...the journey of a '77 bmw 320i from its home in california through a mild "frame on" restoration in the midwest...
Monday, March 28, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
aluminum front hubs
Stock Front Hubs Rebuild $120.00 without seals & bearings |
Ireland Engineering Offers these '77 styled front hubs for $80.00 without seals & bearings
Source: http://store.nexternal.com/ireland/front-hub---e21-320i-late-small-bearing-p888.aspx
Friday, March 25, 2011
Brake Master Cylinder
Part #4 "Pre pressure valve" Needs to go if you've got rear disks. Definitely get a second opinion as I learned this from someone else's thread.
"I have never seen that #4 thing either...my MasterCylinder did not have one".
I attached a diagram of the e12 system. The valve that you need to remove is the same as on the e21, it's #10. Put your wilwood valve in place of that.
Install your wilwood valve there. You don't need an e12 MBC.
PN/ #4 in the diagram above |
I attached a diagram of the e12 system. The valve that you need to remove is the same as on the e21, it's #10. Put your wilwood valve in place of that.
Install your wilwood valve there. You don't need an e12 MBC.
Head Light Converstion
This is a cut-n-paste of a thread on bimmerforms regarding the converstion to hella h4's to which jester323 says: A much easier option could have been to simply adapt E30 ellipsoid buckets to my e21, but these turned out to be challenging to source. If you can find a pair of these, apparently it's pretty easy to slot the mounting holes and they can simply be screwed to the core support.
So I decided that it would not be an impossible task to adapt e30 euro ellipsoids to my e21 buckets, despite what I have been told by others. And no, you can not simply shave a bit off of the ellipsoid housing with a Dremmel to make them fit like I have also read.
To start, I removed the low beam buckets from the bracket that holds both buckets. this is done by simply unscrewing the the lamp adjusting knobs until the screw is completely removed, then wiggle the adjuster free from the bracket. I needed to figure out which housing belonged on which side as the beam cutoff doesn't just cut the top half of the beam off, but it also allows a slight angle up from the center of the beam pattern on one side. This helps to illuminate signs and other roadside objects better. To do this I installed an H1 bulb in one of the housings and used some alligator clips to a spare battery I had laying around and projecting a beam onto the wall of the garage to see which side aimed up a bit higher. there are three mounting tabs on the back of the housings, two on the top and one on the bottom. The mounting tab on the bottom will be on the outside. For example, this is the driver's side housing:
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
e21 Head Grills
To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.
The small light is NLA from Hella as far as I know. You can make the small light off a VW Golf/Cabrio (MK II) work but it is going to require some modifications as the tabs do not line up with the BMW E21 grill.
e21 Review
BMW 320 E21 | |
1975 - 1981 | |
Country: | |
Engine: | Inline 4 SOHC |
Capacity: | 1991 cc |
Power: | 109 bhp at 5800 rpm |
Transmission: | 4 spd. man / 3 spd. auto |
Top Speed: | 106 mph |
Number Built: | n/a |
Collectability: |
Although the BMW company's reputation was built on its large saloon and sports coupe models, since the 1970's its major source of revenue has been supplied by the company's bread-and-butter family saloons.
Typical of these models was the 320 range, introduced during mid 1975. The 3-series model replaced the 1602/2002 series which for many years had proved the mainstay of BMW's production.
In appearance the 320 model was vaguely reminiscent of the larger and more expensive 5-series, a clever marketing plan which gave the car an instant glamorous image not normally associated with medium-sized saloons.
The 320 was powered by a four-cylinder single-overhead-cam-shaft 1990 cc engine which developed 109 bhp (DIN) at 5800 rpm. A more powerful version of the 320, designated the 320i, was also available.
The power produced by the 320i engine was 125 bhp (DIN) at 5700 rpm. The main reason for this power increase was that the 320i had a compression ratio of 9.3 to 1 compared with the 320's 8.0 to 1.
In addition, the 320i was fitted with a Bosch fuel-injection unit whereas the 320 made use of a single Solex twin-choke carburettor. The four-speed Getrag gearbox had the same ratios as on the previous 2002 range and also used Borg Warner synchromesh.
Automatic transmission, by means of a three-speed ZF unit, was also available. Steering was by rack-and-pinion while the front suspension was independent and used coil springs, MacPherson struts and an anti-roll bar.
