" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7507/15730939245_72c228ce4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546092680" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/15546092680_7b18f39587_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
after this all the last picture shows the rust transformer i used to get into the steel for some extra protection. after that I had the car in the bodyshop for 2 days where they removed dents and resprayed the lower half of my doors and left arch. the wheel arch left had a full anti rust treatment, was sliced out and rolled over welding in a small plate to. the right side just got sliced and rolled in as preparation for bigger rims next term at home perhaps, this is the car after I got it back:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545557378" title="F by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15545557378_0f6ab979b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="F"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545556908" title="F by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5598/15545556908_a769cbdc69_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="F"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545121469" title="F by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7483/15545121469_3d67351332_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="F"></a>[/IMG]
I also found out that the gas tank was leaking, now it turns out this is a well known issue for e28's that the filler line and the vacuum lines are so close to each other that they pick up a lot of rubble over time and the metal will simply start rotting, here's a few pictures of the operation of replacing the fuel tank:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15732518732" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15732518732_b00a847024_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110994924" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3943/15110994924_f7af2186ff_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
since the tank was silver in color I spray painted the bottom half in silk black:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110971724" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15110971724_f6c6be2df7_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
since the internals of the tank where in good shape I simply overhauled them with a friend of mine and fitted them in the new tank. here;s the old tank where you can clearly see the rotten part at the filling line:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110972194" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7468/15110972194_85f372e097_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
luckily the bottom of the car was clean as a whistle and rust free!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707223386" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15707223386_d14f4c0acd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
here's the new petrol filter to, the old one still had the bmw logo on it, so i'm not surprised that it's from 85' :
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707247026" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8118/15707247026_88b967dcc3_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
after fitting the tank and hooking everything up she ran like a charm for a bit, after that the sturttering continued which i will get back to later on, here's the result looking from eye height ( more or less):
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111126324" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15111126324_060b8960e6_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
It was a bit of a struggle with the exhaust to which i found a broken mount on the silencer. this is fixed and the exhaust will be renewed anyhow since this is a piece of crap one.
Now....
The stuttering of the engine can be many different things. turns out mine had a rotten out spark cable in the distributor cap. basically what was done is renewal of the cap (original bmw unit coming in at 129 euro's). renewal of the spark plug cable which wasnt that expensive. Other than that I checked and adjusted the valve clearance. this was a fun job actually!
below are a series of pictures in order of the story above :
FOUND!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545085889" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15545085889_80ea854453_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111004304" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7543/15111004304_cf3bbcdf11_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
due to the huge lack of proper tools in the house i bought myself a present:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15732513692" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3944/15732513692_fe343526a3_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
dismantling the lot to reach the valve cover:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111558083" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15111558083_d06cdcc459_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545755947" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7571/15545755947_dc7ac9ea09_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
Dismantling the lot was very easy I must say, just keep track of the lot, it helps to have base knowledge of how engines work of course ( i've had a full engineer education on top of my nautical education, that's ships' engines where you can hide 5 of these cars in the crankcase) So this is a little more delicate and requires more finesse i guess. Looking up manuals on the net I found that my valve clearance should be 0,3 mm and the order of adjustment is as follows:
All you need is a spanner size 10, a pin to fit in the rocker for adjustment, and of course, feeler gauges.
then it's a matter of looking at the rockers and finding the right moment to adjust the clearances on the valves. the order is:
6 tumbling, set clearance on 1,
2 tumbling, set clearance on 5,
4 tumbling, set clearance on 3
1 tumbling, set clearance on 6
5 tumbling, set clearance on 2
3 tumbling, set clearance on 4
now basically the tumbling as i found the most suitable word most suitable for a translation to english means the moment when the valves on that cylinder will cycle from exhaust stroke to intake stroke. that's the moment when the other cylinder indicated is in the combustion stroke and both rockers are in "rest" position.
