CAR NINJA! Messed up BMW M3

If you were considering buying a BMW car and you took it to the Car Ninja for a pre-purchase inspection and he told you, "DO NOT BUY THIS CAR."
Would you buy it anyway? Well, that's what Jonny's cousin did and it's been in a constant state of repair ever since.
In this episode Jonny finds exhaust escaping into the cooling system causing overpressure and leaking...and discovers questionable previous work on the head.

[@ImmortalInflames]

Poor little wolf spider, I always see a couple in my back yard - I smile when I see them because I know they are taking care of the actual nasty bugs & creepy crawlies! Now and then one comes inside, I just scoop him/her up with paper and return it to the back yard. They only tend to live for 2 years, so if you see a couple around, it's a good sign that your local area has a healthy ecosystem.

[@jasonc.776]

Yeah, I let spiders be, they're far preferable to mosquitoes, etc. And there's nothing funny about killing a living thing. That was in poor taste.

[@williamcarnero9595]

I wouldn’t want that damn thing anywhere near me

[@IainB]

There is nothing more frustrating than a family member asking you about a purchase, something that you are an expert on, and they just completely ignore your advice and then you’re stuck cleaning up the mess.

[@hansschweikert9153]

110% right!

[@sphamandlamazibuko3074]

Very much true...@@hansschweikert9153

[@DarkChocolate325]

If you're lucky enough to have someone in your family with the Ninjas expertise, why in the hell would you NOT listen to him if he recommends not to buy a particular car?! 🤔😂

[@kevinbarry71]

I think everybody has relatives like that

[@kingcharger3412]

Cause the relative gonna fix it 😂😂

[@LycanWitch]

@@kingcharger3412 that's a good way to make your relative to like you less. So you get to benefit from the vehicle repair short term but you create family damage that will last for the long term.

[@mjjr1000]

You can only give advice it’s up to them to listen to common sense or not.

[@Eastahtata]

Gotta learn the hard way sometimes

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Great video! Expert German mechanics are like watching surgeons work. Having owned an Audi 200 quattro and an E39 528i Sport, and done all my own wrenching, I can appreciate this. Sometimes, family doesn't listen because they have someone to take care of their problems later. My aunt was this way knowing I can repair cars and computers.

[@1922BluePhoenix]

family is family right ? even if they don't listen 🤗😂

[@KrautHammer_S62]

Noice! My german car education started with a 200 20v TQ, currently working on my masters with an E39M5. These guys that do this all day work 10X the speed that I do. My pace would never turn a profit.

[@Engineersoldinterstingstuff]

Always very interesting to watch a knowledgeable and sensible master mechanic at work.

[@French20cent]

On those M50 / M52 / S50US / S52US engines, there are 5 lower spots in the mating surface of the head to indicate the maximum you can shave off it, it's 0.3mm. Actually you can see one of those spots when he cleans the head at 14:34, right above the 5th cylinder. Had the head been shaved at or above its maximum, you wouldn't see those, and it seems that head hasn't been resurfaced.

[@M-PASTA]

wowowowowow thank you!

[@RedTurbocar]

Those are not references for head resurfacing, they are much deeper than .3mm.....you must measure the height of the head with a large micrometer for the most accurate check

[@French20cent]

@@RedTurbocar Oh, maybe, I might be wrong. I don't have an M52 head anymore to check it though

[@brianbob7514]

What a nice guy, told him not to buy it but still working on it :) I guess family is family .

[@tonyarnold4346]

Money is money

[@Beer_Dad1975]

My nephew bought a 318 he was interested in buying once - I told him was a pile of junk - he brought it to me a few months later overheating and asked if I'd look at it, I told him no and advised him to dump it at an auction - at least he took that advise.

[@electronicengineer]

If it was my call I would charge the cousin extra, for not listening to expert advice.

