Surge 1 Report post Posted June 11, 2013 (edited) Just wondering what the options are as far as repacing a worn camshaft (front lobes are worn) - vehicle is a 535i (M30). Obviously the camshaft will need replacing/regrinding but I'm not too sure what else will need to be done (or should be done) at the same time? Ie. is it worth replacing the rockers, eccentrics, rocker shafts etc..? (Pelican parts doesn't seem too bad in regards to pricing) Going from my m20 I'll need to lift the head to get the camshaft out so that will be coming off too... Failing that - is it more cost effective to either get a new (second hand) motor, or a new (second hand) head? Cheers! Edited June 11, 2013 by Surge Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted June 11, 2013 A camgrind will cost you around $400... an aftermarket cam like a Shrick $600 - 800 (last time I looked years ago) Might almost be cheaper throwing a whole second hand engine in... obviously once the cam is worn you're likely to run into other things that need doing, valve springs / valve seats / lapping etc etc. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1662 Report post Posted June 11, 2013 Id check the wear on the rockers,cam ecentrics and test the valves for leakage before decided if they needed replacement. If they check out then id just do valve guides and valve springs along with the cam and leave it at that unless you dont mind spending the money on replacing everything for piece of mind\longevity A 2nd hand motor is around $500 and you'd still have to check the condition of that one, another motor may have other things worn that your one may not, timing chain & components come to mind Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Surge 1 Report post Posted June 11, 2013 Cheers for the replies. That's the problem I've got with the second hand motor - having the exact same problems/other problems. The current engine doesn't smoke and besides the camwear issue otherwise seems fine (eg bottom end). I'm not too fussed about spending a bit of coin if it means that the engine is going to be reliable from there on. Is it worth doing the timing chain/tension guides etc at the same time? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1662 Report post Posted June 11, 2013 (edited) You dont want to replacing the chain guides\chain unless they are quite worn as its a completely different job to removing the head. Once you have to head off you will be able to see clearly the wear on the guides from the grooves and check the chain sprocket and tensioner for wear, both of which are easily replaced. If you have to do the guides a new chain id probably get a new chain at the same time for piece of mind. How many km has the engine done? Edited June 11, 2013 by Eagle Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Surge 1 Report post Posted June 11, 2013 It's done just over 120km. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1662 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 Should be fine then Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark 178 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 Doesn't make sense that an engine with just 120km's on it would have significant camlobe wear? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Eagle 1662 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 Does if its had loose spray bar bolt\s at some point in its life Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1283 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 Does if its had loose spray bar bolt\s at some point in its lifecorrect i had a 1990 535i that had done only 67,000km and required a new camshaft due to the oil spray rail bolts coming loose.i brought a new camshaft (old stock from EML ) for about $400 new head gasget set couple of new rockers etc bolted it all on job done. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Surge 1 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 From a quick bit of research I've heard BMW updated the bolts that hold the spray bar to ones that have a locking compound applied to them... therefore I'd assume that this motor has had this problem in the past. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
E30-323ti 66 Report post Posted June 12, 2013 BMW also do an 'exchange' complete cylinder head/valve train. Was $1700-ish back in '06 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites