26 Years Of Sitting - What Does It Take To Get it Running? BMW E21 323i - Project Castellón: Part 2

This BMW E21 323i from 1980 has been off the road for at least 26 years and in this episode, it's time to bring it back to life. The time hasn't been kind to 3 series, the engine is an appalling condition, stuff growing in the coolant system, fuel system varnished and then some. Despite all of that, can we get this engine to run again? Well, grab snacks and buckle up for 55 minutes of struggle to find out.
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[@diogo1966]

I love how this man speaks every languange except the one where he lives

[@acky91]

We need more "u picku materinu".

[@hesushesus3445]

@@acky91 umesto da im prodaje nase fore on glumi amerikanca nekog

[@acky91]

@@hesushesus3445 ima vremena. 😁😁

[@Hubscharber]

When I first found this channel, I thought Sreten was Spanish. But he is proud Spanish-Serb

[@diogo1966]

@@Hubscharber 😂😂😂😂

[@tavarish]

I love this channel.

[@M539Restorations]

Thanks, Freddy!

[@hazelcox5855]

Edelweiss grip garage? Nein. Shitzer.

[@mobiledevto]

You could learn from him, Taverish.

[@Siris35]

@@mobiledevto I am a fan of Freddy. His content is superb.

[@thierryblanc9000]

Bienvenue sur la chaîne de l'excellence 😂

[@UHOH3300]

Compression WILL improve after you knock the rings back into place with a good old italian tuneup and getting them to bed in again with a couple heat cycles. That engine is definitely saveable.

[@pepeormeno]

That’s completely true and the compression is so low because he wash the cylinders. Use a mix of 2 stroke oil in the gasoline help to lube the walls an improve the compression when you are starting something that old.

[@timg.4754]

I think so too. I wonder if the valve stems are sticking and not fully closing. Could that explain the low compression and backfiring?

[@vanvan143]

definitely saveable remains to be seen but i give it a good chance as well

[@M539Restorations]

Compression results were really poor cause cylinders were washed out, as I said in the video. It will improve once the car is running and I flush the engine, but very doubtful it'll be over 10 bar (minimum for this engine) cause cylinders are pretty scored and valve seats heavily gummed up. A full rebuild is unavoidable.

[@digitalrailroader]

@@M539Restorations luckily the Recently expanded Dojo has enough room for an engine stand and lots of workbench space to give that M20 engine the proper attention it needs; the real question is finding a competent local machine shop that can refresh those cylinder bores and the head.

[@SmellsLikeGASOLINE]

hilarious :d and so professional in the same time. Bravo !

[@thomasv301]

55 minutes of absolute goodness!

[@c0llym0re]

i didn´t even notice the time, i just wanted that bastard to running so badly :) "She´s" a keeper :D

[@CtrlShiftFace]

disgusting car. i love it. this one will get a ton of views.

[@julioramossilva3968]

old

[@Eren-da-Jaeger]

Here is the motivation for continuing this project - Do It !!!

[@timstill152]

How dare you disrespect...this wonderful car. Bad man.

[@borismospan8214]

addictive crazy fuck... did I just say that?

[@NysoO]

Satisfying seeing old buckets come to life!

[@petrilacosmin7743]

You must be one of the few KZbinrs that get my 100% of the view time. If your video has 55min then I'm watching all 55 of them! Great work man, Ziveli!

[@RuperScooper]

I could watch these all day. Humour talent great production and expertise we all dream of. What a great episode I was so delighted when the KZbin alert came through tonight. Everything stops for an M539 restoration episode in my world. 👍

[@CapriSjonnie]

Full feature length documentary this is. I love it! 🤩

[@DonPatro92]

Honestly, if the video were 6 hours I would watch it in a sitting. Great content like always.

[@enricotavella4148]

Abso-fkn-lutely!

[@anmarenja]

Seriously. 55 minutes is not simply not enough 😭😭

[@eduardocoyoli2610]

I could honestly sit with a beer and watch Sreten work on his cars all day.

[@serran0669]

@@eduardocoyoli2610 same, actually doing that pretty much his every vid

[@bmerfan]

Forget the new James Bond movie, this is far more exciting! It has our very own James Bond and the "movie" has explosions too! :)

[@MarchuxProductions]

This is like watching an European version of Vice Grip Garage, I'm absolutely loving it!

