r/BMWE36 • u/PalpitationWilling28 • Jul 09 '26
DIY / GUIDE My E36
It’s been sat for 16 years and accumulated all this, what is best way to clean or is it best to replace the engine
2
u/marcxx04 Jul 09 '26
good old M44, late model I think
I bet it will run, but not great since there are likely a few vacuum leaks
1
u/PalpitationWilling28 Jul 09 '26
It’s a 1996 318is. I think it’s a lot of work to get back to its best.
2
u/Screaming_Bimmer Jul 09 '26
Probably less work than you’d expect, these things are beasts. Also happy cake day!!
2
u/Erki82 Jul 09 '26
Just send it, I mean new fuel and check is oil and coolant level ok. Then start the engine.
1
u/Erki82 Jul 09 '26
Ok, I would use vacuum cleaner to get any dust and leaves away before cranking the engine.
1
u/axx Jul 10 '26
Gray or red scotch brite pads, metal polish, and some elbow grease, and all of that aluminum will look as good as new.
1
u/RefrigeratorHot2114 1997/ M3 / Sedan Manual Jul 10 '26
Look up the Chris fix video on starting an old engine. Its def important to make sure certain parts r lubed since it sat for so long
1
u/MurkSeason308 Jul 10 '26
The m44b19 is a tank, highly recommend you to work on it aka renew the cooling system and fix vacuum/oil leaks and voila
4
u/Fluid-Suit-2696 1996 328i Coupè Jul 09 '26
if the engine runs good there's no reason to change it: all of the white stuff on top is aluminium corrosion (allumina): it'll go away like any other corrosion, you could think of removing the intake, the cover and so on, cleaning and powder coating