[@1922BluePhoenix]

@@electronicengineer nah family is family

[@electronicengineer]

@@1922BluePhoenix Yeah, I know that you're 100% correct, as family is family/blood is thicker than water/etc. but still, there has to be even a tiny bit of annoyance inherent to/by Jonny with - trying to "lead the family to water, but he didn't drink" and despite it all... here he is. Oh well, Jonny DID try. I give Jonny the credit he deserves. Fred

[@FlesHBoX]

That poor spider, just sitting there minding his own business gets harassed by giants, and then murdered.

[@davidblalock9945]

Charge him double! Family who doesn’t listen to expert advice from family deserves it.

[@praveenhegde8107]

Wanted to write the same above words , found you 👍.

[@kingjbone1]

absolutely! and if they don't want to pay for it its not my problem!

[@Maroco918]

Why charge him double? The man is already creating job security by making poor financial decisions. Why stop him now?

[@NooneStaar]

Just make him pay like any other customer

[@guganotubo]

@@Maroco918 true 😂

[@vilhjalmrwt]

The commitment to quality workmanship is so wonderful to see !

[@chuck3354]

Imagine having one of the finest and most knowledgeable BMW mechanics in the world offer advice and then ignoring it completely. I hope he's not getting charged family rates

[@dan_6915]

Yeah, probably because buyer loved this car, and everything it's fixable.

[@RealRickCox]

One of my programmers had a 1997 M3... it was a REALLY solid little car. Loved it! I'm glad to see Jonny getting this M3 back up to speed again. And since he told his cousin NOT to buy the car, I hope he's charging full price for the repairs! LOL

[@johnnylee8194]

I've had 95 e36 since 97 to this day. Its not "solid"car. Its piece of junk and only reason I kept is is because I try to do most work myself and I'm thrifty

[@johnnylee8194]

I've had 97 e36 since 97 to this day. Its not "solid"car. Its piece of junk and only reason I kept is s because I try to do most work myself and I'm thrifty. There are hundreds of peculiar problems nightmare to diagnose. Germans are bad engineers.

[@ericmelchiors3130]

I have a 94 325 that I'm putting a 328 motor and Turing it into a vintage race car. These were the the generation that I learned to work on. My friend had a shop that we worked on them. I bought mine 21 years ago for $500 with a blown motor.still have it and will never get rid of it. Love ❤️ this generation and I feel this was the strongest motors. Mine has hit redline over and over. They are awesome cars. Can't wait to vintage race it. Thank you for showing this. It's cool to see 👀 the older stuff also.

[@markkrispin6944]

It is always great to watch the "Master Ninja" preforming his craft.

[@blaketindle4703]

E36 M3s are going up considerably in value lately so it might be worth it financially to buy and repair this one.

[@EBK_iN_MY_DNA]

@Nomen Clature agreed, besides all the other work it needs

[@Robsav-yx6vi]

Jonny deserves a vacation! Hard working guy

[@embfixer]

A car I used to own had a SB for the head gasket so I took it in to be replaced about 5K before the warranty ran out. They changed it along with the A/C system because they did something to it and never could figure it out, so they just replaced everything (red flag). About 10 months later it started making milkshakes. I had moved and the dealership in the new town would not warranty the work done by the other dealership and the car was now out of factory warranty. When I opened it up, three of the center head bolts were hand tight and they all had numbers written in sharpie on them. These were supposed to be torque-to-yield bolts and obviously reused. I told my local dealership what I found, they called the corporate office and offered me all the parts to replace the gasket myself and a new head. It lasted at east another 100K until I traded it in.

[@joeishere500]

Wow man... Thanks fir sharing

[@MGBranco]

Ninja is a guy that loves his job! You can see that in his eyes! Congrats and keep up the good work!

[@diemman70]

Poor spider. He was helping catch bugs in the garage.

[@tonyInPA]

I’d want to know more about that A2 golf in the background…where i am rust took those from the earth long ago. And I don’t remember the last time i saw one looking that good. The 4 doors were remarkably versatile…and with a diesel super cheap to run, though you need a sun dial for 0-60….

[@jafarhon]

These engines virtually can not be killed, i horsed around a lot, drifting, racing, radiator blew up and overheating the engine still to this day runs perfect, i dont know what they did to screw it up. But great video, my morning coffee with your video went perfect !!!!! Thank you

[@jeb419]

Nice save on that old M3. So glad it worked out well with the original gasket!