[@branhicks]

He's a little more meticulous then Derick but I know what you mean

[@chuckehrlich]

Fogging Spray for Men and that last backfire were classic! I about pissed myself. That episode was definitely one of the most entertaining videos you have made.

[@spb81]

and the slo-mo for good effect 😂

[@dillanmistry]

I respect your dedication for working on this, most people would just leave it but this is the stuff that you never see on KZbin and this high quality intent is what is enthusiasts crave for

[@DuBstep115]

I just crave car content that is not targeted for 13 year olds and 200% ADHD. This is just how I like my videos, chill, slow paced and high quality.

[@FahrenheitRUS]

How to leave it, if you love to treat cars with PASSION?

[@dillanmistry]

@@FahrenheitRUS exactly right passion is like family, family is everything

[@DuBstep115]

@@dillanmistry family is worst

[@dillanmistry]

@@DuBstep115 I’m gonna call Dom Toretto😂😂

[@NORWAYORNOWAY]

When my boss asks why isn't the project done yet I send him a link to this video with no additional context -- it works in so many ways. Marcel Proust!

[@alexandrosathanasopoulos9654]

You don't see very often a genuinely funny German with a sence of humor. Great work!

[@chameleon1001]

this has been one of my favourites, this is going to blow up

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

blow up or backfire

[@emililiebratu5566]

This is the only channel that keeps me entertained during the entire video, even if it's 1h long! Thanks for the content M539 Restorations!

[@To_protect_and_to_serve]

You obviously haven't heard of Vice Grip Garage then (that he watches avidly). 🤔

[@ExiledCarebear]

If this guy told me my daughter was pregnant I would just welcome him with open arms. You can’t deny his effectiveness

[@ShannonRMcKenzie]

One of your best episodes so far - no fancy electronics, just mechanical goodness

[@suciusebastian]

I bought a special ice-cream only for watching your episode. I was waiting so bad for this! :)

[@zunaidkajee4540]

My wife made some home made ice cream yesterday, and I also sat with half a litre for this episode...

[@tre_2EC0]

Cracking up at your reaction to the backfire!!

[@zafiropapanikitas5568]

Please give this man a Netflix documentary series! Phenomenal work!

[@EnergyShotStudios]

No, it will ruin it.

[@charlie1832]

That would only ruin the channel

[@javierordosgoitia2185]

I was quite busy working at my office when I got the notification of this new video....just stopped working and started watching it...55 minutes and it was totally worth it, anything else can wait. Thanks once again Sreten, if you are motivated by this E21 running and idling, we are surely motivated by your entertaining, fun and educational videos. Keep them coming!

[@SuperGrammee]

What a battle you and the little Beemer are having . Looking forward to the next episode…really hope she will come back from the edge. Great episode

[@hemidaytona2378]

I'm sure a fan or two in Castellón would be happy to help convince the previous owner that it is in his best interest to send you the original documents - he can keep a copy...

[@Retrobeemer]

It's sad that the guy would keep a piece of paper he doesn't even need and stop this car living again in Germany.

[@lostthe80s]

One of the very few KZbin Channels where I never notice how time flies - pleasure to watch from beginning to end .... love it.

[@Imotphem]

The only channel I follow from the first to the last second. Great episode. Thanks Sreten!

[@cattflap1447]

My favourite notification "M539 Restorations uploaded a new video" 😁

[@tallrobw]

Those are exactly the manly sounds I'd make in the event of backfire! Cracking effort so far and unmissable viewing - keep up the good work!

[@khayampeta6876]

This channel is such a hidden gem for car enthusiasts.

[@thomasnoren1201]

This channel is one of the best youtube has to offer, great work😀

[@DashDrones]

Woohoo! This little 3er is so rare and beautiful, cannot wait for it to be good as new👍 Good work Sir

[@Reggaejames]

GUNK! What a battle! I enjoyed every second of the video. Can't wait for the follow-up.

[@xXturbo86Xx]

The fuel pump/accumulator assembly is such a work of art. I love these old cars. This was my first car. Quite fast, very comfortable, great sound, but didn't handle well. Very noseheavy. The 4 cylinder ones were a bit more balanced and if you moved the battery to the back the balance was improved. But the 6 cylinder ones were at times dangerous.