Doing so i found the clearance wayyyyy more than the indicated 0,3mm in the manual. but, all is set and done. this in combination with the renewal of the distributor cap and cable and new sparkplugs my car stopped stuttering and is running like a charm now! also added one bottle of fuel system cleaner after fitting the new tank. this helped a lot for the injectors and pump. I also set the load switch on the throttle body to the right position, this switch is only of and on and tells the computer that the driver is putting his foot down so the fuel management changes.
-le moment of adjusting-
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730944135" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15730944135_218f324325_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707227216" title="Work done on the beamer by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15707227216_ff19b19b27_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Work done on the beamer"></a>[/IMG]
BUT as always, there will be some kind of set back which i encountered with mounting the new spark plugs. yessss of course, why not cylinder number 6 (which is a pain to reach since it's all the way at the gearbox side). the new sparkplug was going in, and without applying force to my spark plug wrench the lower half of the crown breaks of in my engine:
here's the fucker:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111583843" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3949/15111583843_f3ce14fa3d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
So after a small moment of silent rage I went of to the store the next day to buy a set of these:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729046921" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8586/15729046921_5c782e5471_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
A nice set of left threads. now they work very well but the problem i faced was the risk of expanding the lower half of the spark plug before the thread could grab onto it, resulting in cracking my cylinder head. but fortunately, with paying close attention, working it in with a mirror and slow turning i managed to get the lower half out:
home made mounting for the left thread thingy:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545518618" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15545518618_6c00287210_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
and here it is!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111001354" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/15111001354_66b1c7f6d8_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
that was the close heart attack of the day since the cylinder head is aluminium thus softer and more fragile.
Some other work done is the renewal of the trunk seal, where I was haveing a moment of euphoria as the edge of the trunk and the gutter where the seal runs in where completely rust free!
heavy stuff:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15110995114" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5608/15110995114_966acf8dac_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
makes you higher than a dingbat smelling that. pfffff
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545078949" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3950/15545078949_a83a7fb3f9_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
fitting and voila:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545513878" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3951/15545513878_fa4d957113_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15730965095" title="More work done by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5602/15730965095_c1bc5ae399_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="More work done"></a>[/IMG]
so after this all I added a nice classical feature to the car, side wind visors from climair. no more wind blowing in the face when the window is openend. and other than that I managed to get my hands on a original e28 cruise control set which i built in over a 2 day period at home. only visible diference is the servo motor in the engine bay and the extra lever on the steering wheel. Other than than I also dismantled the rear lights yesterday, fitting new seal rubbers and applied a sealant kit across the chrome/lens edge to make the lights waterproof again. And I renewed the hood insulation, lot's of folks drive around without it but it belongs there for some reason (keeps the engine at better temperatures in winter time for instance). the front sealing liner will be replaced next year as Munchen was out of stock according to the bmw shop.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545901348" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7479/15545901348_a5871ac1d9_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546101707" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7573/15546101707_f9a5a9dc51_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
cruise control stuffs:
wiring or the cruise control and brake & clutch disengage switches connected
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15707646336" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7578/15707646336_b2f7e57476_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729426651" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3945/15729426651_cd610d8c94_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
throttle cable from servo motor connected and finetuned (1 to 2 mm clearance from the lever)
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15708118146" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7504/15708118146_027f934a25_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
servo motor:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15729904881" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5612/15729904881_d16263dc0f_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
I did not take the effort to make a snapshot of the cable going through the "bulkhead" lost for terms from dutch to english sometimes. there is a pre cut circule behind the clutch pedal where this cable is ment to go through. the circle is tapped out by using a hammer and small piece or iron or just a flat screwdriver.
here's the lever built into the steering column:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15731829315" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7548/15731829315_1756204a98_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
there's also a "pre-shaped" cut out there which can be easily cut out with a sharp knife. the steering column is prepped for the unit but you will have to look at a drawing to find it's proper place. can be found on any manual found on the net.