[@davelr3x474]

Despite never having any service at your shop, I’m 100% confident of your abilities just watching you in action. I’d make the trip to Kansas any day of the week to service my fleet. Unfortunately you don’t appear to take on Land Rovers;-(. Wish you did! Keep up the great subject matter on your channel.

[@Bmwguy2011]

Oh I’ve brought my ancient e91 (wagon manual) to Jonny several times. He’s a perfectionist and his crew really takes the lead as well. He has the best tools and genuinely loves the classic / older e90 and earlier bmws.

[@douglasburnside]

Why would you kill a harmless Wolf spider? You should have been grateful to have it in your shop. They don't spin webs, they are shy and won't willingly come near people, and they spend their lives capturing other insects resting on your wall, like flies and mosquitos. It is amazing to watch them slowly approaching their prey, then run incredibly fast the last six or eight inches to capture it.

[@kevinbarry71]

When BMW realize that the vanos System in that car wasn't breaking; they thought they must re-design it so it will

[@AndiS21-u6r]

It was super basic as a system. It worked as a on-off switch, you either advance the cam 40° or not. Whereas the new system will advance/retard it gradually, optimising it for essentially every rpm. Even though the mapping on the engine will probably have it done for intermittent ranges say 2000-3000rpm, 3000-4000 etc.

[@Birdhouseboi810]

I definitely thought you were gonna bash on bmw engines and whatnot like some people like to do on KZbin. But you just said how it is instead of complaining. I appreciate this kind of content.

[@jasoneyes01]

Shop humor cracks me up! Johnny always pays attention and does it right!

[@viisteist1363]

16:37 - how is that 90 degrees when u are turning it like 140-150 degrees in 2 swings?

[@trackrunner11]

I've made a point to never reuse head bolts. I'll buy new ones and reinstall according to the proper procedure and sequence. Gaskets and proper installation methods are vital because of heating and cooling plus vibration and the prevention of fluid leaks.

[@turnne]

I had a very good friend that bought one of these M3's years ago brand new...and ended up with an engine rebuild under warranty. This was about the same time they had that SMG transmission that didnt prove too reliable

[@jsloden1]

You gotta love it when someone comes to you asking your opinion on whether or not they should purchase a car, you tell them no, then they buy it anyway.

[@MP-po6fj]

Probably because he knows the Ninja will. Pull him out

[@Indy125]

No reason to kill that spider.

[@jamesgaines6468]

Car Ninja told his cousin all that stuff was wrong and his cousin heard: “I am gonna fix this for you and then this and this” 🤣🤣🤣 Gotta love family lol. Nobody will do you wrong quite like them lol.

[@busterscrugs]

I reckon someone was planning on boosting it and used a thicker gasket to lower the compression ratio.

[@AndiS21-u6r]

That headgasket looks like those compression reducing head gaskets for budget turbo conversion kits.

[@31acruz]

The good news is since your cousin bough it a year ago the value has skyrocketed, and it will continue to go up. Car enthusiasts are declaring this as the best M3 ever made. I have to admit, as a person who drove all of them (I was lucky enough to work at the studio) and owned half of them, this is bar none the best. I am keeping mine FOREVER, will never sell it. :D

[@bradklingensmith]

As a real estate appraiser I refuse to do any work for friends and family. I love the ninja for anything......"this is super easy" Flex tape. Go crazy and weld the head to the block.

[@willjam465]

Came for the E36 content…stayed for the tail of the Dark Ninja. Bravo, gentlemen.

[@Timberland1963]

You take a car for an inspection to avoid having problems and you buy it even after he tells you not too. When it starts to break down you take it to him to work on and he charges you double to work on it. Seems fair to me.

[@Bartman4800]

I think I can hear the frustration in the Ninja's voice, but he went along despite all this so we could all learn something: Chapeau!

[@MrAtlantis95]

I ahve no any clue why you killed that spider at 10:46 with hot water. What is the purpose??!