[@iandonkin6762]

K-Jetronic is actually a beautifully simple system and quite economical too - the air flap won’t be stuck, but judging by the rest of your fuel system the plunger in the metering head will be! When working properly, when the air flap lifts, it moves the plunger in the metering head and this in turn allows more fuel into the injectors. Porsche used it to good effect starting in the ’70’s, as did VW/Audi etc. a bit later and once you’ve worked through it, you’ll be a convert. Keep it going - love watching your channel 👍

[@AllBoardCreatives]

Love it so much! Please save this legend of an engine. I hope you get the paper situation straight!

[@HNedel]

Yeah, the part with the paperwork sucks. Why on earth would the previous owner need these, he sold the car and got the money?

[@berendvanderwal9892]

legit spat out my coffee when you played the nature docu music while zooming on the rabbit

[@richardwhiterose5655]

Man, such a spacious engine bay if you compare that to the things BMW puts out these days. Love it.

[@KapitanZbik2138]

I've had that compression issue once in my E36 M52B20. I wanted to take it from my mechanic, but it didn't start at his parking. One guy came here and we tried to figure out what was the problem. After long long cranking without starting, he checked the compression it was ridicoulusy low. (don't remember now) Then he went back to the shop and talked with more experienced guy, but he also didn't have any idea what's going on. He cleaned spark plugs, put it back in and crank again. The engine didn't start. This second, more experienced guy wanted to check compression once again and it turned out, the car had around 12-14 bar. It started after this second compression check and such situation didn't happen ever again. I don't know what was the cause of car not starting, but in case of compression, mechanic said that not burned fuel just flushed oil from cylinder walls. Then during compression check, spark plugs were disassembled so fuel evaporated. Once pistons spread oil back again on walls, compression came back. I don't know if it's what actually happened in my engine, but maybe it would give you some hints about low compression. Would be cool if you check compression again after engine worked properly (if it will). I'm really curious. As always enjoyed this episode. Thank You for the show!

[@SirKakaBabu]

Yes! Finally a new episode....It is a great day :)

[@ReSiDent_E_]

yeah - finally ;)

[@swallowtailnerd1986]

Been waiting a long time for this restoration. So glad it’s started.

[@ThorstenWuschik]

Hey, whenever you have to fix a brocken ABS plastic part - you can use MEK to dip them into and melt the two ABS parts together, because MEK will melt ABS.

[@jasonzed6932]

I can't even begin to express how much I enjoy and admire your work. To watch a guy who is passionate about and actually knows what he's doing, and has a good sense of humour working on these cars, is just absolutely satisfying. Not to mention the great filming and editing, the amount of REAL content of every single episode, just impressive and admirable. (not to be a troll, but it's ten times of real work done and results accomplished here than some 3 million sub auto channels out there)

[@HamBawlz]

I don't know this man but I got very excited and so happy for him when he got it running!

[@OkaMammedli]

Amazing job again! God bless you ! You made 41 yrs old car to live again 💪🏻 Best of luck brother!

[@stgotzov]

I saw this new episode yesterday, but I won't start watching all day until now because I know it will finish after one hour. Please do more.

[@martin_vester]

This has got to be one of the most interesting videos in the last 5-6 months. Loved every second of it! Brilliant, simply brilliant!

[@syroboi3524]

0 dislikes so far. Enough about content quality

[@trefod]

The thought that this rebuild could be stopped by missing paperwork is really scary. I love this car and I really hope you get the documents and the motivation to get it right. Best of luck!

[@AnthonyBrown-jm4rj]

Just brilliant. The patience you have is amazing!

[@Bulgaria4ever]

One of the best episodes if not the best , and Ive seen all , amazing content !

[@talespassos3128]

55 minutes of pure GOLD!! Thanks for the entertainment, I'm a video editor and love your work, specially because i know what's like to edit a 55 min long video!

[@nickarko7468]

This is kind of project that I like the most. More over once again, great editing, great content, great quality. Always a joy watching your work. Do not change anything.

[@alaa.ali50]

I am very impressed with your good work and experience and I love watching all your videos and I am very happy your brother from Iraq ❤️😍😍😍🇸🇾🇸🇾🇸🇾

[@saadgt2009]

Loved the extra length in-depth video! Good luck! 🖖🙏🇨🇦

[@borsukadam502]

5000 likes vs 5 dislikes is a crazy YT ratio...not to be seen anywhere else.