here's the rearlight story, left the kit on the body in place and cleaned it a bit as this will give an extra sealing benefit:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111858434" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3946/15111858434_d80509c7cc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545944129" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7502/15545944129_34c73abdea_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
Taped of for a nice clean edge
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15731828165" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7488/15731828165_1cecf1f9b9_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
end result:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15546379108" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15546379108_c447308786_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
new rubbers in place:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15545944909" title="Next by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7534/15545944909_9924e8796e_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Next"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15708113576" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7566/15708113576_72db574fdd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
anddd the new hood insulation:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111318154" title="Untitled by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3941/15111318154_0b73e89a33_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Untitled"></a>[/IMG]
End of the story so far. I still have to work out some smaller stuff. One of the things is the techometer and fuel consuption gauge aren't working and there's a small electrical fault in my system, this will be worked out and fixed on the 12th of november. Other than that i will have to refix my rear windows. the whole machanism is in good shape but the window isn't holding on to the mechanism anymore.
The headlight height adjustment isn't working anymore, I will have to refill the system and create a vacuum in order for it all to work again. Doing so I will also remove the headlight and refurbish and repaint the mountings of the headlights.
Other than that so far the planning is get it on air. starting out with mounting the accuair e-level management system first so i can work out all the tubing and wiring nice and slick. after that i will buy the universal struts, work out the measurement and have them welded as i have no proper welding machine and skill for that. might have a friend who can hook me up with the work.
I am despirately looking for a set of bbs RC rims from bmw or BBS RS authentic rims. want to go for the following sizes:
bbs rs 197 8.5x17 ET13 up front and 9.5x17 ET13 on the rear. anyone any ideas or tips for the fitment? i have a e28 with brake discs all around and abs so i will have to reweld the abs frame back on the universal struts from airlift. AND i'm looking around for a m5 front lip, or a stock front lip for the beamer. anyone got eyes on those or know where to get them?
One more thing, a friend hooked me up with a paint sealing job, from the company www.protech.mc. be sure to check it out if you are european or especially, belgian, dutch, german.
here are the pictures after the job was done, looks like a mirror:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15547102410" title="Protech by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7549/15547102410_d1e57378e1_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Protech"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15547102490" title="Protech by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8130/15547102490_3312a74960_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Protech"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/15111974174" title="Protech by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15111974174_2f158018de_c.jpg" width="800" height="532" alt="Protech"></a>[/IMG]
I have been on pause for a bit due to my work. Now that i'm back home i could go on full ahead with my new toys, a nice set of AC Schnitzers Rennsport 1 from 1991. bought them from another e28 owner here in the netherlands. I'm having slight issues with fitting them since i constructed them differently them he did, giving me more width. just a slight more chance at leakage of air. So this period was all about getting the rims together and fitting them to the car. below are the photo's. i did it together with a friends which came in quite handy.
First things first when I got home again, Collect all the pieces which my parents received for me while I was gone.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/17028556465" title="IMG_6717 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8741/17028556465_9a6e8b03ee_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6717"></a>[/IMG]
all looked good apart from some damage due to braking pad dust and what not. this will be dealt with upcoming winter.
Then Cleaning commenced!
I was not sure wether to make the rear 9.5 J wide so I cleaned all inner rims.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16408400323" title="IMG_6744 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/16408400323_84668fa737_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6744"></a>[/IMG]
then I had to repolish 2 of the 4 outer rims, they had some minor damage from rain etc.
made a very crappy setup for that but hey it worked!
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/17002556896" title="IMG_6810 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8717/17002556896_f1be9cdeca_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6810"></a>[/IMG]
the outer rims still have some small point which you can clearly see up close. but that doesn't really matter. the wheels are used, and so it the car.
detail after polishing:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16406129854" title="IMG_6807 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16406129854_d670a7b36f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_6807"></a>[/IMG]
after that it was time to pack it up, bought the supplies to put them together and went of to my friend. we only had to get rid of some more old kit and then it was onto the construction.
