Some TLC for the E36 daily. After finishing adjusting the valve clearances over the weekend I decided to pull the intake apart today for some new intake gaskets. Luckily the S50 uses 2 EUR a piece o-rings rather than the earlier model's costly thick gaskets.
Having done a lot of S14's, exchanging the gaskets, replacing a bunch of o-rings and hoses and a mech TB synch can easily be done in an evening, but with the E36 it's a bit more work. Luckily BMW has done a good design job so it's pretty easy to get everywhere you have to be!
Airbox removed
I did try to inspect the hoses beforehand and what I could see looked pretty good still, or was already replaced. However, both oil separator hoses were pretty much shot which was only clear when all was removed. Looks a bit worse after removing but it wasn't all that to start with anymore. The other hose is pretty much the same. Up for replacement after 14 years.
Forgot to take an overview pic with the TB's removed but here's a nice sight on the intake valves of one of the cilinders. I used some compressed air to remove dust and sand as much as possible before removing everything but unlike the S14, the S50 cilinder head has many irregularities and cavities so still some stuff fell off when removing the TB's. As far as I could see I was able to remove that afterwards, then put in pieces of WD40 drenched cloth before starting a cleaning and polishing job. Valves look pretty ok, other cilinders show just the same picture.
TB's at large
Time to order the oil separator hoses, hope to be able to put the rest in place again on Wed. The TB's are back in place already. In the meantime I'll have to drive the Baur to work while sunny weather is expected. Anyone feeling pity?