Back in December we featured a 1979 BMW 320i that Russell D had found, which you can read about here. Well after a couple months of hard work, he has his E21 back on the road. After getting so much feedback and support from everyone here, he promised to keep us updated on his progress and he has kept his word! He sent a complete list of everything he has done to the car, plus some recent photos! It looks like patience mixed with some hard work has prevailed!

From Russell D – I have pain-stakenly gotten my “garage find” back on the road. The car spent the last 12 years sitting covered in the original owners garage. Once I got the car home, I spent the next 2 months going through the fuel system.
I have:

• Removed and cleaned the dual fuel tanks
• Flushed the fuel lines (supply and return)
• Replaced the main fuel pump, accumulator and filter
• Rebuilt the in tank fuel pump
• Rebuilt the fuel distributor
• Replace the cold start fuel injector
• Cleaned the mechanical fuel injectors and cleaned the warm up regulator

I have replaced all of the normal tune up equipment including: points, plugs, distributor cap, rotor button, plug wires, coil, and air filter

The electrical start wire to the coil on this car is a resistor wire that is 1 meter long, and was pretty much burnt up. I had to remove the engine wiring harness back to the fuse box located in the engine bay. I replaced the original resistor wire with a regular wire. Then installed a power resistor block mounted on the fire wall for the start circuit to the coil. I adjusted the solid lift valves back to factory specification. 1/2 of them were too tight. With the valve cover removed, i lubricated all of the top end rocker/valve components. And i changed the oil and filter and installed a new battery.

With all of this done, I was finally ready to see if it would start. The first attempts at starting failed and I didn’t want to burn the starter up. I joined a BMW forum for some much needed information and help, which prove to be a life saver in many ways!!! So, the next weekend with the help of a couple of BMW E21 Guru’s on the telephone I was able to get in running and dialed in very well. If you have every worked on a Bosch CIS (constant injection system) Fuel Injection System, then you know that they are very finicky to say the least.

I was able to purchase some period correct German Mebler Basket Weave Wheels wrapped in new Yokohama S Drive Tires.

Needless to say, I am now officially Loving this 1979 BMW E21. I have a lot more upgrade plans for the little gem. It will be my summer daily driver. It is getting lots of looks for other drivers. This car is a classic that I will own and love for many years.

I just want to congratulate Russell on a job well done! It’s always awesome to see a great car put back on the road and it is even better knowing that it is going to be used and enjoyed! Good luck Russell and may you and this E21 have many enjoyable drives ahead of you!