E21 - to convert or to maintain?

[rifhamdi]

Hi guys,

i have an e21, currently not running. i am considering a new engine, but cannot decide to stick with Bimmer engine or to go japanese.
Any 1 done this before?
the car is expected to be a daily runner, with a bit of go, to satisfy those times of need.
Any comments?
Thanks a lot to all who help

hi there, praetorian...

the E21 model is already a classic in its own right and is an icon amongst BMW lovers worldwide. it will be a pity if one were to change the original engine to a jap engine. if that is the case, might as well you dump the whole idea of putting her on the road and just use whatever financial means you have to get a japanese car.

the E21 M10/20 engine is actually problem free if maintained (serviced) at the specified intervals and also if you don't always push the car to its limits.

so.... if possible, try to go with the original engine your car is fitted with. yeah! i know... its going to be costly to overhaul but at least your car will retain its character and the heart (engine) which BMW is well known for. without a straight six (best sought engine / E21 323i)perhaps the E21 would not be as iconic as viewed and sought after at present....

nothing beats raw german technology esp when the components are still mechanical, giving you less problems and giving you many more years of service without failling on you.... outdoing most modern cars of today minus the gadgetry.

cheers:shades_smile:

 

[emechelmi]

Ill go for a japanese engines..cheaper to maintain..

the cheaper maintenance is at the expense of realiability.

most conti parts are well engineered and use better materials. thats why the cost is slightly higher. In a long period, conti engine provides the economic advantage by providing a long, durable, and trouble-free operation provided the owner follows the recommended maintenance schedule. Since the maintenance culture is is not so strong in malaysia, most people will go for japanese cars since these cars can accept fake and inferior replacement parts. You cannot do that with contis, since contis demand a disciplined approach to maintenance (using ori quality parts, correct setting/tuning, observing schedule). at the end, these japanese cars will start to give problems earlier than contis. I have seen a lot of 90's japanese cars (including our mitsu engined proton) spewing blue/white smoke (indicating a worn engine) than old 70's contis.

have u heard the old '66 volvo p1800 which has clocked 2 million miles (2,000, 000 miles or 3,200,000 kms) using the same engine from the first day it rolled out from the showroom? it's the longest ever mileage recorded on private cars.

from my experience, I still use my 32 years old volvo 144 as my main mode of transport. this old lady has brought me to almost everywhere in peninsula malaysia without any problems. maintenace is cheap if you know how to observe the symptoms of failure and tackle it before it goes big. it is not a fast car. much slower than average wiras, but definately outlast those cars.

that's what i called reliability.

 

[fardell83]

Well said bro.....the E21 BMW is going to be a classic BMW soon and now try to get everything done up especially the engine. It is sad to see this car being swapped with japanese engine.

 

[atermizi]

sell it to me...for 1K ;-)...

 

[Tohsan]

Good evening!