The rear suspension comprised coil springs and semi-trailing wishbones. Braking was much better than on previous iterations, one of the improvments to both front and rear systems being that they had separate circuits. The front brakes were 10 inch discs, drum brakes were fitted at the rear.
The interior design marked the introduction of a new design concept, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded.
In all, the 3-series model was much smoother and quieter than its 1602/2002 predecessor. In addition, the steering was lighter and more precise while performance was really exceptionally good for a small 2-litre saloon. A factory authorised cabrio version was also built by Baur. To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.
BMW 320 Quick Specifications
Engine: Front-mounted, water-cooled straight-four. 89.0 mm (3.5 in) bore x 80 mm (3.15 in) stroke - 1990cc (121 cu. in). Maximum power (DIN) 109 bhp at 5800 rpm; maximum torque 116 lb. ft. at3700rpm. Cast-iron cylinder block and aluminium head. Compression ratio 8.1:1. 5 main bearings. 2 valves per cylinder operated via rockers by single overhead camshaft. 1 Solex 40PDSi carburettor.
Transmission: Single-dry-plate clutch and 4-speed manual gearbox. 3-speed automatic optional. Ratios (for manual) over- all, 1 st 3.76, 2nd 2.02, 3rd 1.32, 4th 1: 1. Hypoid-bevel final drive. Ratio 3.640:1.
Suspension: Front-independent by coil springs, MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar; rear, independent by coil springs, semi- trailing arms.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion. Turns from lock to lock 4.1.
Brakes: Servo-assisted discs (10.0in) front and drums (9.8 x 1.57 in) rear. Handbrake operating on rear wheels.
Wheels & Tyres: 5 in x 13 in steel. Tyres 165SR x 13.
Body/chassis: 2 door, 5-seater saloon.
Dimensions and weight: Wheelbase 8 ft 4.9 in; track- front 4 ft 5.7 in, rear-4 ft 6.2 in; length 14 ft 3.4 in; width 5 ft 3.4 in; height 4ft 6.3in; ground clearance 5.7 in; fuel tank capacity 11.4 gals; turning circle between walls 33ft 6 in. Weight 2271 lb.
Performance: Maximum speed 106 mph; Acceleration: from 0-50 mph 7.3 secs. Fuel consumption overall for both town and country driving 28.0 miles per gallon.
Models at Release: At the E21's release, three models were available: with 316 (1.6 litre), 318 (1.8 litre) and 320 (2.0 litre) versions of the BMW M10 four cylinder engine. At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled its new variants of the E21, featuring the new six-cylinder M20 engines. The four cylinder 320 model was replaced with the 320/6, featuring a 2.0 litre version of the M20 engine. The 323i model was introduced, featuring 2.3 litres and 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp). The braking system was also upgraded, with the 323i featuring disc brakes on all wheels. For the 1979/80 model year, the four-cylinder models were upgraded: the 1.8 litre power unit was revised and entered the market as a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) carburetor engine in the 316, while addition of Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection to the 1.8 litre engine raised the 318i to 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp). Since there was now also room for a new entry-level model, the 315 powered by a 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) 1.6 litre M10 engine made its appearance in 1981.
e21 Review
BMW 320 E21 | |
1975 - 1981 | |
Country: | |
Engine: | Inline 4 SOHC |
Capacity: | 1991 cc |
Power: | 109 bhp at 5800 rpm |
Transmission: | 4 spd. man / 3 spd. auto |
Top Speed: | 106 mph |
Number Built: | n/a |
Collectability: |
Although the BMW company's reputation was built on its large saloon and sports coupe models, since the 1970's its major source of revenue has been supplied by the company's bread-and-butter family saloons.
Typical of these models was the 320 range, introduced during mid 1975. The 3-series model replaced the 1602/2002 series which for many years had proved the mainstay of BMW's production.
In appearance the 320 model was vaguely reminiscent of the larger and more expensive 5-series, a clever marketing plan which gave the car an instant glamorous image not normally associated with medium-sized saloons.
The 320 was powered by a four-cylinder single-overhead-cam-shaft 1990 cc engine which developed 109 bhp (DIN) at 5800 rpm. A more powerful version of the 320, designated the 320i, was also available.
