e23 progress...

[fastcrs]

I had something similar, same set up. It was a loose crank trigger, tighten it up and haven't had that issue since...hope that helps...

[D Unit]

It's running cold.
I'm sorry that wasn't funny or helpful.

I wish... lol.

I had something similar, same set up. It was a loose crank trigger, tighten it up and haven't had that issue since...hope that helps...

nope.

Here's an update. MOST if not all this stuff I consider proactive maintenance, so I'm more than willing replacing the old hardware Anyway. I also freely admit my troubleshooting skills are lacking... lol.

1) tried known working AFM.
2) installed new FPR.
3) installed new TPS - Made idle jump and down. Did not fix the bogging/bucking issue. I swapped it back to the old one and idle was normal. Haven't figured out how to properly "adjust" the TPS I guess...
4) new fuel filter. same.
5) new $40 Vega in tank fuel pump from Amazon. same.
6) new Bosch in line fuel pump. same. Really wish I replaced the in tank fuel pump and fuel filter at the same time... doh!
7) Clogged cat? Unplugged the O2 sensor at the harness. Unscrewed the O2 sensor from the pipe. Completely unscrewed the O2 sensor from the pipe and harness. In all conditions, idle got very jumpy and still had bogging issues.

Only other "pro-active maintenance" items left that I can think of that may be related are

**ignition coil - I ordered a new B35 ignition coil to replace the old B34 one. Arriving today (Monday)
**spark plugs - I thought these were new but they were not. New Bosch (7909) WR8LC+ are arriving tomorrow
**new exhaust being installed on Wednesday with new CARB approved Magnaflow cat and single 2.5" piping.
**fuel injectors - Currently shopping for a refurbished set.

If none of this resolves the bogging/bucking issue, I'm afraid I will need to take it to a professional shop.

[stoney]

Wise idea to refresh the plugs and injectors as a starting point for diagnosing issues, always a futile effort if the basics aren't covered initially.

Also check for any vacuum leaks, replace any worn hoses, check valve clearances, clean any electrical connections, clean all earth points on the car/chassis, check plug lead resistances.

[Spen]

D Unit, I just purchased a B35 E34 535i powered BMW and the issue was the crank position sensor came loose from its mount and rubbed against the balancer and fried the ECU. The shop it was at said the engine needed to be dismantled to find out why. There is a BMW TSB Technical Service Bulletin that states that the crank position wheel must be checked for tightness every time maintenance is done. The book says 1mm of clearance.

I cleaned the aluminum mount and added locktite and tightened it down nicely using a feeler gauge set to a sandwich of about 1mm.

In no way am I saying that this is your issue, all I am saying is the one fellow who commented about the crank position sensor proximity to the harmonic balancer pointed out an incredibly important point about the B35 fuel management design (to check tolerance ~1mm) and to make sure it's tight.

Your troubleshooting so far seems very thorough. I will re-read and see if I can contribute anything worthwhile other than this chime in tidbit.

[Spen]

I'd check the distributor cap and rotor. Sometimes the caps can crack. I had an 86 635 that started up and ran fine when I bought it after sitting a long while, but wouldn't restart. It felt as is the engine was turning backwards almost, or firing at the wrong time. I cleaned the water out of the distributor cap at the gas station (had some basic tools with me, buying a junk car and all) and it ran great all the way home. I am not saying this water issue is yours, but it easily could be something wrong with distributor cap and rotor. Which would fit into maintenance. Expensive maintenance tho, prepare for another $100 plus!

[Spen]

One last thing. I had an E28 535i and I replaced the intake elbow with one from URO parts. Ok, different car but it's useful as an anecdote.

I thought, hey what's the harm in a URO elbow? Well, plenty it turned out. I was driving around fine, and then the car started losing power and only making it forward when I was barely on the throttle. Smoking like hell out the exhaust. I was nervous, as it was late and I was on the highway and many years ago now. I pulled over and right there the damned intake elbow was being sucked in by the engine vacuum and was strangling the air coming in. The intake elbow was so weak that the vacuum of the engine just sucked it to death (!).

If I have an E28 that is running intolerably like shit, I usually assume it's the ECU. I'd at least give a spare 179 ECU a shot. However, I did see someone claim that a coil fixed up their similar issue. Best of luck. I just love that E23 - a less loved but strong car. Might be just about the biggest old bargain vehicle out there. Look how sweet you made it!