[@tbirdboy]

Another tough job, making it look easy. Enjoy your vacation Jonny.

[@Bmwguy2011]

Jonny is showing his fantastic expertise. What a mechanic. It’s obvious that this poor e36 wasn’t well taken care of. I thought that he’d never get his arm out of the engine bay, lol.

[@einfelder8262]

I'm surprised you didn't simply measure the head to see how much was machined off, if anything. Pretty much all heads have the facility to show how much can be safely skimmed and also many have different thicknesses of OEM gaskets to use when skimming heads.

[@doriangray2020]

Sigh…there’s always at least one in every crowd.

[@electronicengineer]

@@doriangray2020 He must have missed the part of the video where Jonny said that he tried to get a head dimension for comparison off of two (2) different sources, one of which was on a completely assembled engine and the other was not the same vintage head. There is definitely something to be said regarding comprehension skill. Fred

[@einfelder8262]

@@doriangray2020 And you're always it.

[@einfelder8262]

@@electronicengineer I didn't miss that bit. Why would you try to get a dimension from two different sources instead of getting it from the manufacturer's specifications and use a micrometer on the head indent, assuming it wasn't ground off. Putting it all back together and keeping fingers crossed is not what I would do, would you? Or did you miss the fingers crossed bit?

[@electronicengineer]

@@einfelder8262 Perhaps your question would be best answered by the master mechanic that did the work? I do agree that it was a risky proposition, to be sure, however I am in no way an authority on how best to approach this particular situation. All I know is what Jonny discovered and how he chose to resolve it. I cannot add anything else of value to this comment chain... sorry. Fred

[@30poundbeast]

Where did Nina get all his experience from? He has incredible knowledge. Worked for bmw, merc and Audi/VW dealers? Or small workshops? You’re a big inspiration to me. I’ve changed jobs because of your videos.

[@nesjka4606]

Albania

[@markahad6583]

Hey from Canada 🇨🇦. Was that a ‘basket case’ or what? Very gutsy and kind of you, ninja. Keep up the great work you’re doing.

[@finn.hermansen]

Great job as always - Love this shop and The CarNinja is fantastic 👌✔👍

[@jimou2b]

My guess is they did the head gasket and it was not torqued properly. It is always best to re-torque the head after a few days driving after a new head gasket. Most people don't and that is why they fail.

[@jimou2b]

Soon after not retorqueing your head, it will be warped.

[@oldjarhead1125]

You're the MASTER said the Grasshopper! I enjoy watching you do your think on these Bimmers. Greetings from the old Jarhead in WNC

[@vladg2239]

Have you shown that blue MK2 Golf that can be seen at 19:15? Love the older German cars.

[@CaptainFeathersword]

Jonny you are way too nice of a guy.....after ignoring you recommendation not to buy I am surprised that you would not send him to the dealer for repairs!

[@thomasmueller2319]

Family is family.

[@dinudaniel261]

My guess is they tried to decompress the engine for a turbo upgrade or something,otherwise makes no sense to install a gasket like that...

[@ericcindycrowder7482]

Another explanation would be if only low octane fuel was available, but seems unlikely. Probably just the wrong head gasket by a DIY

[@shanvhere78]

Didn't have to kill the spider but to each their own.

[@pclayton5063]

The E36 M3 4dr w/auto was always one of my favorite M3's. They weren't usually thrashed like the manual versions and the four doors are really handy for those with families that still like some spirited driving. I installed an S52 engine and auto into my 92 525iT and kept it 14 years.

[@unclejoe6811]

Or you just buy a G37 or Q50

[@Euphorica]

@@unclejoe6811 why would you want a pos like that?

[@SteveBassen]

Previous owner must have warped the head after a water pump failure or something... shame a 4 door M3 was neglected like that

[@sleepyhollow783]

What cool & unexpected video! Had me thinking that it would be Bug Ninja vs Car Ninja for second there. 🕷🛠 Artistry personified.

