Date: 5-20-08 09:27 From: rx8rotary Subject: 1979 BMW 320i question
Since the folks over at Bimmerforums haven't helped on this topic I thought I would come here since most of my qeustions get answered quickly and to the point
I bought a 79 320i yesterday and will pick it up this weekend. It isn't running and from what the owner told me, I am pretty sure it is due to the battery cables being reversed and thus putting positive to ground. The car is in unbelievable conidtiion otherwise - 100K miles, straight body with no rust and nice interior - I gave him $400 for the car.
What all damage would the reversing of the cables have done? I am pretty sure it shot the starter solenoid, probably the diodes in the alternator, the voltage regulator and probably several fuses, etc. What else should I figure on replacing?
Last edited by rx8rotary on 5-20-08 10:16; edited 1 time in total
Date: 5-20-08 10:04 From: Richard Subject: If I were you......
The solenoid is fine(no polarity) Alternator probably....easy fix.... The fuel injection on the eary 320's is a POS. The fuel injection on the later 320's is better(slightly). I would find a 84 318i and transfer the injection....Pretty common upgrade if you dont mind alot of work....Personally I would not take an early 320 more than 5 miles from home and make sure you have AAA.....
Date: 5-20-08 10:19 From: rx8rotary Subject: Re: If I were you......
Not sure I agree with the 5 miles from home comment - most folks I know who have 320i models -even the early models - swear by them and have very few problems. I love the body style etc of the 320i - almost as much as I do my 2002.
The problem this car has is from a previous owner who doesn't know the difference between positive and negative ona battery - has nothing to do with the car. The car has 100K miles on it - doubt that was in 20000 five mile trips !!
Date: 5-20-08 10:39 From: Jim_75Sahara in Kettering, OH Subject: Re: If I were you......
Post a few pictures of your find, once you get it running. You can have a lot of fun w/it. _________________ 1975 Sahara 2002 ('Dieter')
Date: 5-20-08 11:02 From: Richard Subject: Re: 1979 BMW 320i question
No offense meant.... But if the car is an early 320...You'll be running with a smog pump....Pretty ancient technology... I was trying to point out that in 1984 (15 years later) they had increased reliability and performance and gas milage.....If you can find a post that refers to the early FI as superior I'll apoligize.....
Most people just take off the smog pumps unless you are in CA.
I agree that the injection system is a POS, but it is not unreliable. Almost all 320i's have over 200k miles. It may never start and idle properly in all temperatures, but it will not leave you stranded on a regular basis. I don't agree that the later system is any better than the early, the addition of the o2 sensor is the only real difference. They both suck. The 318i system (L-jet) is good, it gets great mileage and starts properly. It cannot however, handle much performance increase. (The k-jet is surprisingly adequate in the regard). It's very elementary so far as EFI goes. The ultimate is of course programmable EFI.
Date: 5-20-08 12:36 From: Richard Subject: Re: 1979 BMW 320i question
Isnt the deal to get a programmer for the 318 hardware???
Date: 5-20-08 06:17 From: Harv in Willoughby Oh. Subject: Re: 1979 BMW 320i question
Megasquirt.
John _________________ "Chicken make no good house pet!"
"Less brake, more accelerator"
#1665778
Date: 5-22-08 08:04 From: Arizona02 in Mesa Arizona Subject: Re: 1979 BMW 320i question
We dont know what damage could be because we have not made that mistake. _________________ Chris
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