The power produced by the 320i engine was 125 bhp (DIN) at 5700 rpm. The main reason for this power increase was that the 320i had a compression ratio of 9.3 to 1 compared with the 320's 8.0 to 1.
In addition, the 320i was fitted with a Bosch fuel-injection unit whereas the 320 made use of a single Solex twin-choke carburettor. The four-speed Getrag gearbox had the same ratios as on the previous 2002 range and also used Borg Warner synchromesh.
Automatic transmission, by means of a three-speed ZF unit, was also available. Steering was by rack-and-pinion while the front suspension was independent and used coil springs, MacPherson struts and an anti-roll bar.
The rear suspension comprised coil springs and semi-trailing wishbones. Braking was much better than on previous iterations, one of the improvments to both front and rear systems being that they had separate circuits. The front brakes were 10 inch discs, drum brakes were fitted at the rear.
The interior design marked the introduction of a new design concept, with the center console angled towards the driver. This feature has become part of BMW’s interior design philosophy for many years. As a sign of passive safety, all edges and control elements within the interior were rounded off and padded.
In all, the 3-series model was much smoother and quieter than its 1602/2002 predecessor. In addition, the steering was lighter and more precise while performance was really exceptionally good for a small 2-litre saloon. A factory authorised cabrio version was also built by Baur. To draw clear visual distinction within the new model series, the 320 models came with dual headlights, while the 316 and 318 had single round headlights.
BMW 320 Quick Specifications
Engine: Front-mounted, water-cooled straight-four. 89.0 mm (3.5 in) bore x 80 mm (3.15 in) stroke - 1990cc (121 cu. in). Maximum power (DIN) 109 bhp at 5800 rpm; maximum torque 116 lb. ft. at3700rpm. Cast-iron cylinder block and aluminium head. Compression ratio 8.1:1. 5 main bearings. 2 valves per cylinder operated via rockers by single overhead camshaft. 1 Solex 40PDSi carburettor.
Transmission: Single-dry-plate clutch and 4-speed manual gearbox. 3-speed automatic optional. Ratios (for manual) over- all, 1 st 3.76, 2nd 2.02, 3rd 1.32, 4th 1: 1. Hypoid-bevel final drive. Ratio 3.640:1.
Suspension: Front-independent by coil springs, MacPherson struts, anti-roll bar; rear, independent by coil springs, semi- trailing arms.
Steering: Rack-and-pinion. Turns from lock to lock 4.1.
Brakes: Servo-assisted discs (10.0in) front and drums (9.8 x 1.57 in) rear. Handbrake operating on rear wheels.
Wheels & Tyres: 5 in x 13 in steel. Tyres 165SR x 13.
Body/chassis: 2 door, 5-seater saloon.
Dimensions and weight: Wheelbase 8 ft 4.9 in; track- front 4 ft 5.7 in, rear-4 ft 6.2 in; length 14 ft 3.4 in; width 5 ft 3.4 in; height 4ft 6.3in; ground clearance 5.7 in; fuel tank capacity 11.4 gals; turning circle between walls 33ft 6 in. Weight 2271 lb.
Performance: Maximum speed 106 mph; Acceleration: from 0-50 mph 7.3 secs. Fuel consumption overall for both town and country driving 28.0 miles per gallon.
Models at Release: At the E21's release, three models were available: with 316 (1.6 litre), 318 (1.8 litre) and 320 (2.0 litre) versions of the BMW M10 four cylinder engine. At the 1977 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW unveiled its new variants of the E21, featuring the new six-cylinder M20 engines. The four cylinder 320 model was replaced with the 320/6, featuring a 2.0 litre version of the M20 engine. The 323i model was introduced, featuring 2.3 litres and 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp). The braking system was also upgraded, with the 323i featuring disc brakes on all wheels. For the 1979/80 model year, the four-cylinder models were upgraded: the 1.8 litre power unit was revised and entered the market as a 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) carburetor engine in the 316, while addition of Bosch K Jetronic fuel injection to the 1.8 litre engine raised the 318i to 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp). Since there was now also room for a new entry-level model, the 315 powered by a 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) 1.6 litre M10 engine made its appearance in 1981.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Alpina C1 and Alpina B6: BMW E21 323i and 328i
Alpina C1 and B6: BMW E21 323i and 328i | |
1978 - 1983 | |
Country: | |
Engine: | Inline 6 SOHC |
Capacity: | 2/2.8 Litre |
Power: | 125/160 kW |
Transmission: | 4/5 spd. man |
Top Speed: | 208 km/h (129 mph) |
Number Built: | n/a |
Collectability: |
The E21 was the 1975 successor to the BMW 2002 and as such had a tough sporting image to live up to. The problem for the E21 was that it was bigger, heavier and (up until the release of the Euro 323i) produced less power than the 2002ti's 130bhp.