[@JohnLee-vj9lh]

Nice shape M3 , I would take that motor out and put a turbo Barra motor in it, Great video 👍👍

[@artanndoni7048]

Ninja is like a surgeon. Nice video great job

[@sophakinggrey206]

Having Johnny as a family member would be a blessing for someone who loves European cars

[@KarelBeelaertsvanBlokland]

Often with head gasket failure on BMW with 6 cylinders...... When the cooling system is not maintained well the 6 cylinders against the firewall gets less cooling and finally cracks the head ...

[@kanalnamn]

@20:08 What was wrong? First I thought cam- or crankshaft positions sensor connector, but I think those are further in.

[@realcarninja]

Vacuum hose not connected.

[@JoesephBidon]

The man who hates BMWs, but loves fixing them! Car Ninja is the Boss!

[@MP-po6fj]

As we say more gravy for him. Prob on a few grand a week easy for his level of knowledge and efficiency of repair times. Very technical cars to tinker at. He deserves his payscale or anyone working on these high end BMWs and Mercedes benz models.

[@marioduran7913]

This guy is a magician, great attitude and proud of his work and accomplish all projects

[@01gtbdaily30]

Usually when it’s a thicker gasket it’s because the head has already been decked and they use the thicker gasket to keep valve clearance .

[@trackrunner11]

You really are in uncharted territory if you have to guess the intentions of some other mechanic . If you are going to go to this kind of trouble to fix an engine ,either it can be done right or not at all .

[@frankchan5547]

Then by same logic, not torque them tightly, so to allow even more clearance?

[@yhird]

The Dark Ninja story is absolutely hysterical. I am busting a gut laughing. Thanks for the great humor.

[@mikejupp3971]

I'm in Australia, and that's not a spider... THIS is a spider! Seriously though even from here I can tell that it is a harmless wolf spider. Will bite if you handle it, so don't. These are good guys in your garden

[@topcover22]

Why even take the job when your customer disregarded your advice? Not worth the money. Always great to watch Ninja!

[@wieslawszypniewski6954]

Intelligent bmw problem resolution.Good job!

[@morecowbell235]

I owned 2 BMW in my life and had headaches with both. One was a BMW ALPINA B7, the other, BMW 650i. I started having problems within a year for each. The Alpina had such a long list of problems that I practically had to sue my dealer for them to make it right and they ended up buying it back from me. I'll never own BMW again

[@dwtrksvc]

As soon as I saw the bolts come out that easy, I knew someone had been in there to "fix" the car to sell it. 🤦‍♂️

[@tylerniday8935]

Hi Johnny, really enjoyed the video. Are there long term consequences to the vanos being noisy if neglected too long? This engine specifically.

[@JS-oi5jt]

stops working and you lost power

[@tylerniday8935]

@@JS-oi5jt isnt there a difference between the bearings and the seals? I guess I was questioning the bearing noise.

[@neilstern7108]

When someone sells something there is something wrong with it. Just got a bike it had a clutch replaced and didn't work properly. The bearing was installed backwards. My mechanic could have charged me for a clutch. But just fixed the problem. Along with a few other things. We are lucky to have honest people in this world.

[@danekeeper1]

head bolts installed dry or lubed? is there a way to mesure the deck height or fill the dome with water t check valve to piston clearance?? I wrench..e85,e90,e70,e24, e46.....

[@donreinholz8121]

It seems like the head bolts were awful loose. Wrong gasket too. Makes you wonder about the rest of the engine. Bye bye wolf spider. Is there a way to measure the thickness of that head? Good job Dark Ninja! Happy Jonny after starting the engine. Lol

[@whim6287]

What a bunch of wimps, I keep spiders like those as pets. Current one's named Kitty.

[@Sam_Saraguy]

Good one. Enjoyed the adventures of the Dark Ninja.

[@raymondjacobs8317]

Ninja, Now we know why Hoovie brings his "Sick" BMW's to you, Professor.