after cleaning i started with the inner rim, making it completely clean and fat free and applied the kit
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16406132644" title="IMG_6826 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16406132644_f7a7bfb8f8_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="IMG_6826"></a>[/IMG]
then the center piece came on, same cycle, and placing the kit
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16406127404" title="IMG_6828 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7626/16406127404_0b62d6be65_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6828"></a>[/IMG]
Once the 3 pieces where together i first put in 8 bolts and nuts and tightened them to 20nm, crossing over each nut and bolt of course. then we put the wheel up, and did the rest, crossing all over to 20nm. after that was done i set them all to 30nm, again crossing over each nut. it's normal m7 bolts from oz so the torque setting is actually 28 nm. but i figured the extra 2 won't hurt a bit.
result after completion:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16841014730" title="IMG_6829 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/16841014730_bdb490a3bc_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6829"></a>[/IMG]
of course the gap in between the inner and outer rim was also sealed of with kit. after this i went on a vacation for 2 weeks and got back to this:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/17027692251" title="IMG_6986 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7620/17027692251_85b403c941_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6986"></a>[/IMG]
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16408401593" title="IMG_6990 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7618/16408401593_93bf20782e_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_6990"></a>[/IMG]
Due to my way of putting the wheels together they got a little more wide. almost 9J all around. the previous owner of the wheels first had the inner and outer rim together and them bolted the center piece onto it on the backside. either way is possible i guess. I looked around here and found that most do it with the center in between (from what i could find). the wheels got a little more wide because of that. I fitted them with Toyo PROXES T1-R measuring 215/45 R17. gives a nice light stretch to the wheel. also this type of tyre has extra reinforced sidewalls so it should be all good, but a little less comfort while driving. better handling though without any adjustments to the suspension.
Finally the end result with a small problem. of the front wheels the inner rims are rubbing against the strut towers. even with 5mm spacers. so i ordered 8mm and new wheels bolts to solve this. they are still underway.... this was not the problem if i had mounted the wheels with the center piece on the backside.
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16842338359" title="IMG_7163 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16842338359_c70a13e0c1_b.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="IMG_7163"></a>[/IMG]
and the rubbing issue:
[IMG]<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/126885166@N04/16821133567" title="IMG_7164 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8696/16821133567_729f7259ac_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="IMG_7164"></a>[/IMG]
Alllllright another small update. I've been in and out quite a lot. Having a girlfriend abroad consumes an ample amount of time and money but hey. It's all for the better. So far I've done small details to the car. Fitted armrests in my interior color. Got hands on an alarm system, which I am not sure of to build in or not.
I want to add an M5 front lip to the car. Or maybe a Vestatec. Any people here with experience in the two and what might suit the car better? I did fit a coilover set on the car now. The rubbing issue is all gone and she runs like a charm. Next 2 big things which are coming is renewing the original headlight aiming. And I got hands on an AC unit for the car uncluding all the stuff and dash for a very good price.
By now the car is on coilovers, from Lowtec germany. I had them installed by a friend of a friend. since i miss the tools and exp to do it... figured it was safer.
Anyway, Here are some photo's of what the car sits like now, 1 year difference, taken on the same spot as the old photos with stock wheels on there:
[IMG]
DSC_1326 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr[/IMG]and from the back end:
[IMG]
DSC_1327 by Rutger van Doorn, on Flickr[/IMG]Another small update, No pictures yet, I've got hands on an M5 e28 front lip. At this time i'm painting the covers for the towing points satin black. then i'll proceed to mounting it of course, photos included. Futhermore I picked up a set of TRX wheels which will be remade to 3 piece rims somewhere later this year. And i've got hands on a full working airconditioning set. other then that i bought a front side passenger door in preparation of further rust removal on the car. luckily the door is relatively rust free.
And any thoughts here to help. I want to raise the back end again by just 1 cm or 1.5. Once my tires wear down I'll take the back wheels apart again to fit them with the wider inner barrels (maybe outer as well??? from 2,5 to 3? or 3,5 inch?) i want to bring them a bit more outward. if i keep the 2.5 inch lips it should be with spacers. if not I need a set of bigger outer barrels for the wheels.