The E21 was only available in two door form from the factory although Baur made a T-bar convertible later on. Some US companies also made full convertibles, these are very rare.
Alpina's range took off where many others would finish, with a modified version of the BMW 323i. The engine was the standard overhead camshaft in-line six with the compression ratio lifted from 9.5:1 to 10:1. With special pistons and a re-worked cylinder-head which housed a new camshaft, it produced 125 kW (170 hp at 6000 rpm instead of 105 kW (143 hp at 5800).
Maximum revs went up to 7000 from 6400. Torque was lifted from the original 190 Nm (140 Ib-ft) to 210 Nm (154.7 Ib-ft) at 4500 rpm. Alpina also offered a series of kits which could further improve the car's performance and/or reliability.
Chief among these was an oilcooler; a 96-litre fuel tank; 255 mm diameter ventilated disc brakes; special suspension equipment using variable rate springs and Bilstein gas-filled shocks; light alloy rims, 6 inches wide at the front carrying Pirelli P7 195/50 VR 15 tyres and 7 inches wide with 205/50 VR 1 5 P7 tyres at the rear; front and rear spoilers; a special Alpina fascia panel; bucket seats; and the distinctive Alpina colour scheme.
The Alpina BMW C1 retained the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system and had a claimed top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph), with acceleration figures of 7.9 sec for 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 28.9 sec for a standing start kilometre.
Jean Claude Giroix Alpina C1
Like all Alpina conversions, the car was officially homologated and fuel consumption was given as 6.1 litres/100 km (46.3 miles/Imperial gallon). A variation on the C1 was offered by the Alpina importer for France, Jean Claude Giroix, whose "JCG" model boasted cleaned-up pistons, valves, and valveseats, a modified camshaft, and a sports exhaust manifold. Figures for the JCG version were 127 kW (173 hp at 6600 rpm and 228 Nm (168 Ib-ft) at 4500 rpm, with a top speed of 213 km/h (132 mph).
Alpina B6: BMW 328i
The second car in the Alpina range, the B6, took the form of a 3-series body fitted with the 2.8-litre engine of the 528i model - modified of course. The 2788-cc six-cylinder engine was tuned along the traditional Alpina lines and retained the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection of the production model. It utilized an AFT digital map electronic ignition system. Power output was 160 kW (218 hp at 6000 rpm as against 135 kW (184 hp at 5800 rpm for the standard 2.8i engine.Torque was 265 Nm (195.3 Ib-ft) at 5000 rpm compared with 235 Nm (173.2 Ib-ft) at 4200 rpm. Driving through a manual five-speed box and a 3.45 axle, this gives the B6 a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) figure of 7 sec and a time of 27.2 sec for the standing kilometre. Top speed is around the 230 km/h (143 mph) mark. Naturally, the B6 was not just modified in the engine department. Other modifications included improved suspension, Pirelli P7 tyres, front and rear spoilers, a 96-litre tank, and Alpina trim items inside and out.
Alpina C1 and Alpina B6: BMW E21 323i and 328i
Alpina C1 and B6: BMW E21 323i and 328i | |
1978 - 1983 | |
Country: | |
Engine: | Inline 6 SOHC |
Capacity: | 2/2.8 Litre |
Power: | 125/160 kW |
Transmission: | 4/5 spd. man |
Top Speed: | 208 km/h (129 mph) |
Number Built: | n/a |
Collectability: |
The E21 was the 1975 successor to the BMW 2002 and as such had a tough sporting image to live up to. The problem for the E21 was that it was bigger, heavier and (up until the release of the Euro 323i) produced less power than the 2002ti's 130bhp.