[@spurs079]

Hi there. Have a problem with my e46 m3. Ac fan coming on after a few minutes of start up at 75 degrees centigrade and staying on. Replaced viscous. Still the same. Car NOT overheating or building pressure. Top and bottom rad hoses hot which means thermostat is good. Ac NOT switched on. Would no ac gas in the system cause this issue without the ac actually being switched on? If not any ideas would be appreciated

[@E85_STI]

Hello I have a question for you I noticed you said the bolts were loose so in your opinion if an ARP head stud is tightened to proper torque and then later you have to remove it wouldn’t the torque still be kind of the same when you remove the bolt? For example my car was built and supposed to be torqued to 90ft lbs and the passenger side breakaway torque was 90 but the driver side were all about 58-60 ft lbs and my studs are torqued in 3 sequences 30-60-90. I noticed You said we’re loosening some bolts and they were a bit loose.

[@tomleong3713]

The best advise my High School Auto Shop Teacher taught me is to never working on Friends or Families cars. When they see me for repairs or maintenance, they are just another customer.

[@sevytech]

Man! I watched all your videos. You are amazing Ninja. You must have back pain at the end of the day! Which i can send you my bmw 328xi 2008 to really fix it !

[@jmhofmeyr]

Is there not a way to measure the head or markings to show if it has been skimmed too much or still in spec. There must be some way to see before putting it all together?

[@Crazy8ts]

These cars are basically totalled after 10-15 years with all the wear and repairs they need and the cost to fix them

[@Truthseaaker]

Head gasket on my 2002 325i failed, shop quoted me 5,000$ to replace it. Holy shit...

[@jasoneyes01]

11 days is a long time without Car Ninja.

[@BMWarrior1]

awesome video, quality knowledge and workmanship. Keep up the good work

[@jjthajett]

That is a MLS .140 or .120 head gasket. That car at one time was FI. If the ECU is original to the car it may have something written on it about a tune. If it was turbo you would see a drain in the pan. If it was SC the brackets that hold the cruise control would be gone or replaced. It is odd that it had factory head bolts. Most upgrade to ARP studs when they go MLS.

[@RandySmith-iz1ml]

Good job, have a great vacation!

[@steveschneider3872]

The e36 socket ride. At least you are rewarded with a fantastic driver when/if you fix what’s wrong. I miss mine, but there is a point when buying parts gets too silly.

[@Alex-rj6sv]

If you want the best you go here; the best in the whole state. This is a real master technician.

[@MsMatttheman]

the factory gasket for S52 from everything ive seen is .070 . I put a .080 in mine after having the head and block decked a total of .009. i thought it was weird that it was so thick but it was only .010 thicker than factory.

[@sterling6860]

Living in Perth W Australia this was the first car my son bought against my advice,,A month later the engine started to blow the coolant out of the tank..I pulled the plugs out put a long sheet of paper along all the plug holes and cranked the engine over,, Number 3 cylinder had a cracked head We both took the head off removed the valves and found a large crack between the valves,,The machine shop said it cant be repaired as the crack went too deep..We bought a recon head with a new set of stretch bolts and put everything back together ,He took it to a BMW dealership to erase all the fault codes..they asked him who repaired the car,,he told them my dad,,then they said your very lucky not a single mechanic in Perth would touch that engine..I later found out that my son had a coolant leak and he poured cold water into the coolant tank the sudden change in temperature cracked the head..Let this be a lesson for all those who add cold water to a stinking hot head.

[@malcolm6951]

Ninja with all the work you have done for Hoovie you should be well used to dealing with such sad cases!! 🤔😉

[@wadem4503]

Did a compression test get done afterwards?

[@frankhoward7645]

11:41. I'm guessing that this is a special gasket for use with heads that have been resurfaced too many times.

[@DucNguyen-bd5ir]

Ok the intermission D&D fantasy was just so funny!

[@paulshannon4576]

Can you reassemble it and use a scope to watch as you turn it over by hand?

[@kencash5339]

Curious why you didn't just measure piston to valve clearance or see if the combustion chamber is still oem CC? This is what you'd do on an American pushrod motor. Is there a reason why this is not feasible on this motor?

[@hoodoo2001]

I just can't kill things anymore. I would have captured it and taken it outside.

[@paulp96275]

From scrap to runner fanbloodytastic pleasure to watch 👍👨🏻‍🏭🇬🇧