Replacing lefthand Motor mount bracket

[johnnye23]

Well I just dove into my newly acquired 95 318ti. The car had been in a mild fender bender and the person I bought the car from gave up trying to do the repairs himself and sold the car to me.
The tie rod broke on impact and the PO was in the middle of replacing the steering rack when I git the car.He wasn't able to bolt in the steering rack because the left motor mount support bracket was broken. I put the car on jackstands and ramps and proceeded to gently raise the motor up and install a 2x4 on top off the crossmember with some foam and gently lowered the engine until it was resting o the crossmember and 2x4 . I then had plenty of clearance to mount the steering rack and hook up the tie rods.
I then disconnected the battery ,loosened the tensioner and removed the serpentine belt.Removed the alternator ,fuel tank breather ,vacuum tank,intake support bracket and was finally able to free the motor mount bracket from the engine itself. It is very fragile looking and looks like it would be easy to break.
This is my first M42 maintenance and other than being a little tight was pretty straightforward .So off to the dealer today to order a replacement mount bracket and motor mount.
My 318ti adventure is starting...

[cooljess76]

Whenever you raise the motor like that, you need to make sure to unbolt the transmission mounts as well.

[johnnye23]

Thanks for that input . I think I am okay on this one I just raised the motor to the height that it normally sits at . When the left hand bracket broke the oil pan was sitting on the cross-member , luckily there was no damage.Bracket was special order so I am not sure how long I will be waiting for the parts.

[familytruckster]

I've got 2 sets of the brackets.... prolly way cheaper than the dealer.

Should have tried the WTB forum man!

[zoner]

What familytruckster said, and ordering parts from Pelican Parts and/or Tischer BMW is almost always waaaay cheaper than any other BMW dealer.

[familytruckster]

Originally Posted by zoner

What familytruckster said, and ordering parts from Pelican Parts and/or Tischer BMW is almost always waaaay cheaper than any other BMW dealer.

Luckily my local dealer is Tischer!

For hard part/non wear items (ie motor mount bracket), here, ebay, or CL is a much better deal than any dealer.

[johnnye23]

I order all my needed factory stuff from Brian the parts pimp at BMW of Chattanooga. His service and knowledge are unbeatable in my book. Thanks for the input guys I want to get this car back on the road !

[johnnye23]

Well got it all back together and discovered a large rip in the Intake boot : ( . I was able to just compress the boot while I had my son fire it up and it runs great !!! So will pick up a new boot tonight and complete re-installation.Can't wait to take it for a spin !!!