JerryC

Same as the battery.

The play in the steering indicates there is something loose in the steering, maybe not the steering box. Check the center link pivots and the tie rod ball joints, they can cause the same problem.

Wasn't an '02, but I've heard of a case where a too-thin crankshaft thrust bearing caused a knocking noise at startup.

Or just buy one from Ireland - $21: http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/item/02leftmmreinf.html

Answer to your original question, "Is there an easy fix" is "Maybe, if you're lucky, but probably will require some digging.". Searching will find lots of info. Add to the list above: - the fume recovery canister in the trunk under the rear shelf sometimes cracks - the very obscure plastic fuel line adapter that will crack sometime in 40+ years at the fuel line connection on top of the fuel tank. Search for this one, there are photos in posts from a few years back. edit, found this:

The article has been moved at some time since 2010. Drill down into the tab labeled "Articles" at the top of this web page and you'll find it under "Engine and Drivetrain".

I don't know that one. You never know what someone has done to keep an old car on the road without spending money. It seems that originality is getting more press these days, but it didn't used to be that way. I may have done a thing or two in the past that I would think twice about now.

By the way, I'm curious now. What '02 are you working on? I've removed tumblers from a couple of them. Just wondering if I left this trail. My thoughts on removing the tumblers is that no one else knows they're gone, and any key will work afterward.

With the switch removed, I have operated several of these with a screwdriver. It looks like the steering lock is in the way in your photo, so just take out the two screws on the back side and the switch will drop out. Keep the wires attached, of course, and be wary of accidental grounding.

I've repaired 3 speedos, including repairing the needle shafts and springs on two, but I never saw that problem. I think you should start looking for a replacement. They don't seem to be terribly hard to find. Don't know where you're at, but there are a couple on craigslist in Nor Cal SF Bay Area, one early/mid and one late (wood grain).

Hmmm... The verbage on that link is regarding Getrag 265s. All I found elsewhere was a price sheet, with 2 different 245s. What's a 245 Sport OD? Is the $2995 version a stock rebuild? If I was in the market to do this now, I'd go ahead and call MM but I'll do that when I'm more likely to follow up. The stock 245 generally lasts a long time, they're all just getting old.

I doubt you've created a fire hazard. All the technical data I've been able to find online states the tape is polyethylene film and fibers with rubber adhesive. That does not sound like anything that can or will cause a short circuit. I would not use it as insulating tape, that's what the cautions are about. It's temporary at best, may last a month or years but not forever. An epoxy, without metal fillers (no JB Weld), will probably work better. Gorilla Epoxy may be a good choice, but I'd check out a fully cured chunk with an ohm meter before applying it to your light housing.

Looks like the tidal surge caught it during a hurricane.

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