engine and drivetrain Just bought a 1976

[viali8]

Hello, after looking for about a year I finally bought my first 2002. It has been garaged for the past 12 yrs and sitting for the past 5yrs. I want to install rebuilt calipers on the front. Where do you guys usually buy your replacement parts? I have owned 4 e30's and usually buy from fap99.com. What do you think of these rebuilt calipers...

http://www.fap99.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1976-BMW---00--/--L4_--.0l-Brake--Components--Wheels&yearid=1976%40%401976&makeid=BMW%40%40BMW%40%40X&engineid=1010822%40%402002++%2F+L4_2.0L%40%402002&catid=Brake+Components+%26+Wheels&subcatid=Front%20Caliper,%20Rebuilt&mode=PA

Thanks

Matt

Pics to come...

[williamggruff]

Blunttech.com

You cannot go wrong with BLUNT.

[Mike Self]

As for the calipers--the price is good--but does that company offer free shipping? Those calipers are heavy.

If they're in stock, Autohaus Arizona has 'em for the same price with free shipping for orders over $50. Considering that you have to return the cores, though, you might try pricing around some of your local auto parts stores like Autozone, Pep Boys, Advance or O'Reillys. The cost of returning the cores might be more than the initial cost from a local store.

BTW, make sure you need new calipers--if you have one or more stuck pistons you may be able to free 'em up--check the archives for directions on how to do so. But if they're leaking, rebuilt ones are a better idea than trying to rebuild your old ones. While you're at it, I'd plan to replace the front brake hoses--especially if they're original. Chances are good they're internally swolen and won't allow fluid to return after the brakes are applied. In fact, that may be causing your problem. Also check rear brakes for leaking wheel cylinders, especially after the car's been sitting for a long time. If you need new front hoses, you'll probably need new rear ones too.

cheers

mike

[viali8]

Mike,

THanks for the information. The car is in great condition but like i said it has been sitting for 5yrs. I am not sure if it needs new calipers...i was just going to replace them because it has been sitting for a long time. I was going to replace the wheel cylinders and the brake shoes as well.

Thanks for the tip in regards to checking the local auto parts stores. I just figured they wouldn't carry '02 stuff.

I am picking up the car tomorrow so i will post some pics asap!

Kind Regards

Matt

[Mike Self]

and function just fine...no leaks, no stuck pistons. So yours may be fine, especially if it sat indoors. Outdoors...that's another matter.

Most of the local auto parts places have electronic catalogs with all sorts of stuff available in a day or two...they know about the mail order places so try to compete pricewise. And I suspect a lot of the stuff comes from the same wholesaler.

mike

[Napes]

Matt, I got mine thru Blunt on this board also.

Steve@BluntTech.com

If you determine you need them (as per Mike above), Steve is a good way to go. I shipped the cores back in one of the USPS flat rate boxes for $10.50. Postal clerk put them on the scale and said if had gone regular shipping it would've cost $41.

Bob Napier

[TEAEYE]

Eager to see the photos!

I HOPE NO MOSS THIS TIME???

Congrats!

Jon

[viali8]

Bob,

Thanks for the helpful hint. Those flat rate shipping boxes sound like good idea. From what I have been reading it sounds like "blunt" is reputable guy.

Jon,

This one is in great condition. I couldn't believe what condition it was in. I went to go see it and bought it on the spot. I am extremely excited to pick it up tomorrow. hahaha no moss this time...

Kind Regards

Matt

[Guest Anonymous]

I bought my 1976 2002 3000 miles away in San Francisco 4 years ago. Seller of the car-not the owner did not even tell me it had a recent big brake kit on the front. One of the right front side pistons was very stuck. I bought some VERY large channel lock pliers from SEARS and removed the caliper from car and simply squeezed the piston in and out until it was normal. It took a LOT of manipulating with the pliers. Because my hand did not apply needed pressure I placed caliper and pliers on the ground and squeezed the plier handles together with my foot and much body weight. Used P B Blaster also. I fought with this caliper but I did win. Drove it home 3000 miles with no brake problems. Stuck piston problems can be solved. Good luck!!

[viali8]

I was able to get the car home today. Turns out that the breaks work just fine but the car was over heating during the trip. We would drive and then have to stop intermittently along the way. It took a long time to get home but we made it. Its in the parking lot of my fathers place of employment.

I took the radiator out and looks to be clogged really badly. It has been sitting for 5 yrs...is there any way to get all of that shit out of the radiator. Will squirting a hose in there do the trick? From looking inside the radiator I think I should buy a new one but don't want to unless i have to. It is the old style radiator which is all metal including the neck(s) of the radiator where the hoses attach to it. None of the fins are bent either. It is in good shape but really clogged up inside. Any info would help.

Thanks

Matt

[viali8]

here are some pics... hope i can get them to upload...

[Fishhead]

Most radiator shop would be able to clean up/flush your radiator. You may be able to clean it up some with one of those radiator flush kits. You'll probably want to flush out the cooling system anyhow, especially the heater core as they can also get gummed up.

Where in PA are you located at?

[Guest Anonymous]

Most radiator shop would be able to clean up/flush your radiator. You may be able to clean it up some with one of those radiator flush kits. You'll probably want to flush out the cooling system anyhow, especially the heater core as they can also get gummed up.

Where in PA are you located at?

I took a hose to the radiator to day and flushed out as much gunk as i could. I also put in a new thermostat. It is running a little over half but i have not taken it on the highway yet.

Where is a good place to buy weather stripping? All of my gasket are shot. Why is it so expensive?

The car definitely needs a tune up. I am having problems with the rear brake lights, parking lights, and turn signals. I have to sort that out before i can take it in to get inspected. Can't wait to start daily driving it!

I am located in bryn mawr. I am very close to Villanova Univ.

Thanks

Matt

[viali8]

trying to get the pics to work...my dad in the last pic...it wouldn't be right if the car made it home with out any problems. We had over heating issues the car sat for 5 yrs and the radiator was clogged.

http://img571.imageshack.us/g/img00099.jpg/