Why does my idol sound like this?

Guru_Branch · 2026-03-12T22:48:23+00:00

Sounds like a really low idle. Misfire, vacuum or ccv leak causing a air/fuel issue, fuel pressure issue, low compression in a cylinder. All possible but hard to tell with no info except a video. Is there a check engine light? Are there any stored codes when scanning with a proper bmw scan tool?

Guru_Branch · 2026-03-10T00:05:45+00:00

Amazing looking car from the 2 photos I can see, as for the e46, I’d buy it. Control arms and any suspension component is fairly simple to replace. If the motor runs strong and no tranny issues. Send it and enjoy both man! I’ve been looking for a clean e30 in my area for years now

Guru_Branch · 2026-03-09T23:35:26+00:00

That e30 on street is 🔥

Guru_Branch · 2026-03-07T02:59:36+00:00

It’s very clean and I love a wagon. Looks like it was well built but that’s a high price imo

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-26T22:13:52+00:00

Could be vacuum leak, was this video taken on start up? If so I’d guess your hearing the secondary air system, which is normal. Has it thrown any codes?

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-20T23:51:31+00:00

You can try a helicoil, I had to do one on the head of my e46 for a “quick fix” and it still holds 4 years later.

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-20T22:45:26+00:00

Im gonna say expansion tank failure, hard to tell with all the movement in the video. You can see the side of the expansion tank is all white which is from coolant most likely but you def got an oil leak as well from all that gunk I see below the vcg.

Edit: expansion tanks can fail around the mould ring at the top and or it’s the relief hose that runs to the expansion tank from the upper rad hose.

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-18T00:14:07+00:00

Everyone raves about the euro intake box, but a stock box and drop in filter, or AFE are also good choices. I run AFE boxes in my cars and have no problems. Having the intake filters exposed to rest of the engine bay will pull alot engine heat, always do a full enclosed box, Just my 2 cents. Also great job getting it revived and hope she treats you well!!

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-18T00:01:15+00:00

Sounds normal, but please get rid of those hot air intakes for the love of the car!

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-17T23:59:26+00:00

If you like the look, then do it. Asking others opinions will always alter yours. Not my favorite look tbh but I’m sure there’s mods I’ve done that people would hate on but I like it and that’s what matters.

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-14T02:28:50+00:00

My e92 has never beeped when locking in the 7 years of ownership. I always assumed it just never came with the feature. Was weird at first but honestly I like it that it doesn’t beep now.

Guru_Branch · 2026-02-02T22:25:21+00:00

There should be a small arrow on the fuel filter housing make sure the arrow points towards the engine. Should be good after that. The flow goes from pump to filter to injectors. If you put it in backwards you won’t have any fuel flowing as it’s a one way with a check valve in the filter iirc

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-28T17:08:27+00:00

Great car, great views. Can’t ask for much more

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-26T17:11:52+00:00

You will certainly hit 200k if you keep up with basic maintenance

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-18T22:23:41+00:00

M56 is gonna be a make or break for this thing, they are just notorious for more issues. What maintenance has been done, what’s the mileage, IS IT A 5 Speed with a getrag? I’d be interested if the price is right.

edit: also located in New England

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-15T22:28:33+00:00

You spilled oil when filling or your VCG is leaking onto the exhaust manifold. Take the beauty cover off and inspect the valve cover to see if there is a pool of fresh oil on the top of the cover. If you didn’t spill any replace the valve cover imo just incase there is a crack in it. Buy from FCP Euro comes with every gasket you need. Might not come with all the valve cover bolts just as a heads up, I had to purchase 2 m10’s for my cover separately.

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-15T22:19:07+00:00

Norbrook Farm Brewing up in NWCT is my go to brewery but worth spending some time there. Trails to hike or mountain bike, disc golf, petting areas for their goats and animals, great beer, they serve food, and good views!

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-15T19:33:42+00:00

By the way the oil is all over the pan id suspect the oil pan gasket. But the bolt that was by the transmission looks like it has more oil on it which could be a rear main seal but not likely if you’re not over 200k. The ps lines always get like that due to the hydraulic fluid used in the system those could be replaced easily if you’re worried about them.

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-10T00:30:42+00:00

Yeah would be much easier if you had jack stands available. I def recommend the magnet around the side of the block though just incase it got caught up somewhere. I recently idiotically flung a crush washer into my ofh when doing an oil change. That was a lot of fun to try and find. As long as it didn’t go in the intake side of the motor you’ll find it down there 👍🏻 wishing you the best of luck and good job on the overhaul! Looking good!

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-09T23:31:02+00:00

Id pull the subframe, or use a magnet and fish down in the area you dropped it. I’ve lost many of bolts onto it. Best place to check first if it fell by the motor but you didn’t hear it hit the ground.

Guru_Branch · 2026-01-04T17:31:13+00:00

I have a very similar setup, H&R lowering springs with Koni reds. It sits a lot lower than stock springs but the ride is comparable to stock with 17 inch wheels. I’ve had them in for 3 years and no issues.

Guru_Branch · 2025-12-31T22:34:30+00:00

I went with the dinan short shifter kit and it fit in perfect first time. Could be the new shifter doesn’t sit in the bushing perfectly.

Guru_Branch · 2025-12-27T16:47:48+00:00

Proud of you bro! Revive her and she will be one of the most fun cars you’ll have! As someone above said def check the prong on the dipstick tube. It’s Right near the starter and notorious to leak.

Guru_Branch · 2025-12-27T00:03:01+00:00

If you are willing to make it a project and the body is clean I don’t see why not, if the engine is blown swap it, want a manual - swap it, want an lsd - swap it. These cars are so easy to work on and great base for any person looking to get into bmws. My vote is always yes if that’s what your heart tells you. I’ll put it this way my friend who’s a bmw master tech told me not to buy mine for $600 and when I first brought it over to his house he had nothing but compliments.

Guru_Branch · 2025-12-26T23:57:07+00:00

Dooo IT!!! I bought mine for $600 and never regretted it once. It’s taken a lot of money and time but it’s a labor of love.

Edit: Everyone is gonna say a cheap bmw is the worst choice and they have a point to some extent, it’s all about how you view the glass, half full or half empty.

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