[D Unit]

Update (added #8)
1) tried known working AFM.
2) installed new FPR.
3) installed new TPS - Made idle jump and down. Did not fix the bogging/bucking issue. I swapped it back to the old one and idle was normal. Haven't figured out how to properly "adjust" the TPS I guess...
4) new fuel filter. same.
5) new $40 Vega in tank fuel pump from Amazon. same.
6) new Bosch in line fuel pump. same. Really wish I replaced the in tank fuel pump and fuel filter at the same time... doh!
7) Clogged cat? Unplugged the O2 sensor at the harness. Unscrewed the O2 sensor from the pipe. Completely unscrewed the O2 sensor from the pipe and harness. In all conditions, idle got very jumpy and still had bogging issues.
8) Not the ignition coil... replaced the old b34 one with a new Bosch b35 ignition coil.

Only other "pro-active maintenance" items left that I can think of that may be related are

**spark plugs - I thought these were new but they were not. New Bosch (7909) WR8LC+ are arriving tomorrow
**new exhaust being installed on Wednesday with new CARB approved Magnaflow cat and single 2.5" piping.
**fuel injectors - sourced a set from a member that priority shipping to me. they are stock injectors refurb'd by MPEH.

[/quote]

Wise idea to refresh the plugs and injectors as a starting point for diagnosing issues, always a futile effort if the basics aren't covered initially.

Also check for any vacuum leaks, replace any worn hoses, check valve clearances, clean any electrical connections, clean all earth points on the car/chassis, check plug lead resistances.

New plugs will be here tomorrow. I also have a set of MPEH refurbished stock injectors being priority mailed to me tomorrow. The shop did a good job of making sure there were vacuum leaks but I do have an exhaust leak for sure, which is why I'm upgrading my entire exhaust. From my understanding, an exhaust leak won't cause bogging/bucking, right?

D Unit, I just purchased a B35 E34 535i powered BMW and the issue was the crank position sensor came loose from its mount and rubbed against the balancer and fried the ECU. The shop it was at said the engine needed to be dismantled to find out why. There is a BMW TSB Technical Service Bulletin that states that the crank position wheel must be checked for tightness every time maintenance is done. The book says 1mm of clearance.

I cleaned the aluminum mount and added locktite and tightened it down nicely using a feeler gauge set to a sandwich of about 1mm.

In no way am I saying that this is your issue, all I am saying is the one fellow who commented about the crank position sensor proximity to the harmonic balancer pointed out an incredibly important point about the B35 fuel management design (to check tolerance ~1mm) and to make sure it's tight.

Your troubleshooting so far seems very thorough. I will re-read and see if I can contribute anything worthwhile other than this chime in tidbit.

Just to be clear, this is the crank position sensor, right?
12141720857, 12141720853, 12141714763, 12141710519
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-cr ... 2141720853



There's a 5mm allen bolt that holds it down. I turned it so tight I'm afraid I'm going to strip it. It was oily as shit tho... caked with oil. Do these go bad? Is this another maintenance sensor?

[wkohler]

Yes, that's the crank sensor. One thing I do know about those is not to use a Febi.

[D Unit]

Yes, that's the crank sensor. One thing I do know about those is not to use a Febi.

Is it Facet a safe brand? I was recently told the m30b35 was running great before it was pulled from an accident.

Does this part list look okay? I'm trying to be somewhat frugal and purchasing from AutohausAZ. Not really sure on the Facet and Karlyn brands...

[Spen]

The bracket where the sensor bolts into (5mm hex) is also fastened to the timing cover from behind using a 10mm nut attached to the threaded rod in the adjustable bracket. That's what adjusts the height

[D Unit]

Big thanks to all you guys that helped me out (750i, Hitman, SicStang, timgal1234, fastcrs, stoney, Spen, Kohler, derrith, Yar)!

My strategy of "just throw new parts at it" finally paid off. Turned out to be the spark plugs. I made the mistake of assuming the shop transferred the new spark plugs I bought from the bad engine onto the "new" engine. I totally forgot to mention it to them so that was totally my bad. The old plugs were NGK and had a huge 1.2 mm. gap I bought the recommended Bosch ones and ensured they were gapped to 0.8 mm. Now the car revs freely when I blip the throttle.

