Keepin’ up with the Bimmers

It’s been another hoppin’ week here at the shop, and the sun is shining at the moment, so no complaints here!  We’ve been working on several cars this week, so let’s take a quick look at a few projects, shall we?
This 1992 BMW 525i got a new heater core.  And the owner was very excited that she’ll have heat again!

This 1987 BMW 325 was in desperate need of a new radiator.  And a new exhaust system. We’ll start with the radiator.

The old radiator was leaking where the plastic tank attaches to the core.  This is where most modern radiators fail.  In the 1970’s and earlier, the entire radiator was made of metal, so it did not fail as often.

Installing the new radiator:

Next, Reggie took a look at the exhaust system.  The owner of the car had hit some ice, causing the mid-pipe to brake off from the flange entirely!  We’ve never seen that happen before!  Here is the view of the underside of the car.  Yes, it’s quite dark and hard to see the area we’re referring to…

Hopefully these next photos will help a little!  On the left, you can see the flange (between the 2 blue supports on our mid-rise lift).  And on the right, you can seen that nothing is attached to the muffler…yes, that whole section was missing!

Voila!  Shiny, new exhaust system ready for installation!  Once the seized bolts at the flange are removed, of course!

3 seized bolts!   So what do we do?

First, he tries some PB Blaster.  After all, this product boasts “Breaks Loose Faster!” and “Fabulous”, “Powerful” qualities.  Unfortunately, no dice this time.

On to a tried-and-true method: The Torch.

And the aftermath of using the torch following the PB Blaster:

And finally the new exhaust system is in place!

This lucky vintage bimmer is also getting new control arms and shocks and struts.  She’ll be ready for the road after an alignment!

Have a great weekend!