The E21 was only available in two door form from the factory although Baur made a T-bar convertible later on. Some US companies also made full convertibles, these are very rare.
Alpina's range took off where many others would finish, with a modified version of the BMW 323i. The engine was the standard overhead camshaft in-line six with the compression ratio lifted from 9.5:1 to 10:1. With special pistons and a re-worked cylinder-head which housed a new camshaft, it produced 125 kW (170 hp at 6000 rpm instead of 105 kW (143 hp at 5800).
Maximum revs went up to 7000 from 6400. Torque was lifted from the original 190 Nm (140 Ib-ft) to 210 Nm (154.7 Ib-ft) at 4500 rpm. Alpina also offered a series of kits which could further improve the car's performance and/or reliability.
Chief among these was an oilcooler; a 96-litre fuel tank; 255 mm diameter ventilated disc brakes; special suspension equipment using variable rate springs and Bilstein gas-filled shocks; light alloy rims, 6 inches wide at the front carrying Pirelli P7 195/50 VR 15 tyres and 7 inches wide with 205/50 VR 1 5 P7 tyres at the rear; front and rear spoilers; a special Alpina fascia panel; bucket seats; and the distinctive Alpina colour scheme.
The Alpina BMW C1 retained the Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection system and had a claimed top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph), with acceleration figures of 7.9 sec for 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) and 28.9 sec for a standing start kilometre.
Jean Claude Giroix Alpina C1
Like all Alpina conversions, the car was officially homologated and fuel consumption was given as 6.1 litres/100 km (46.3 miles/Imperial gallon). A variation on the C1 was offered by the Alpina importer for France, Jean Claude Giroix, whose "JCG" model boasted cleaned-up pistons, valves, and valveseats, a modified camshaft, and a sports exhaust manifold. Figures for the JCG version were 127 kW (173 hp at 6600 rpm and 228 Nm (168 Ib-ft) at 4500 rpm, with a top speed of 213 km/h (132 mph).
Alpina B6: BMW 328i
The second car in the Alpina range, the B6, took the form of a 3-series body fitted with the 2.8-litre engine of the 528i model - modified of course. The 2788-cc six-cylinder engine was tuned along the traditional Alpina lines and retained the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection of the production model. It utilized an AFT digital map electronic ignition system. Power output was 160 kW (218 hp at 6000 rpm as against 135 kW (184 hp at 5800 rpm for the standard 2.8i engine.Torque was 265 Nm (195.3 Ib-ft) at 5000 rpm compared with 235 Nm (173.2 Ib-ft) at 4200 rpm. Driving through a manual five-speed box and a 3.45 axle, this gives the B6 a 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) figure of 7 sec and a time of 27.2 sec for the standing kilometre. Top speed is around the 230 km/h (143 mph) mark. Naturally, the B6 was not just modified in the engine department. Other modifications included improved suspension, Pirelli P7 tyres, front and rear spoilers, a 96-litre tank, and Alpina trim items inside and out.
front valence and air dams
early 1977-1979 front valance |
Pre-'80 Notice the shorter lip and the cut out air vents |
Post '80 version of the lip |
BBS Front Valance with European Front Bumper (notice how the fog lights are cut into the valance) |
Kamei Front Spoiler E21 320i 323i |
Notice the lip above, this is an example of the earlier model air dam made by Kamei |
Kamei Front Air Dam |
Earlier model car with single headlights, early front valance, and a Kamei front dam installed |
Sunday, March 20, 2011
This is the 'unrestored' rear sub frame of my e21...notice that the camber & toe adjusters have been welded on, the subframe has not been sandblasted or repainted
This is the freshly painted 323i trailing arm replacing the original 320i trailing arm.
NOTE: The only reason to use the 323i trailing arms is for rear disc brakes!!! |
the underside of the original subframe, after sandblasted, primed, and painted.
I bought a 3 point cylinder hone at harbor freight and honed the inside of all cylinders for urethane bushings, and bearings, and races.
the urethane bushings fitted into the 323i trailing arms and bolted into the channels on the subframe.
expanded view of the urethane bushings, pressed into the trailing arms, and bolted into place, fitted into the channels on the subframe.
it was getting late on a sunday night...sorry for the poor quality pictures...
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