The silver lining is I did learn a lot about this old car and am happy none of the new parts went to waste. I'll go ahead and replace the new CPS once it comes in too. Thanks again everyone.

[Nyc Dito]

very very beautiful car, congrats !

[Nebraska_e28]

Looking good!

[D Unit]

Updated new shots of the interior... Still need to order some genuine Cocomats but I'm not sure which color yet... I'm either thinking all black, black + red, or black + blue. What do you guys think?








Installed a new headunit... it's a Clarion fz102e from Europe with no RCAs so I had to run dual LOCs for the components and sub amp.


Also finished up my exhaust recently. I ended up with a vibrant resonator, CARB'd approved Magnaflow cat, Magnaflow muffler, and some chrome 2.25 dual tips. Sounds excellent now.






I don't think I ever posted pictures of the b35 swap... Thanks again to German Autosport in Berekely, CA.




Sitting pretty in my driveway...

New signal lights... check.
New low beam lights... check.
New kidney grills... check.
New license plate molding... check.
New BBS air dam (clone)... check.
Fresh paint on the air dam, bumper carrier, and early sharknose conversion... check.


Custom coilovers sitting pretty... 350lbs Fronts, 375lbs Rear... custom valved Billy e30 ix front struts and e28 Billy sports rear. Car rides very comfortable and current wheel setup does not rub at all.

[offroadkarter]

Whats the specs on your rear wheel + tire fitment, and how much lowered are you over stock? I'm noticing my 9.5" wide wheels with 265/35's rub on the inside of the quarter panel if I take turns to sharp, I'm concerned whats going to happen if I install my dinan springs.

[Nebraska_e28]

Damn! It can't get much better than that!

What model vibrant did you go with? I've been researching these.

[D Unit]

Whats the specs on your rear wheel + tire fitment, and how much lowered are you over stock? I'm noticing my 9.5" wide wheels with 265/35's rub on the inside of the quarter panel if I take turns to sharp, I'm concerned whats going to happen if I install my dinan springs.

Measuring from the ground to the arc of the fender, I'm 610 mm in the front and 600 in the rear. Wheels are 18x8.5 et15 225/40 and 18x9.5 et15 245/40 with about 12-15mm of room from the outer fender without rolling the fenders. My new wheels are 17x8.5 et13, 17x10 et19 so I'm probably going to do 255 in the rear next time around. What's your rear offset?

Damn! It can't get much better than that!
What model vibrant did you go with? I've been researching these.

Thanks, but there's a couple of things I have left to do. I'm still using b34 exhaust manifolds which kinda sucks. I either need to find headers that fit, or run b35 exhaust manifolds and re-do the downpipe section.

I bought this resonator...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00180 ... ge_o08_s00

and this muffler.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LF8 ... ge_o06_s00

At the time, I did not have any tips installed on the car because I didn't think it was a big deal. Wrong... car was LOUD as fuck. Then I went ahead and bought the biggest Magnaflow muffler.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000XQ ... ge_o09_s00

Installed the huge ass Magnaflow and it only got 15% quieter which was still insanely LOUD... WTF?! haha. Turns out that running without tips underneath your car causes A LOT of drone and LOUDNESS. Once I installed my exhaust tips, the car went from OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD, to very civil/quiet... It was literally night and day difference. I kinda wish I didn't replace the Magnaflow with the Vibrant muffler, but it's good for now.

[offroadkarter]

Whats the specs on your rear wheel + tire fitment, and how much lowered are you over stock? I'm noticing my 9.5" wide wheels with 265/35's rub on the inside of the quarter panel if I take turns to sharp, I'm concerned whats going to happen if I install my dinan springs.

Measuring from the ground to the arc of the fender, I'm 610 mm in the front and 600 in the rear. Wheels are 18x8.5 et15 225/40 and 18x9.5 et15 245/40 with about 12-15mm of room from the outer fender without rolling the fenders. My new wheels are 17x8.5 et13, 17x10 et19 so I'm probably going to do 255 in the rear next time around. What's your rear offset?