[@oshangayanga7499]

I always wonder who dislikes these

[@borsukadam502]

@@oshangayanga7499 me 2.mate...me 2

[@krzysm5]

@@oshangayanga7499 keyboard warriors 😏

[@hugovale6360]

@@krzysm5 Sometimes kids or someone by accident. It's just not possible someone disliking this channel intentionally

[@yesiamsmrt]

Probably someone who doesn’t understand an hour long video 😏

[@emmanuelbarlow5231]

These videos are the highlight of my week!! Absolutely entertaining and a lot to learn!!

[@peterkalanyos]

What an episode! Those manly sounds and proper BMW techniques applied...by seeing and hearing all those, you can't make a video too long.

[@anthonydc8100]

Direct me to the guy that is giving you the run around for the paperwork and I'll give him an Italian tune up 👊👊👊

[@kejefelcz]

Liked the video even before watching 😀.

[@rodri7000]

Nearly 1 hour long and you don't get bored at any single second! Love this video Sreten 💪🏻 those backfires were tremendous, hope to see more and more of the e21.

[@brianpatten]

Love the focus and determination you're putting into your projects. You must be doing a butt-ton of research along the way too! Keep up the great work. Side note, so glad you're wearing a respirator for all this fuel and coolant system cleaning. Worked with MEK for years, and can attest to the nastiness. Please keep wearing your respirator, eye and skin protection too!

[@helicoto]

You, my friend, are a legend in the making! Never lose your motivation! :)

[@mbudden]

Goose tape had me rolling. Thanks for another great episode.

[@586101]

I always enjoy watching your videos and love your dedication to restoring these beautiful old machines. I love it when you use the term "previous bastard" in reference to the person who last worked on a car - I almost spit my coffee out this morning!

[@hughelghenclamien]

Man I love watching your videos, this is by far the most exciting car you've worked on. Good luck with this project and keep up the good work.

[@houseofno]

Great to see this car getting some love! Here's a question or a tip - have you thought about getting a set of bottle brushes? You can get them with plastic bristles so as not to scratch delicate surfaces, or get steel bristles for jobs that require more "elbow grease." Again, thanks for showing these classics some love. The E32 and the E21 are both favorites of mine - I am somewhat partial to both as I have owned one of each. My car was a 1981 320i, the bulbous-bumpered M10 US model. Tragically lost in 4 meters of flood waters in Hurricane Katrina. Just an FYI, that fuel distributor is an extremely fussy device. My M10 engine had one of those, and per the manual, the calibration on those is measured in MICROMETERS. I highly recommend leaving the calibration of these to specialists if you don't know what you're doing. The K-Jetronic CIS (Continuous Injection System) was an extremely fussy beast, which is why BMW then went to an EFI system for the E30. Regarding the papers, I don't know how they do it in Germany, but in most places in the USA, a seller cannot keep both the cash AND the papers. In order for the sale transaction to complete, the papers MUST be surrendered. If you handed over the cash, the papers MUST go to you in order to complete the sale and register the vehicle. No criticism of the seller intended, but that seller should have had the paperwork lined up and ready to be handed over at the point of sale.

[@boudewijn-]

1 hour of pure awesome, was looking forward to a new episode!

[@clivebannister7016]

You wont be beaten!! I like your positive approach

[@megamachine7818]

this has been one of the best ones yet. i really want to see you revive this car and make it almost like oem. the fact that youve already done a lot of restoration of the essentials makes it easier to pick this project up again when you feel inspired to work on it.

[@JB3Duk]

I spend 90% on my ‘TV Time’ watching KZbin and there’s no single channel I’m more excited to watch aa yours. You’re an inspiration, a joy to watch and a comedian. Keep it up.

[@thatmatrix4617]

Really exciting!!! Jep, the "Mengenteiler" always causes some problems if someone touched it before. You should ask Marco Degenhardt about it, he has a lot of experience with the K-Jetronic, and also has a 323i !

[@ACDC1998Zippo]

in his 323i, he will replace it with stuff from an e30 as he hadn´t had any success getting it running properly.

[@berndb.5097]

Since when does Marco like "Mengenteiler" ? He has already cursed them in many of his videos.

[@jessbush1017]

New subscriber here in Canada- have watched 10 or so, so far, and this is my favourite so far: humour ( often self-depreciating) enthusiasm, energy, knowledge and classic cars. And well edited. Thank you. Very enjoyable.

