RTABS is rear trailing arm bushings, mine are horrible. It makes the back end of the car feel like the tires are really low kind of and makes it sway as well as clunk sometimes. I still have yet to do them. I almost spun out in the rain on highway as well. Hell, even at a stop light in the rain when I hit the paint line I can feel it shift.

M50 is the right engine, I have a 93 325is. I loved it also for the first few weeks, but meh, after $430 for a wheel bearing, now a starter needs to be replaced, my optima yellow top all in one week. Shits pricey.

They are pretty though, lol.

Heres mine. I am in Palm Harbor.

 

wow that's really nice! So where do you find these bushings? I want to make sure the car runs well after I change the head gasket so I need to take the head to a machine shop to get it pressure tested. Does anyone know a good place to get this done that isn't too pricey? Also, how can I check the block for cracks without having to take it out because let's face it that might be cracked too. Your right about the parts being expensive. I'm beginning to feel overwhelmed from this project. I just wanted to get a car I never imagined I would own. I got tired of hondas and mitsubishis

 

I felt the same way, but I kind of miss my mitsu at the moment. Much more power, easier to find parts, and much cheaper and easier to fix. >_<

Would much rather have another S14 240 though. Once I get my starter fixed though, car will be good : )

 

U guys got to know where to shop. I paid 50 bucks for both of my wheel bearings. Also eurotuning has heavy duty RTABs for like 50 bucks. They are well worth it. I remember I bought it from them for 25 bucks when they were on sale.

Theres:
eurotuning.com
Pelicanparts.com
autopartswarehouse.com <----U can easily find coupon codes and shipping is free
bavauto.com

 

It was $430 total for labor and a new hub, i already had the bearing. It seized up randomly on the highway in the rain and f0rked up some shit.

 

I miss my mitsu too that's how I got started. I've always wanted a 240 but I never found one I could afford in good shape & stock condition. I'm gonna stick with this bimmer and see how it treats me if I treat it good. I don't abuse cars so hopefully things will work out. I think I have a good car to pick up chicks too lol. I'm gonna go to euro and see how much stuff they have for these cars. Does anyone know of a machine shop?

 

So today my gf suggusted i remove the valve cover and this is what i found. what do you guys think?

 

now that you've owned your first bimmer, now you're gunna always want to drive them. Welcome!

 

I'd replace the timing chain tensioner.
Water pump too, since you're doing headgasket and thermostat.
Head bolts do not have to be replaced.
Head should be resurfaced. (milled) for proper fitment.
RTABs should be done asap, also gubio.
It's a 95' check to see if the DME drain is clean of debris, otherwise enjoy buying a new DME.
You have EWSI so that's fun.

If it's a US spec 325IS, then yes the engine is a M50B25. Pretty average.
S50 cams, I wouldn't even bother.

If it's an automatic, then lol enjoy a transmission rebuild soon. It's a GM transmission btw GM4L-30E

E36's aren't that great, they share alot of issues and time didn't help anything but the look.
Other things that are going to happen is"
Sagging/damaged door panels. Expect to pay 40-60$ each for the front two.
Headliner sagging.
Window switches jamming.
Window regulator breaking.
Vanos unit needing rebuilding. (Vanos = BMW Vtec)

Also if it has more then 150K+, I'd replace worn suspension parts. 1995 is over 16 years ago. Every part on the car is over 16yrs old.
Ouch.

 

ohh man that was all good to know. i wish i couldve predicted this. however i still feel the good outweighs the bad. and ladies have to like my car hehe