ET25 on the rear, they are OEM E38 M sport wheels. I'm kind of wondering if a 255 would be narrow enough to clear or if I'm going to have to get e39 Mpars which are 9" rear and I believe an ET23 offset.

[86GT635]

Wow! That's really good. I think solid black would look best out of the options.

[D Unit]

Whats the specs on your rear wheel + tire fitment, and how much lowered are you over stock? I'm noticing my 9.5" wide wheels with 265/35's rub on the inside of the quarter panel if I take turns to sharp, I'm concerned whats going to happen if I install my dinan springs.

Measuring from the ground to the arc of the fender, I'm 610 mm in the front and 600 in the rear. Wheels are 18x8.5 et15 225/40 and 18x9.5 et15 245/40 with about 12-15mm of room from the outer fender without rolling the fenders. My new wheels are 17x8.5 et13, 17x10 et19 so I'm probably going to do 255 in the rear next time around. What's your rear offset?

ET25 on the rear, they are OEM E38 M sport wheels. I'm kind of wondering if a 255 would be narrow enough to clear or if I'm going to have to get e39 Mpars which are 9" rear and I believe an ET23 offset.

My wheel height (25.72) is about 0.78 inches taller than yours (10.43 inches)...
Your rear wheels are retracted 10 mm from the fenders than mine, but you're tire width basically makes us even.

You're rubbing because you''re either too wide or suspension too soft. I'm running 375 lbs/in springs in the rear with e28 Billy Sports. Even with my 17 year old daughter and 6 year old son in the rear seat, I don't rub.

[oldskool]

Very, very smooth. I like it a lot.

[D Unit]

Wow! That's really good. I think solid black would look best out of the options.

Can't go wrong with all black, but the colored options look so damn good.

What about black and white?


All black...


Black and Red... Not feeling this one anymore... Looks too much for my car. I'm gonna count this one out.


Black and Grey


Black and Blue

[86GT635]

First thought before seeing any pics was black/grey, but it seems like the picture shows it being pretty close to black/white. I thought it would be a little more subdued.

That blue/black will probably look best in there, tie into the highlights from the M fabric.

[cddallara]

First thought before seeing any pics was black/grey, but it seems like the picture shows it being pretty close to black/white. I thought it would be a little more subdued.

That blue/black will probably look best in there, tie into the highlights from the M fabric.

X2 on the mats.

Would it kill you to update your Instagram every now and again?

[offroadkarter]

You're rubbing because you''re either too wide or suspension too soft. I'm running 375 lbs/in springs in the rear with e28 Billy Sports. Even with my 17 year old daughter and 6 year old son in the rear seat, I don't rub.

I imagine its a mix of both. I know the dinan springs will stiffen the ride up so it doesn't roll so much in the bends, but I'm afraid it'll lower it so much that I'll rub almost non stop.

I might have to just throw them on and see what happens. Next step would be trying a 255/35 I guess.


Do you have a picture of how flexed your sidewall is with 245's on a 18x9.5 wheel?

[LuckyHenriksen]

Oh man I loved reading through this thread, great work. Gives me a lot of inspiration to get started on my E23 project, although it isn't nearly as nice as your is to start with

[gazm3]

Looking good.
The coco mats look Orosme. I don't mind the black with yellow dots either. It would be great if they came to suit a RHD. I'd be all over them for my 2002.

[D Unit]

Looking good.
The coco mats look Orosme. I don't mind the black with yellow dots either. It would be great if they came to suit a RHD. I'd be all over them for my 2002.

I believe Cocomats.com will custom make any floormat, regardless of RHD for the same price. When I requested samples, they sent me a huge tracing board to custom shape my future floor mats since they didn't really have the e23's pattern. Come to think of it, I still need to trace out my own pattern for that matter.

[tschultz]

The early E23 nose gives it a more aggressive look, especially with the airdam and stance.

Car looks great!

[Adam W in MN]

Damn I love staring at this car. My only slight gripe is I think it's sitting a little too low for my tastes. I was looking at the pics and your tire specs wondering if it was a thin sidewall, but 245/40/18 doesn't sound really low profile for an 18". So I guess your springs?

I think it would be perfect if it were raised just a tad... but if you leave it as is, it'll still be one of the finest E23's I've ever coveted.

What's going on with the funkiness under the rear bumper on the bottoms of the quarter panels? Just dirty?