[@moisesayala782]

Great episode! Looking forward to seeing you drive this one; even if just in the driveway.

[@markoarcabic]

Thank you for existing and having an excellent idea, and then actually performig the idea in a fun way! Well done

[@MariyanTsonev]

I just love this channel, absolutely brilliant! Entertaining, informative and it's just nice to see old classic bmw's coming back /sort of/ to life! Huge thumbs up, sir!

[@dinamitaaav267]

Probably the only 1 h video with a car that keep me watching :)))

[@charliekuhn1544]

Love watching your videos! I like how you document the process of restoring your cars, very informative and sometimes funny when you add your sense of humor! I can totally relate most of the times :) Keep up the great work you do!!! Huge fan :)

[@ferid7508]

What a beautiful 55 minutes. I shocked when I hear this car is sleep 26 years and see those moldy, rusted stuff. 😳 Unbelievable

[@nurseitkalbaev]

I hope you continue working on this project, looking forward to see more updates and next episode will be sooner. Nice work 🐝 Beemer lover! 👍✋👏

[@allanfernandez182]

Great chapter ! Theres a lot of thing to do in this car but you are willing to take the challenge and thats so nice to watch. Keep it up !

[@SuperRedSilk]

What a great vid! Brilliant. Start to finish. Love your work and learnt so much. Thanks.

[@TheBayernfan1]

Good luck with the rebuild! I myself own the same car and made so many experiences repairing it but now it's running and drives so sweetly. I laughed a lot about some of your problems like the leaking fuel pump unit because I myself came across the same problems which nearly drove me insane. Looking forward to some more episodes!

[@gatisozols]

"How will You wash the fuel tank? - With washers, of course.."

[@ottson]

Thank you for sharing your stuff! Love these old timer rebuilds

[@odyshopody9387]

Good job getting her to turn over! Love how you mix in humor with your maintenance, if you ever get tired of turning a wrench you should try stand up comedy.

[@jonenpelit857]

I have never seen a e21 with that little rust. really good foundation you got there

[@dominic6860]

Great episode, would love to see the Italian tune up.

[@Dr.DiegoDuarte]

Love watching car restorations and performance upgrades in youtube, you're in the cream of the crop shortlist. Incredible to see how you have access to really cool cars, tools and amazing knowledge, but has difficulties in decent good priced paint work and engine rebuild, the opposite problem in some other mechanic/youtubers in Brazil who also have really good knowledge, access to excellent paint and engine rebuild work, but really struggle to find the cars and source OEM parts, as the country laws disallow used parts imports and taxes for new parts are prohibitive.

[@Motivated-786]

I have watched this episode again today pure entertainment.I really wish you get the car going. I never leave comments but i feel i had to this time just for giving us so much enjoyment keep up the good work all the best.

[@MAFDEZ]

Saludos desde Cartagena España, muy cerca esta vez has conseguido un coche fantástico. Mis felicitaciones porque es un gran trabajo el que haces al restaurar estos coches tan especiales.

[@mverbaan3381]

Thank you for another great episode! I really like how thorough you work: no corners cut here! On the chemicals: the more hazard signs they have, the better they work! ( i guess ;) ) Nice method with the screws for cleaning the inside of the petrol tanks. I realy hope you get the ^&*^&&E guy to send you the papers, so that a great car can hit the road again.

[@markkerry5840]

When working as an apprentice printer our workshop used MEK to clean ink off Heidelburg printing presses, very effective but volitile and not to be handled withough gloves. Very low flash point from memory. Enjoying the channel, thank you.

[@charliefox7206]

Your skill, determination and optimism speaks for themselves. I realize you've done a lot of work behind the scenes and it's paid off. nice work. keep smiling, if you can. .

[@theylive8256]

I love how easy serviceable were the cars back in those days!

[@theodor12]

Oh hell yes. Been waiting for this for weeks!

[@alecwilson7206]

Reminds of a euro version of vice grip garage. The fact he said “so I did the right thing and bought the car sight unseen” in part 1 definitely grabbed my attention 😂

[@AgSherr]

My Neighbor has a Beige one...sitting...under a Carport...taunting me. Good News is, I no long drool when I see it. Great stuff!

[@123mikeyd321]

We use Methyl Ethyl Ketone (I had to look that up) a lot for cleaning where I work. It's never called by its fancy name, always just M.E.K. Great video as always.