My project.

[DueceMcCracken]

Hi everyone! Just thought I'd let you all know what I'm up to with my Beamer.

Apparently one of the spark plugs was bad and didn't spark. It was a NGK with 4 electrodes. Weird, I like NGK. Kinda makes me question their quality... I have a nice little bundle of goodies coming in the mail. New plugs, wires, K&N drop in, and other Tune up materials.

After I replaced the plug I noticed a coolant leak. Both my block and Head coolant fittings are cracked and leaking coolant. Which sucks. I rescued this TI from a friends grandfathers driveway where it sat for 3 years. So it's going to need a fair amount of TLC.

I already got some new tires(Dunlop sport 5000) New rotors and pads all way round from iirc R1 concepts(ebay company) seems pretty decent for the money.

I just placed a order for all the parts I need for the coolant fitting job. I also picked up new tie rods.

The TI has a new rad, water pump, and main hoses. So I'm looking good there.

The previous owner broke the shift knob locking mechanism so I improvised. Duct seal putty works perfect and isn't permanent in case I buy a M3 shifter. Im very happy with that quick fix.

So if anyone has any pointers for the Coolant fitting replacement endeavor I'm about to do please help me out. Thanks!!

[cali-ti]

there's an excellent write-up in the knowledgebase on cooling system overhaul, i'd check it out. there are a couple plastic bits you very likely will want to replace while you're in there.

[roadrash]

Where did you buy the radiator? I installed one of the $128 ones from E-bay and my mechanic said it looked good to him.

My shift knob comes off too... tell me more about this magic putty and how you applied it. :-D Where in the world would I find that? What does it cost?

[DueceMcCracken]

The rad was BMW OEM from the dealership. I did not pay for it, lol.

The putty I speak of is duct sealant. It is sticky and very firm. It costs 2 dollars at the home Depot for a 1 lb brick. It's in the electrical section fyi. It's made by Gardner Bender. Great stuff. It never hardens or shrinks. Sticks to all sorts of surfaces.

[thesk8nmidget]

with my last ti i just did a few wraps with electrical tape and the knob never came off.

[mohaughn]

If you are changing the tie-rods you should also think about replacing the lower control arms and control arm bushings while you are down there.

If the arms are in good shape with no rust, and not bent or damaged in any way you can get by with just replacing the bushings.

[DueceMcCracken]

What other front end parts should I replace?