Just to make things clear, day 1 started when I dropped the oil pan and that took me about 2.5hrs (Aug 30th)

Day 2, Sept 3rd, was preparing to drop engine and transmission and I worked on it for 4hrs.

Day 3, Sept 4th, was engine and trans. dropped and separated them from each other. 8hrs.

Today I started removing parts from the old engine and transfering them to the new one. These parts include the pullies, front harmonic balancer, AC Compressor bracket, L&R engine mounts with bracket, knock sensors, VANOS accumulator ignition coils, and oh gosh.. the entire engine wiring harness!!!

I removed the clutch and flywheel and those dont need to be replaced. Tomorrow I'm going to transfer the pilot bearing, install exhaust and intake manifold, injectors, and hopefully get the engine back on the table and bolt up the SMG trans to the back.
spent 6hrs today on the engine. 2hrs was working on another vehicle.

Damn Jon, that box only shows 4 cylinders. You got the right motor? :D

Pulled out new engine from box crate. I already installed most of the pullies and alternator.

Jim,

Yeah I just noticed that this afternoon. In fact all the boxes have that picture! Kinda funny.

Removed pressure plate and clutch. Engine looks lifeless.

Ok so almost everything from this old long block has been transfered to the new engine minus some intake manifold and exhaust, etc.

I'm going to have so much fun trying to figure out which connector goes where and how to route the wiring harness!

Exhaust side of the engine. That small black cylinder shape behind the AC Compressor bracket is the VANOS accumulator.

Intake port. Kinda smooth, kinda rough.

Last pic.

Notice the swirl marks on top of the intake valves. I also noticed that the intake valves on cylinde #1 already has some small amount of carbon deposits forming.

wow, very cool... keep taking pictures...

jon, y the new engine? what happened to the old one? sorry i if i missed it.

mrsha007,

Hey whats up? Well, the #3 connecting rod brearing spun and the engine was knocking like crazy.

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=45336

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=46224

Jon, aren't the intake runners suppose to be cause swirls to get better combustion?

Jon: are those the intake valves of the new (remanufactured) engine? If they are, I'm not sure I want my engine to blow anymore.

Tony
11/01 production M3

Aus,

Yes I think BMW designed the ports and intake valves that way cause the swirl effect will give a better burn in the chamber.

Tony,
Sorry for the misunderstanding but yes the pics of the intake valves/ports are from the old one.

your in glendale????? omg i saw your engine @ pacfici bmw i thought it was for a blown m3....well i think thats the same engine...you never know ..i wanted to steal it too jk :D :D

Jon,
Do you work at Pacific BMW? The reason I ask is that I just bought a used 2002 M3 with a November 2001 build date. I've been seeing a lot of discussions re: engine failures and the increasing rate of them. I need to find a quality technician and was hoping you might have some suggestions. Also, is there any symptom that I might detect before an M3 engine fails? I haven't had any problems yet, but I must admit that all the talk I've seen on the forums is making me very nervous.

Thanks,
Eugene

I work at Century West BMW.

Most noticeable sympton is a loud knocking noise.

Jon,
Thanks for the reply. I appreciate your comment about what I should be looking for. Is there any way to visually inspect the engine to determine if engine failure is imminent? What if I brought my car into your dealership to have you take a look at it? I've heard a lot of varying things re: the subject of engine failures. Some people have told me that it's nothing to worry about and that the fraction of engine failures is in the range of 2-5%. However, it seems as if the problem is growing and that I should worry. Is there a way to tell from my VIN number if the engine is part of the faulty group? Thanks again for your input.

Eugene

Jon, one more thing, is there a ticking noise that comes from the engine when the car is driven and then shut off? Is this the noise that people are referring to when they say "ticking" or is it while the motor is actually runnning? Thanks again.